Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. It holds a rare spiritual significance that few temples in India can match.
Every stone, every corridor, and every chant echo centuries of devotion. In this blog, I’ll take you through its mythology, history, travel experiences, and cultural insights.
Mythology of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
When Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati decided it was time for their sons to marry, they found brides for Lord Ganesha first. Ganesha was wedded to Riddhi (intellect) and Siddhi (spiritual power). When Kartikeya returned and learned about it, he felt upset and chose to live alone at Mount Krauncha in Palani, taking the vow of Kumara Brahmachari (celibate youth).
Seeing his son’s anger, Lord Shiva went to pacify him. Kartikeya wanted to leave again, but on the request of the Devas, he agreed to stay nearby. The place where Shiva and Parvati then made their abode came to be known as Srisailam.
According to legend, Lord Shiva here was worshipped with jasmine flowers (called Mallika in Telugu). That is why the deity came to be known as Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Historical Background
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple isn’t just a religious site – it’s a historical landmark. Inscriptions found here date back to the Satavahana dynasty (2nd century CE). Later, rulers from the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara dynasty expanded the temple, leaving behind stunning architectural imprints.
The Veerasheromandapam and the Paathalaganga steps were built during the rule of the Vanni Reddi Kingdom in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Reddi dynasty were known to be devoted followers of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy, and their contributions greatly enriched the temple’s heritage.
Interestingly, the temple also played a role in safeguarding culture during invasions. It was a center where scholars, poets, and musicians found refuge. That blend of devotion and culture is still alive today during its festivals.
Architecture of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple complex spreads across nearly two hectares and is marked by its four majestic gateway towers, known as “Gopurams”. Among the many shrines inside, the most important are dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba.
The temple is designed facing the east and is surrounded by towering walls that measure about 183 meters by 152 meters and stand 8.5 meters high. Within these walls are numerous halls and mandapas, the most remarkable being the Mukha Mandapa, built during the Vijayanagara period. Its intricately carved pillars are a masterpiece of temple art.
At the heart of the complex, the central mandapam holds a striking idol of Nandikeshwara. The sanctum of Lord Mallikarjuna is considered the oldest part of the temple, dating back to the 7th century.
The temple also preserves sacred legends through its structures:
- A Sahasra Linga (1000 lingas), believed to have been installed by Lord Rama.
- Five lingas, said to have been consecrated by the Pandavas.
- A mirror hall in the first precinct that houses captivating images of Lord Nataraja.
Every corner of the temple, from its sculptures to its mandapas, tells a story of devotion, artistry, and timeless heritage.
Geographical Location
The temple is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, settled in the Nallamala Hills on the banks of the sacred Krishna River. Surrounded by dense forests and wildlife, the journey itself feels like a pilgrimage into nature.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Kurnool |
| Elevation | ~457 meters above sea level |
| River | Krishna |
| Nearby Forest | Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve |
This setting makes the temple not just spiritually rich but also visually stunning.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam is located about 183 km from Kurnool and around 230 km from Hyderabad. For pilgrims traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Markapur Road, roughly 84 km away from the temple. Another option is Giddalur railway station, which lies on the Kacheguda – Guntur passenger route and is about 138 km away from Srisailam.
Options to Reach:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad (230-250 km).
- By Rail: Nearest railway station is Markapur Road (80-90 km).
- By Road: Regular buses from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Kurnool. The scenic ghat roads are an experience in themselves.
The drive through dense Nallamala forests, with monkeys crossing the road and mist hugging the hills, made me feel like I was traveling back in time to a sacred land.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Srisailam ranges from simple dharmashalas to comfortable guest houses and APTDC resorts. Temple committee cottages and dharamshalas are available here. Some known sadans are:
Mallikarjuna Sadan, Ganga Sadan, Gauri Sadan, Yadava Satram, Reddy Sathram, Velama Satram and Sri Krishna Devaraya Kapu Satram.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open year-round, but the best time is:
- October to February: Pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing. Karthika Deepotsavam celebrated.
