Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple - Andhra Pradesh

The enchanting Nallamalai hills are so honored to hold the holy abode of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Brahmaramba Devi, surrounded by lush greenery, offering a soothing ambience for the devotees.

The alluring Krishna River that flows beside and the Nallamalai forest covers not only adds to the charm of the place but also makes the journey to the Temple more thrilling and delightful.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is regarded as one of the most ancient kshetras in India and is an epitome of eternal peace. This ancient temple is popular as the Saivite pilgrimage centre for centuries.

The drive to the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is full of twist and turns which is very scenic as well as adventurous.

The magnificent Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is adorned with a rich display of cultural and traditional artwork on its boundary walls.

During Mahashivratri, you can witness a large crowd of devotees at this Temple waiting eagerly in long queues to get a glimpse of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Brahmaramba Devi.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is an awesome place for devotees and peace seekers that will fill you with divine bliss. The place also excites the riders too.

History:

The most popular legend behind the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is about Ganesha and Karthikeya, the two sons of Lord Siva and Parvati. When both the sons were old enough to get married, Lord Siva and Parvati proposed a plan to decide who would be the first to wed. The plan was that the person who covers the entire world in Pradakshinam will be the first to get married. Hearing this, Karthikeya set out his journey across the world. Ganesha was so brilliant that in the meanwhile, he went around his parents seven times and was chosen to be the first to get married. This is because, as per the Shastras, going around one’s parents once is considered equivalent to going around the world. When Karthikeyan returned back, he found that Lord Ganesha got married. Being annoyed with Ganesha, Karthikeya went away to the Kraunch Mountain. Lord Shiva and Parvati felt guilty for him and followed him to the mountain. Lord Shiva was greatly saddened about his son that he took the form of Jyotirlinga and settled on the mountain-top and the place came to be known as Srisailam. Later, the devotees started worshipping Shiva at the Srisailam with jasmine flowers which contributed him the name Mallikarjuna.

Speacilty:

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is also known as Srisailam Devasthanam.

The Mallikarjuna Linga of this Temple is said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

The idol of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Brahmaramba Devi of this Temple is believed to be self-manifested or in ‘Swayambhu’ form.

The unique and extraordinary feature of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is that anyone, irrespective of caste, creed and religion can touch the Linga and perform the pooja by themselves.

The Temple courtyard consists of five Lingas known as Panchapandava Lingas that are installed here by the Pandavas.

The Panchapandava Lingas are named after five different forms of Lord Siva and they are Sadyojatha, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Eesana.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple reflects an amazing South Indian style of architecture.

The walls of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple has stories of Mahabharata inscribed on it.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is the only temple in India which is revered as both Shaktipeeth and Jyotirlinga.

Festivals:

Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam: Mahashivratri Brahmotsavam is the major festival of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which falls on the Lunar month of Magham and is celebrated between the months of February and March. The 29th day of Magham is the Mahashivratri day which is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Many rituals take place during the festival like Ankurarpana, Dwajarohanam, Vahana Seva to God and Goddess, Lingodhbhavakala Maharudrabhishekam to God, Radhothsavam, and Kalyanotsavam.

Ugadi: The Telugu New Year day, known as Ugadi is also celebrated with great fervor at Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. It is a five-day festival that falls on the month of March or April, but its celebrations begin three days prior to the Ugadi day. Ugadi Festival is marked with various rituals like Vahana Seva to God and Goddess, Alankaram to Goddess, Veerachara Vinyasalu and Rath Yatra.

Kartheekai Mahothsavam: During the month of Karthika, the entire Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is adorned with a large number of lights which is a spectacular sight to witness. Jvalathoranam (bonfire) is the main highlight of this festival which is held on the full moon day of this month and the devotees believe that a mere sight of the Jvalathoranam can free them from all their sins.

Sravanamahothsavam: Sravanamahothsavam is yet another prominent festival of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is held between the months of August and September. The speciality of this festival is the performance of Akhanda Sivanama Sankeerthana (Bhajans) that takes place round the clock throughout the festival month.

Dress Code:

There is no special dress code for Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. But make sure you are wearing traditional attire or decent clothes while visiting Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.

Way to Reach:

 By Air -  Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is situated at a distance of 558.6 Km.

 By Rail -  Cumbum Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is situated at a distance of 466.7 Km.

 By Road -  Srisailam Bus station is the nearest bus station to Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple which is situated at a distance of 537.4 Km.