Introduction
Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati, who are worshipped as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba respectively. The temple is located at Srisailam, a hill town in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Shiva, and one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas, the sacred abodes of the Goddess.
In this blog post, we will explore the history, architecture, legends, festivals and rituals of this ancient temple. We will also provide some useful information on how to reach, where to stay and what to see around Srisailam. If you are planning to visit this sacred destination, read on to know more.
Table of Contents
History of Mallikarjuna Temple
The history of Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga dates back to the 2nd century CE, when it was first mentioned in the inscriptions of the Satavahana dynasty. The temple was later patronized by various rulers and dynasties, such as the Ikshvakus, the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Reddy Kingdom. The temple underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries, and acquired its present form during the 14th century under the rule of Harihara I of Vijayanagara.
The temple is associated with many legends and myths from Hindu scriptures and epics. One of them narrates that Shiva and Parvati decided to find suitable brides for their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. They got Ganesha married to Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power) and Riddhi (prosperity), but Kartikeya was enraged by this and left for Mount Krauncha as a celibate ascetic. When Shiva and Parvati came to pacify him, he moved to another place, but at the request of the gods, he stayed nearby. The place where Shiva and Parvati stayed came to be known as Srisailam.
Another legend states that Shiva was worshipped with jasmine flowers (locally called mallika) by a devotee named Chandravathi. The flowers turned into gold as they touched the lingam (the iconic representation of Shiva). Hence, Shiva came to be known as Mallikarjuna (the lord of jasmine).
Architecture of Mallikarjuna Temple
The temple complex covers an area of 2 hectares and has four gateway towers (gopurams) on four sides. The main entrance is on the east side and leads to a spacious courtyard. The courtyard houses several shrines and halls, but the most prominent ones are those of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba.
The shrine of Mallikarjuna is situated in the center of the complex and is considered the oldest part of the temple. It has a gold-plated tower (vimana) over the sanctum sanctorum, where the lingam of Mallikarjuna is enshrined. The lingam is adorned with various ornaments and flowers and is believed to be self-manifested (swayambhu). The shrine also has a hall (mandapa) with intricately carved pillars and sculptures.
The shrine of Bhramaramba is located on the northern side of the complex and has a silver-plated tower over it. Bhramaramba is the consort of Mallikarjuna and is depicted as a fierce form of Parvati. She is also one of the eighteen forms of Shakti (the feminine energy) and is worshipped as the mother goddess. The shrine has a hall with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple complex also has other shrines dedicated to various deities such as Nandi (the bull vehicle of Shiva), Ganesh (the elephant-headed son of Shiva), Subrahmanya (the six-faced son of Shiva), Sakshi Ganapati (the witness Ganesh), Veerabhadra (the fierce form of Shiva), Chandeeswara (the guardian of Shiva) and others.
The temple also has a sahasra linga (a thousand lingas) which is believed to have been commissioned by Rama (the hero of Ramayana) and five other lingas which are believed to have been commissioned by Pandavas (the heroes of Mahabharata).
Festivals and Rituals of Mallikarjuna Temple
The temple celebrates various festivals and rituals throughout the year, but the most important one is Maha Shivaratri, which falls in the month of February or March. It is the day when Shiva is believed to have manifested as a lingam and is also the day when he married Parvati. Thousands of devotees throng the temple on this auspicious occasion and offer prayers, fasts, abhishekas (ritual baths), pujas (worship services) and bhajans (devotional songs) to the lord.
Other festivals celebrated in the temple are Ugadi (the Telugu New Year), Navratri (the nine nights of the Goddess), Karthika Masam (the month of Kartik), Arudra Darshanam (the day when Shiva is seen in his cosmic dance form), Kalyanotsavam (the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati) and Brahmotsavam (the grand festival of the temple).
The temple also performs daily rituals such as Suprabhata Seva (the awakening of the lord), Mahamangala Aarti (the grand offering of lamps), Rudrabhishekam (the offering of milk, honey, curd, etc. to the lingam), Kumkumarchana (the offering of vermilion to the Goddess), Panchamruthabhishekam (the offering of five nectars to the lord) and Ekantha Seva (the putting of the lord to sleep).
The temple also offers special services such as Shiva Deeksha (a vow of devotion to Shiva), Kalyana Katta (a ritual shaving of hair), Nitya Annadanam (a free meal service for the poor) and Prasadam Distribution (a distribution of sacred food to the devotees).
