Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam Blog History Significance Travel Guide & Trek Experience
Prabhuling jiroli
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas in India. It is a rare shrine where Shiva and Parvati are worshipped together, nestled in the lush forests of the Nallamala Hills along the Krishna River.
🏛️ Historical Significance of Mallikarjuna Temple
✨ Ancient to Medieval Period
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The temple has been referenced in Skanda Purana, Mahabharata, and Shiva Purana.
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According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared as Mallikarjuna to calm his son Kartikeya.
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Dynasties like the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara Empire patronized and renovated the temple over centuries.
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The temple's current architecture reflects Dravidian style with tall gopurams, granite sculptures, and elaborate carvings.
🙏 Religious & Cultural Significance
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Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga represents Lord Shiva, while Bhramaramba Shakti Peetham represents Goddess Parvati.
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It is considered a powerful site for moksha (liberation) seekers.
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Pilgrims visit especially during Maha Shivaratri and Navratri.
🚗 How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | Connected via NH765 from Hyderabad (215 km) and Kurnool (180 km). APSRTC buses and private taxis available. |
| By Train | Nearest station: Markapur Road (87 km) or Kurnool. Cabs or buses connect to the temple. |
| By Air | Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (220 km). |
🧭 Temple Visit & Timings
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Temple Timings: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM (with breaks)
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Darshan Types:
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General Darshan
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Quick Darshan (Sheeghra Darshan)
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Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, and Special Pujas
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📸 Temple Architecture Highlights
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Main Gopuram: Towering entry gate with colorful figures
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Garbhagriha: Houses the sacred Jyotirlinga
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Bhramaramba Shrine: Located on the temple premises, equally revered
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Temple Tank: Pushkarini used for holy dips
🥾 Trekking Routes & Trails
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Trekking through Pathalaganga (Krishna riverbank) via steps
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Sikharam (8 km from the temple) offers panoramic forest views and is believed to be the place where Shiva watches over the temple
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The forest route provides opportunities for spiritual treks and eco-walks
🌄 Why You Must Visit Mallikarjuna Temple
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🕉️ Only Jyotirlinga + Shakti Peetha Site in India
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🌲 Forest Ambience and spiritual serenity
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🛕 Architectural Splendor with historical depth
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🪔 Pious Vibes During Festivals like Shivaratri & Karthika Masam
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🧗♂️ Trek Lovers' Paradise in Eastern Ghats
⛅ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience |
| October–February | Ideal for darshan + trekking |
| March–May | Warm; suitable for early morning visits |
| June–September | Monsoon; greenery, but trekking becomes slippery |
🧳 What to Carry
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Original ID for special darshan tickets
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Traditional attire for darshan
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Water bottle, light snacks
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Trekking shoes (if visiting Sikharam or Pathalaganga)
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Flashlight for early morning/evening treks
✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts
✅ Do:
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Participate in abhishekam or rudrabhishekam rituals
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Explore both Shiva and Shakti shrines
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Take the forest trail for spiritual reflection
❌ Don’t:
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Don’t carry leather items, alcohol, or non-veg food
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Don’t ignore forest signs while trekking
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Don’t miss early morning aarti – it’s divine
Nearby Attractions
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🌊 Pathala Ganga – Sacred riverbank reached via ropeway or steps
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🌳 Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary – Jeep safari and eco-tours
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🕉️ Sikharam Temple – Topmost point for spiritual meditation
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🔥 Akkamahadevi Caves – Reached via boat + trek route
📅 Quick Info Table
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Deities | Lord Mallikarjuna & Goddess Bhramaramba |
| Best Season | October to February |
| Entry Fee | Free; special pujas are paid |
| Nearest Station | Markapur Road / Kurnool |
| Nearest Airport | Hyderabad (220 km) |
📸 Final Thoughts
Mallikarjuna Temple is where faith, forest, and legend converge. A confluence of Jyotirlinga power and Shakti Peetham grace, it’s a destination that offers divinity, peace, adventure, and timeless devotion.
🚀 Visit Srisailam – where Shiva and Shakti reside amidst sacred hills and whispering woods!