Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna (Jyotirlinga) Temple , Andhra Pradesh

Address

Sri Mallikarjuna Temple , Srisailam, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh-518101

Deity

Mallikarjuna

Introduction

• Location & Significance:
  • Located in the Nallamalai Hills, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, 232 km from Hyderabad.
  • Known as Srisailam, the temple is dedicated to Mallikarjuna Swami and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
  • The temple is also a Shakti Peetha, where the neck of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen, making it an 18 Maha Shakti Peetha.
  • Mentioned in the Mahabharata and Puranas, and revered by Tamil Nayanars in the 7th–9th centuries AD.
  • The temple is significant for its association with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Puranic Significance:
  • The temple’s creation is linked to the legend of Kumar Kartikeya, Lord Shiva, and Parvati.
  • It is believed that the place came to be known as Jyotirlinga when Shiva and Parvati left a light in their search for their son.
  • The temple is considered to bring blessings of wealth, fame, and fulfillment of desires.
  • A miracle involving a self-manifested Shiva Lingam, discovered by Princess Chandravati, led to the establishment of the temple.
• Special Features:
  • The temple stands 20 feet high with a 2121-feet long fortified wall, adorned with carvings of horses, elephants, battle scenes, and stories from Hindu mythology.
  • There are four towers named after important figures:
    • The eastern tower is named after Krishnadevaraya.
    • The northern tower is known as Shivaji Tower, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1677.
    • The western tower was built by the temple administration in 1966 and is named Brahmanandaraya Tower.
  • The temple’s core consists of the Mallikarjuna sanctuary, with the Chandramamba and Rajarajeswari sanctuaries to the sides.
  • The temple has historical inscriptions, including the story of Chandravati’s penance and the self-manifested Shiva Lingam.

Festivals

Darshan of the JyotirLinga during the Maharatri.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years

Managed By

Executive Officer Srisaila Devasthanam

Nearest Bus Station

Srisailam

Nearest Railway Station

Hyderabad

Nearest Airport

Hyderabad

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