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple
Mallikarjuna Temple is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Hyderabad International Airport, which is about 230 km away from Srisailam. The nearest railway station is Markapur Road, which is about 85 km away from Srisailam. The nearest bus station is Srisailam Bus Stand, which is about 1 km away from the temple.
There are regular buses, taxis and autos available from Hyderabad, Markapur Road and other nearby towns to Srisailam. There are also special buses operated by the temple authorities during peak seasons and festivals.
The temple is open from 4:30 am to 10:00 pm on all days. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person for general darshan and Rs. 100 per person for special darshan. There are also VIP darshan tickets available for Rs. 500 per person.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Mallikarjuna Temple is Rajahmundry Airport, which is around 90 kilometers away. There are regular flights from Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai to this airport. Once you reach the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Srisailam.
[Image of Rajahmundry Airport in India]
[Image of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple in India] - By Rail: The nearest railway station to Mallikarjuna Temple is Srisailam Road Railway Station, which is around 15 kilometers away. Trains from major cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Guntur stop at this station. Once you reach the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to Srisailam.
- By Road: Srisailam is well-connected by road to major cities in Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India. You can take a bus or a taxi to Srisailam from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and other nearby cities.
Here are the approximate travel distances and times from some major cities in India to Mallikarjuna Temple:
| City | Distance (km) | Travel time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 150 | 2.5 |
| Vijayawada | 180 | 3 |
| Tirupati | 220 | 3.5 |
| Bangalore | 360 | 5 |
| Chennai | 540 | 7 |
Please note that the travel time may vary depending on the mode of transport you choose and the weather conditions.
Where to Stay Near Mallikarjuna Temple
There are many accommodation options available near Mallikarjuna Temple, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the popular ones are:
- Haritha Hotel: This is a government-run hotel located near the temple complex. It offers basic amenities such as AC rooms, TV, hot water, restaurant, etc. The tariff ranges from Rs. 800 to Rs. 2000 per night.
There are also many guest houses and lodges run by the temple authorities and other religious organizations near the temple complex. They offer basic amenities such as non-AC rooms, common bathrooms, canteen, etc. The tariff ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per night.
What to See Around Mallikarjuna Temple
There are many places of interest around Mallikarjuna Temple that can be visited as part of a day trip or a weekend getaway. Some of them are:
- Pathala Ganga: This is a sacred spot where River Krishna flows underground and emerges again at a lower level. It is believed that bathing here washes away one’s sins and grants salvation. There are steps leading down to the river and boats available for a ride.
- Srisailam Dam: This is a massive dam built across River Krishna for irrigation and power generation purposes. It offers a scenic view of the river and the hills. There is also a ropeway that takes visitors across the dam.
- Sakshi Ganapati Temple: This is a small temple dedicated to Ganesh, who is believed to be the witness
Frequently Asked Questions
Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, in India. It is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, and attracts millions of devotees every year. Here are some of the most common questions that people have about this temple and its significance.
Q: What is the history of Mallikarjuna Temple?
A: According to legend, Mallikarjuna Temple was built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata epic, as a way of seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva for their sins in the Kurukshetra war. The temple is also associated with the story of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, who performed penance here to win his love. The temple is believed to have been renovated and expanded by various dynasties over the centuries, such as the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Qutb Shahis.
Q: What are the main features of Mallikarjuna Temple?
A: Mallikarjuna Temple has a complex architecture that reflects the different styles and influences of its builders. The temple has four gateways, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine houses the lingam, or the symbol of Shiva, which is made of black stone and decorated with silver and gold ornaments. The temple also has several other shrines dedicated to various deities, such as Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Nandi, and Bhramaramba. The temple complex also has a sacred pond called Patalaganga, where devotees take a dip before entering the temple.
Q: What are the rituals and festivals celebrated at Mallikarjuna Temple?
A: Mallikarjuna Temple follows a strict schedule of daily rituals that include puja, abhishekam, aarti, and prasad. The temple also hosts several special festivals throughout the year, such as Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi, Navratri, Karthika Masam, and Makara Sankranti. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and thousands of pilgrims flock to witness the grand celebrations and offerings.
Q: How can one reach Mallikarjuna Temple?
A: Mallikarjuna Temple is well connected by road and rail from major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The nearest airport is Hyderabad International Airport, which is about 230 km away from Srisailam. From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to reach the temple town. Alternatively, one can also take a train to Markapur Road Railway Station, which is about 85 km away from Srisailam. From there, one can hire a cab or a local bus to reach the temple.
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