Today, in this blog, I will be talking about the Mallikarjuna Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The intricate details and magnificent Dravidian architecture add beauty and significance to the temple. The temple’s formation is captivating enough to attract visitors from all walks of life. Features like intricate details, lofty towers, and courtyards showcase a wide range of artistic work. This shrine stands among the top pilgrimage destinations in the South, and what makes it truly enchanting is that it’s the only temple where you can find both Shakti Peeth and Jyotirlinga together.
Location
A mountain named Shri Shaila is the base for the temple. The mountain is situated by the banks of the PatalGanga, Krishna River. The complete combination of beauty and devotion is what this location is all about.
Why is this temple named Mallikarjuna?
According to the locals, the temple is believed to be the abode of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, who are revered as Arjuna and Malika, giving rise to the temple’s name, Mallikarjuna.
History
The history of the temple is rich and diverse in its narratives. The Mallikarjuna Swami temple and its devotees are documented in records dating back to the 1st century A.D., during the rule of the Shathavahanas. Over the centuries, various dynasties such as the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Reddi, who were devoted to Mallikarjuna Swamy, have been associated with the temple. It changed hands over time with consistent maintenance.
In the 14th century, during the Reddi dynasty, Prolaya Reddi constructed the temple’s entrance. Later, during the Vijayanagara empire’s reign, significant improvements were made to the temple. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Hindu-Maratha king, made a significant contribution by adding a Gopuram to the Northern side of the temple in 1667
The tale unfolds with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seeking brides for their sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. A dispute arose between the two brothers over who would be married first. To settle this, Lord Shiva devised a competition where the first one to circumnavigate the world would win. Lord Kartikeya swiftly embarked on his peacock to complete this task, while Lord Ganesha, in a clever move, circumambulated their parents seven times. Impressed by Ganesha’s ingenuity, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati declared him the victor, and he was married to Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity).
As for Lord Kartikeya, upon his return and realisation of the situation, he was disheartened. Feeling unable to bear the burden, he chose to live alone on Mount Krauncha as Kumarabrahmachari. When Lord Shiva approached to reconcile with him, Lord Kartikeya attempted to move elsewhere. However, at the request of other deities, he remained nearby. This place where Lord Shiva and Parvati resided became known as Srisailam, and they visited Lord Kartikeya on Amavasya and Parvati Devi on Poornima.
Some interesting facts
People believe that the primary deity of this temple is one of the forms of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Mallikarjuna Temple is unique as it houses both a Shakti Peetha and a Jyotirlinga in the same location.
Have you ever heard about the bee incident? Legend has it that Goddess Parvati took the form of a bee to slay the demon Mahishasura. You can even hear the buzzing sound of a bee through a small hole in the Bramaramba Temple.
The Srisailam Temple held immense importance in ancient times, with an entire chapter dedicated to it in the Skanda Purana, highlighting its significance.
The temple’s walls are adorned with carvings depicting historical events from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Other things to see at
Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve – for any animal and adventure lover,
Sri Bhramaramba Devi Temple- witness the holy sculpture of the goddess with eight arms,
Srisailam Dam – there is some physics there with mesmerizing beauty to draw your attention,
Octopus Viewpoint- Bird-eye view of river Krishna is all you want. You can take full of wow pictures there,
Akka Mahadevi Caves- considered as one of the most adventurous places to be,
Nagalooty- this is about some ancient work,
Pathala Ganga Walkway- the river there is sacred. A single dip will remove all your miseries for good.
Some special tips
Dress Code: When visiting the temple, it’s essential to dress modestly and respectfully, adhering to a proper dress code.
Respect Local Traditions: Show respect for the local customs and traditions during your visit.
Photography: Please be aware that photography is prohibited in the inner sanctum of the temple area. Always ask for permission before taking pictures.
Hydration: Srisailam can become quite hot, so it’s advisable to carry water with you and stay hydrated, particularly if you plan to explore the temple and its surroundings.
Follow these steps diligently and you will have the most enriching experience.
How to reach?
To reach the temple, you can follow these general directions:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Markapur Road Railway Station. From Markapur Road, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srisailam.
By Road: Srisailam is well-connected by road. You can either drive to the temple or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, or Kurnool. State-run and private buses also operate to Srisailam from various cities.
Local Transport: Once you reach Srisailam, you can use local transport options like auto-rickshaws or taxis to reach the Mallikarjuna Temple, which is situated within Srisailam
Where to stay?
There are several accommodation options in and around Srisailam for visitors to the Mallikarjuna Temple. You can choose from a range of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses.
What to eat?
Try the local Andhra cuisine while you’re in Srisailam. It’s known for its spicy and flavorful dishes
Final thoughts
This destination offers a blend of dynamic elements, but the focal point is the Mallikarjuna Temple. The local legends intertwined with its magnificent Dravidian architecture bestow upon the temple a mystical aura. Devotees hold a deep reverence for this place, yet beyond its religious significance, the intricate architectural beauty is a sight to behold. If you’re someone with an inclination towards destinations that harmoniously blend history, religion, and architecture, then this place should undoubtedly find a spot on your bucket list.
