Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, located in the picturesque town of Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is a revered pilgrimage site in India. Known for being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of Goddess Parvati, this temple holds immense religious significance. The temple is celebrated for its splendid Dravidian architecture, intricate carvings, and its unique feature of combining both Shaivism and Shaktism traditions in one sacred complex.
Temple About:
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making it a rare and unique confluence of both Shaivism and Shaktism. It is located in Srisailam, a historic pilgrimage town in the Nallamala hills of Andhra Pradesh.
Temple Description:
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna (a form of Shiva) and Goddess Bhramaramba (a form of Parvati). The temple architecture is of Dravidian style, with intricate carvings and a majestic gopuram. The temple complex is vast and houses many mandapams and shrines, reflecting centuries of dynastic patronage from the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara kings, and others.
Temple Speciality:
One of the Dwadasa Jyotirlingas.
One of the Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas.
The only temple in India where both a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha coexist.
Set amidst the dense forests of Nallamala hills and on the banks of Krishna River.
Famous for Lingodbhava cave, Pathala Ganga, and Sikharam, the highest point in Srisailam.
Temple Address:
Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101, India.
Temple Location Longitude and Latitude:
Longitude: 78.8679° E, Latitude: 16.0729° N
Temple Timings:
Morning: 4:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Noon: 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Evening: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Temple Sevas:
Rudrabhishekam
Kumkumarchana
Mahalingarchana
Ksheerabhishekam
Panchamrutha Abhishekam
Special Darshan
Sahasra Lingarchana
Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam
Traveling Facilities:
Road: Well-connected by road with frequent bus services from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
Rail: Nearest railway station is Markapur Road, about 85 km from the temple.
Air: Nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, approximately 195 km away.
Food Facilities:
Several food stalls and restaurants are available near the temple premises.
The temple also provides free annadanam (meal) to pilgrims.
Stay Facilities:
Numerous accommodation options ranging from budget lodges to more comfortable hotels are available in Srisailam.
The temple administration also provides pilgrim guest houses.
Nearby Railway Station:
Markapur Road Railway Station (approximately 85 km)
Nearby Airport:
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approximately 195 km)
Nearby Bus Station:
Srisailam Bus Station (0.5 km from the temple)
Bus Routes to Temple:
Direct buses to Srisailam are available from major cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Bangalore.
Train Routes to Temple:
Trains to Markapur Road Railway Station from major cities, followed by a bus or taxi ride to Srisailam.
Airways to Temple:
Flights to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, followed by a road journey to Srisailam.
Nearby Cities to Temple:
Hyderabad (195 km)
Vijayawada (210 km)
Kurnool (180 km)
Nearby Visiting Temples and Other Places:
Sakshi Ganapathi Temple
Pathala Ganga
Akka Mahadevi Caves
Shikaresvara Temple
Phaladhara Panchadhara
Shopping Famous For:
Religious souvenirs
Traditional handicrafts
Srisailam souvenirs like Shiva Lingams, Rudraksha beads, and local artifacts.
Sri Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam is not only a profound spiritual destination but also a place of remarkable cultural and architectural heritage. The temple provides extensive facilities for pilgrims, including well-organized sevas, food provisions, and accommodation. With accessible travel options via road, rail, and air, this temple attracts devotees and tourists alike from various parts of India. Nearby attractions and local shopping add to the enriching experience of visiting this historic and holy site.
