Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam

About Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Overview

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple recounts the union of Shiv and Shakti in a heartfelt and divine tale. It is popularly known as Srisailam Temple or Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. It is located at Srisailam in the state of Andhra Pradesh and harbours immense prestige among the Shaivism and Shaktism sects. Every year, devotees line up in the temple to experience the hidden spiritual power of the area and bless their souls by consuming the everpresent positive energy permeating from the holy site. The co-existence of these deities leads us towards the lesson of love and harmony for a fulfilled life.

Srisailam Temple God

Shiva in this temple is present in the form of Mallikarjuna and is depicted as lingam; Parvati is blessing the devotees in the form of Bhramaramba.

Srisailam Temple History

The city of Srisailam holds prominence in historical evidence, spreading over a thousand years, with several dynasties leaving their mark on its cultures and rituals. The history of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Srisailam is connected with the region's historical and cultural evolution. The temple's early construction and architectural style show the influence of the Chalukya dynasty. The temple was renovated and expanded later with the arrival of other dynasties.

The first dynasty of South India, the Satavahanas, has left its mark in the form of inscriptions at Srisailam. The temple was vastly established and celebrated among the people; it was so prevalent that the Satavahana king, Satakarni, named himself Mallana after Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy. The earliest reference to Srisailam Hill can be seen in the Nasik Prashasti of Pulumavi of the 2nd Century AD. There is an argument between historians about tracing the temple's origins to the rule of Pallavas and the extension to the reign of the Reddy Kings; Anavema Reddy and Prolay Verma are said to have built mandapas and roads to the temple.

The king of the Vijayanagara dynasty of the 14th Century, Harihara II, laid the steps to Pathala Ganga. Krishnadevaraya's minister Chandrashekhara built the mandapas of the temple. In the later years, Chatrapathi Shivaji authorised the construction of the Gopuram in the North.

Architecture

Intricate sculptural work, towers, pillars and fort-like walls decorate the beauty of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. The construction is primarily in Dravidian style, with courtyards and four gateway gopurams (towers). Out of the several halls in the temple complex, the most popular one is Mukha Mandapa, which the rulers of the Vijayanagara Dynasty constructed. A massive idol of Nandikeshwara is situated in the central Mandapam and is surrounded by several pillars. The Mukhamandapa, the hall before the sanctum sanctorum, showcases intricately carved pillars. Notably, the shrine sheltering the Mallikarjuna idol is regarded as the temple's oldest segment, dating back to the 7th Century.

Significance

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple draws significance from the Puranas and is decorated as the 2nd Jyotirlinga among the twelve. It is also one of the Maha Shakti Peethas, making it the only sacred premise where both deities reside in a union. It is also a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Honoured in the hymes of Saiva Nayanars in the 6th-9th Century CE, the Sthalams comprise 275 temples. Paadal Petra Sthalas is regarded by Hindus as the greatest and most influential Lord Shiva temple on the continent.

Srisailam occurs in scriptures by distinct names like Sriparvatam, Sirigiri and Srinagam. Ancient texts mention its name in all four yugas; for example, Narishmhaswamy visited the temple in Satya Yuga. In Treta Yuga, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita saw the temple during their vanvaas. Dwapara Yuga saw Pandavas and Draupadi visiting the place to seek blessings. Kali Yuga eternalises the divine spirituality of the place through several Rishis, Yogis, kings, preachers, poets and devotees visiting it.

Key Insights into Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam

Best Time to Visit

It is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, where summers are said to exceed limits and it becomes hot and humid. It is recommended that you visit Mallikarjuna Temple from September to March. The weather is pleasant for darshan and sightseeing.

Festivals Celebrated at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple

The most prominent and significant festival of Mallikarjuna Temple is Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam, which is celebrated in the month of Magha, mainly in March. It is an 11-day-long festival when devotees gather in large numbers for Padayatra, from Nallamala forest to the temple. This festival starts with Yagashala Pravesham in the morning, followed by Shiva Sankalpam, Ganapati Puja and Dwajarohanam in the evening. The rituals and events that take place during these days are Rathotsavam, Theppotsavam, Shayanotsavam, Pushpotsavam, Lingodbhavakalam, Pagaalankarana and Kalyanotsavam.

How to Visit

Srisailam Temple Dress Code

It is a must to abide by the traditional dress code while visiting Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam. Male devotees are requested to wear a Pancha with a dhoti or Kurta. Female devotees are advised to wear a saree with a blouse, half-saree, churidar with a dupatta or Punjabi salwar, or Kurta with a dupatta. Modern clothing is restricted inside the temple complex for the temple's respect and stature.