- Mahashivratri (Feb-March): Witness grand celebrations with lakhs of devotees.
- Avoid summer months (April–June): The heat can be harsh.
Temple committee offers different types of online booking services, which you may explore at their official website.
Festivals at Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Festivals here are not just rituals; they’re cultural extravaganzas.
- Mahashivratri: The biggest celebration with all-night prayers, music, and dance.
- Karthika Deepotsavam: Thousands of lamps illuminate the temple premises.
- Dasara: Special rituals for Goddess Bhramaramba.
During my visit, I witnessed Karthika Deepotsavam, where devotees lit oil lamps around the temple. The glowing lamps under the starry sky created a surreal atmosphere. Devotees offer Harathi (a type of ritualistic offering) to the presiding deities and the Pushkarini (holy tank) at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
Local People & Culture
Srisailam isn’t just about the temple – it’s about its people. The locals are deeply rooted in tradition, welcoming pilgrims with warmth. Their language is mainly Telugu, but they happily guide pilgrims in English and Hindi.
Street vendors selling prasadam (laddus, pulihora), flower garlands, and brass idols add color to the temple town. The simplicity of their lifestyle makes it clear how devotion forms the backbone of their daily lives.
Nearby Attractions
While the temple is the main draw, several nearby attractions enrich the journey:
- Srisailam Dam: A major hydroelectric project located across the Krishna River on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, near the Srisailam temple town.
- Akkamahadevi Caves: Believed to be where the saint-poetess Akkamahadevi meditated. Accessible by boat. As these caves are located in the forest, tourists are required to first take boat ride from Patala Ganga. which is followed by a small trek of few minutes. The boat ride to the caves is through the River Krishna; it is around 1 hour long.
- Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve: The Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is the largest tiger reserve in India, located in the Nallamala hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh. Established in 1978 and included in Project Tiger in 1983, the reserve spans over 3,727 square kilometers across five districts. It is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and numerous other species, and is named after the Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar dams located within its boundaries.
- Sakshi Ganapati Temple: This temple is on the way to Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple. It is believed that if one misses to visit this temple, after having darshan of Mallikarjuna & Bramarambha temples, his visit to Srisailam will not be complete. Hence most of the pilgrims will visit this temple on their way back to Hyderabad.
Each of these places adds a unique layer to the spiritual and natural charm of Srisailam.
Conclusion
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is more than just a religious destination – it’s a journey into India’s spiritual and cultural soul. From its mythology and history to its architecture and natural surroundings, it offers something profound for every visitor.
For me, the temple wasn’t only about rituals. It was about silence, stories, and the timeless bond between faith and tradition.
If you’re planning a spiritual trip in India, put Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at the top of your list. And when you do visit, go beyond the rituals – listen to the chants, walk barefoot in the temple courtyard, talk to the locals, and let the hills whisper their ancient tales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Srisailam is an abode of Sri Bhramaramba sametha Mallikarjuna Swamy who are reformations of Shakthi and Shiva respectively.
Yes. The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. What makes it unique is that it is also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Bhramaramba Devi.
The temple is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, within the scenic Nallamala Hills on the banks of the Krishna River.
The temple usually opens at 4:30 AM for morning rituals and closes around 10:00 PM after night prayers. Timings may vary on festival days.
The ideal time is October to February when the weather is pleasant. Mahashivratri and Karthika Masam are the most popular festivals to experience here.
Yes. Pilgrims can stay in temple guest houses, dharmashalas, and APTDC Haritha Hotels in Srisailam. Both budget and mid-range options are available.
The main temple is accessible directly, but if you choose to visit the Patala Ganga (Krishna River) near the temple, there are around 500 steps leading down. Ropeway services are also available.
It is famous because it is one of the few temples where devotees can worship both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha. Its setting amidst forests and hills also makes it a serene pilgrimage.
