shaiva · Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Srisailam
मल्लिकार्जुन ज्योतिर्लिङ्ग
Presiding deity: Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna — Lord of Mallika jasmine + Arjuna tree)
Established: Ancient pre-Vedic; current temple 14th century CE
Significance
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas + Shakti Peetha (Bhramaramba Devi Shakti). Unique simultaneous presence of Shiva + Shakti in same complex — rare in Hindu pilgrimage tradition. Located in Nallamala forest (Tiger Reserve). Sage Adi Shankaracharya composed Shivanandalahari here.
Legend
Per Shiva Purana, Shiva-Parvati visited the Nallamala forest to find their son Kartikeya who had left home in anger after losing a contest with Ganesha. The parents settled at Srisailam waiting for him — devotees believe Mallikarjuna (Shiva) + Bhramaramba (Parvati) still reside here in patient devotion. Annual Brahmotsavam celebrates this divine family.
How to reach
Srisailam town, Nallamala forest. From Hyderabad airport (230km) take taxi via Nagarjunasagar route.
Where to stay
AP Tourism guest houses + dharamshalas around temple + budget hotels in Srisailam town
Primary pujas performed here
- mallikarjuna-darshan
- maha-shivaratri-special
- mallikarjuna-bhramaramba-darshan
- rudrabhishek
- shivaratri-vigil
What to offer: Mallika flowers (jasmine), bilva leaves, milk for abhishek, ganga jal, dakshina
Modern access
Annual Brahmotsavam (Shivaratri season) draws 1M+ pilgrims. Strong Telugu + Tamil + Kannada diaspora pilgrimage. Nallamala forest + Krishna river add to natural sanctity. Online darshan booking via APTDC.
Nearby tirthas
- ahobilam-narasimha
- nagarjunasagar-buddhist
- mahanandi-nandyal
- chilkur-balaji