Do’s & Don’t of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple

• Do take a bath and wear clean clothes before the darshan.
• Do put customs and rituals in high regard.
• Do give your donations and offerings in the hundi only.
• Don't smoke or drink inside the temple.
• Don't chew tobacco or spit inside the temple.
• Don't carry a smartphone inside the temple.

Darshan/Pooja/Seva

Srisailam Temple Darshan Timings

The temple is open all days of the week, with darshan allowed in two slots. Srisailam temple timings in the morning are 6 AM to 2 PM. The evening Srisailam entry timings are 5 PM to 10 PM. Darshan varies from Seeghra Darshanam, Athisheegra Darshanam to Sparsha Darshanam. Devotees are requested to strictly adhere to the timings while visiting the temple according to the temple rules and regulations.

Srisailam Temple Abhishekam Timings

Abhishekam at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple are of four types and the timings differ accordingly.

Pooja Seva at Srisailam Temple timings also vary depending on the type of Pooja one is looking for.

Note - These timings and prices may vary depending on the temple's schedules and changes in the pooja process. Therefore, confirming the timings and prices with the temple authorities is advisable before visiting.

Mythological Legends of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Soma Muni's son, Silada Maharshi, performed penance in the name of Lord Shiva. God then offered him a boon that he would be blessed with sons enlightened by Lord Shiva and continue worshipping Him. His sons were called as Nandi-Parvat. Parvat, after the hard tapasya, asked to become a mountain like Kailasa, where Gods would reside, holy rivers would flow, and eight Bhairavas would live, and the Shiva himself would be present. He became Srisailam parvatam, and Lord Shiva manifested himself as Jyotirlinga to bless the believers.

Parvati Devi chose to live in Srisailam as Bhramaramba Devi, as it is also precious to Lord Shiva. Since then, Bhramaramba Devi has resided here to bless all her followers.

The legend of Pathala Ganga, a holy water body near Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, also adds to the many legends revolving around the temple. It is popularly believed that Pathala Ganga is connected to the Ganga River. The story of Sage Gautama completing tapasya to slant the flow of Ganga underground and make it appear at the Mallikarjuna Temple is popularly told.

The Ramayana and the Mahabharata also revert stories about the Srisailam Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama installed the Sahasra Linga inside the temple. Legend also says that the Pandava brothers built five pillars in the temple.

Nearest Attractions

Temples

Adventure

Museum

The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is an exemplary embodiment of faith, history, mythology and spirituality. It contains a cosmic echo of devotion and thousands of years of history that continue to invoke devotees from all over India who seek blessings from the Lord Mallikarjuna.

FAQs

1. What are the facts about Mallikarjuna Temple?

The well-known and most important fact is that this temple comprises both Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha. It also consists of a self-manifested Lingam.

2. How many days sufficient for Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Srisailam?

Usually, it takes about 2 to 3 days to cover most of the tourist attractions in Srisailam, including the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.

3. Which festivals are celebrated at Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple?

Out of the many festivals of this temple, Shravan Utsav and Mahashivratri Utsav are the main ones. Dasara celebrations are also considered noteworthy.

4. What are the entry rules of Mallikarjuna Swamy Srisailam temple?

The rules of the temple are to respect ancient customs and avoid smoking, drinking, tobacco and spitting.

5. Can we touch Shiva Lingam in Srisailam?

Yes, Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple allows devotees to touch the Lingam during Abhishekam.

6. What are the temple timings? Is it open at night?

The temple is open all days of the week, with darshan allowed in two slots. Srisailam temple timings in the morning are 6 AM to 2 PM. The evening timings are 5 PM to 10 PM.

7. How much time does it typically take to get darshan?

It takes around 3-4 hours to get darshan, while the special darshan takes around 1-2 hours. The time may vary if it is a special occasion or some festival.

8. How to reach Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple?

You can reach Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple by flight, train or road.

8. Does the temple offer accommodation or cloakroom facilities?

Yes. Temple offers accommodations in the form of ac/non-ac rooms, cottages, guest houses and hotels. As phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple, there is a facility of lockers.

9. Is there a temple prasadam (offering) available? Is it included in the darshan ticket?

After Darsanam, every devotee gets temple prasadam and water near the exit gate.

10. Are there any shops or vendors near the temple?

Yes, the market has flourished with many shops and vendors who sell items for puja and other rituals.