Arulmigu Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Temple – Srisailam, Kurnool

Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple

Located amidst the Nallamala Hills in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Krishna River (also known as Pathala Ganga), Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple is one of India’s most significant and sacred Saivite shrines. It is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples and also as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the neck portion of the Goddess is believed to have fallen. Furthermore, it is one of the Tevaram-hailed temples, glorified by the three great Nayanmars: Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar.

History of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple

Srisailam Temple boasts a long and rich history. This holy site finds mention in ancient Puranic texts like Skanda Purana and Mahabharata. The temple has been significant since the Sangam period.

• Origin of the name ‘Mallikarjuna’: It is believed that a princess named Chandravati worshipped Lord Shiva here with jasmine (Mallika) and Arjuna flowers, attaining salvation. Hence, the deity is known as “Mallikarjuna.”
• Abode of Nandi Devar: Puranas state that Nandi Devar performed penance here and received the boon of carrying Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Nandi himself serves as the hill supporting the deity.
• Lord Ganesha’s Marriage: A legend states that Lord Ganesha married Goddesses Siddhi and Buddhi here.
• Pathala Ganga: The river Ganga, which emerged from the penance of Sage Gautama, manifests here as Pathala Ganga in the Krishna River. A dip in its waters is believed to cleanse sins.
• Akka Mahadevi Caves: The caves where Akka Mahadevi, a Veerashaiva poet and social reformer, performed penance are located near Pathala Ganga.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji: The Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji, was a fervent devotee of Goddess Bhramarambika here. Believing she blessed him with victories in battle, he constructed the northern gopuram of the temple (Shivaji Gopuram). Even today, his idol and the sword believed to have been bestowed by the Goddess are preserved here.
• Arjuna’s Penance: According to the Mahabharata, Arjuna performed penance here and received the Pasupatastra weapon from Lord Shiva.

Architecture & Structure of Srisailam Temple

Srisailam Temple is fortified by magnificent walls resembling a fort. The exterior of these walls is adorned with numerous bas-relief sculptures depicting battle scenes, dances, musicians, and mythological narratives.

The sanctum sanctorum of Mallikarjuna is believed to have been built by Mailamma Devi, the sister of Kakatiya king Ganapati, as indicated by inscriptions. Here, the Lord manifests as a Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested). A unique feature is that the shrine of Goddess Bhramarambika is situated approximately 30 feet higher than the main deity’s sanctum. There are also shrines for Chandramamba in the western prakaram and Rajarajeswari in the east. Six shrines, believed to have been built by the Pandavas, are also found here.

Significance and Worship

Srisailam is unique as it is the only temple that holds the dual distinction of being both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha. Among Shiva’s abodes, if Kailash is first, Srisailam, where Nandi manifested, is considered second. It is believed that a darshan (sight) of the Srisailam peak grants liberation from rebirth.

Devotees are permitted to perform Abhishekam and Archanai to the deity themselves during morning hours upon paying a prescribed fee. Offerings such as performing marriages for the deities (Swami and Ambal) and presenting clothes are also made here to fulfill vows.

Thiruparuppatham in Tamil Devotional Literature

In the Saivite devotional hymns (Saiva Thirumurais), this temple is reverently referred to as “Thiruparuppatham.” It is one of the most important among the 276 Shiva temples praised by the three Nayanmars – Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar – located in North India. The glory of this temple and the greatness of the Lord are sung in the Tevaram hymns under the name “Thiruparuppatham.” This highlights the ancientness of the temple and its profound significance in the Tamil devotional tradition.

• Prayers: Devotees perform marriages for the deities (Swami and Amman) to have their wishes fulfilled.
• Vows: Devotees can fulfill their vows by performing Abhishekam and offering clothes to Swami and Ambal.

Srisailam Temple Opening Hours

The Arulmigu Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple is open daily from 05:00 AM to 03:00 PM, and again from 05:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

Festivals at Srisailam Temple

Festivals such as Telugu New Year, Aavani Masam Saptami Pooja, Maha Shivaratri, Karthigai Somavaram, and Pradosham are celebrated with great fervor at Srisailam Temple. Particularly, a large number of devotees gather here on Maha Shivaratri.

Other Special Features

• Pathala Ganga: Taking a holy dip in the sacred Pathala Ganga, located in the estuary of the Krishna River near the temple, is an important ritual. Boat rides are also available here.
• Thala Virukshams (Sacred Trees): The sacred trees of this temple are the Marudamaram (Arjuna Tree) and the Triphala tree. It is believed that Dattatreya performed penance under the Triphala tree.
• Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: A large wildlife sanctuary is located in the Nallamala Hills surrounding this temple, serving as a haven for various wild animals, including tigers.

Srisailam Temple Contact Number: +91-8524288881, +91-8333901351, +91-9849005495

How to Reach the Srisailam Temple

Srisailam does not have direct flight or train services. One can travel to nearby railway stations like Ongole (approximately 180 km) or Nandyal (approximately 140 km) and then reach Srisailam by bus or other vehicles. Private vehicles are not allowed on the hill road from 08:00 PM to 06:00 AM. Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple is a divine abode that encompasses spirituality, history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple Address

Arulmigu Mallikarjunar Temple, Srisailam (Thiruparuppatham), Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh – 518 101.