Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple -puja Timings, History,Mythology

Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple India is a land of cultural wonders. The walls of the centuries-old temples are a window into not only the life of people but also the rich heritage, wisdom, and knowledge.

One such ancient wonder is the Mallikarjuna jyotirlinga temple in Srisailam of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is also famous as “the Kailash of the south.” Since ancient times, Srisailam has had a significant impact on Hindu religious, cultural, and social history.

Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna temple, or Srisailam temple, is an abode of Shiva and Parvati, making it a unique religious place for Shaivaities and Shakti worshippers. The name of the Lord – Mallikarjuna, comes from two words – Mallika, meaning Parvathi, and Arjuna implying Lord Shiva. It is said that everyone who enters this temple achieves moksha and has all of their wishes granted.

The famous temple is on the banks of the river Krishna, one of the lifelines of Andhra Pradesh. Pilgrims throng to the temple and consider it auspicious to dip in the river before visiting the Lord and Goddess.

                       Mythology and Sirsailam Temple

Lord Shiva and Parvati decided to get Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya married. To decide who would be married sooner, they organized a competition. The first person to circulate the earth thrice was to be married earlier than the other.

Lord Kartikeya mounted his peacock and set off to circulate the earth. Meanwhile, Lord Ganesha folded his hands and came around his parents thrice. On asking the reason, he said his parents represent the earth, and they are his world. Satisfied with the explanation, Lord Ganesha was declared the winner.

On his return, Lord Kartikeya was infuriated when he learned he had lost the competition. In anger, he departed towards Kraunch mountain or the current Srisailam mountains. Despite their best efforts, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy could not stop him from leaving. In efforts to make peace with him, Lord Shiva in Jyothrilanga form and Goddess Parvati as Brahmaramba settled in Srisailam. Temples to worship both were built later on.

Another lore of Chandravathi, Chandragupta Patana’s daughter, surrounds the temple’s origins. Fearing her father’s advances, she fled the kingdom with her servants and cattle. She ascended to the mountaintops of Sirsailam after crossing the Krishna river. She noticed that one of her cows would stand over a rock mound daily and dribble milk over it. The princess had a dream in which the rock revealed itself as a Linga of Lord Shiva.

So, she plowed the earth and discovered a dazzling Linga. She decorated the Linga with Jasmine (Mallika) flowers daily to offer her prayers to the omnipotent. Lores say that is how Lord Rudra got his name, Mallikarjuna.

A Peek into the Past of Srisailam Temple

Srisailam history begins with Satavahanas, the earliest empire builders in South India. The Nashik inscription from the first century CE by King Vasishthiputra Pulimaavu is the oldest recorded historical reference to the hills of Srisailam. Historians say that it was during this period that the first version of the temple came into being.

The temple saw renovations and added architectural constructions during the reigns of Ikshvakus,Pallavas,Chalukya,and Reddis,all of whom were the worshippers of Mallikarjuna Swamy.

The temple saw extraordinary improvements during the Vijayanagara empire, and Chatrapati Shivaji added the gopuram in 1667 CE.

The temple lost its prominence during the Mughal Era and regained its pain post-independence. Since then, it has been a prominent religious place for devotees worldwide.

Widely Celebrated Festivals at Srisailam

Devotees throng to the temple during festive seasons. A few of the most popular celebrations are

• Mahasivaratri Brahmothsavams which take place on the 29th day of Magham month. 
• Ugadi which marks the beginning of the new year.
• Kartheekai Mahaotsavam which sees devotees lighting deepam on temple premises, especially during full moon day.
• Sravanamahotsavam is celebrated during August or September. The shravana month witnesses devotees performing bhajan and other cultural activities in praise of the deities.

                           Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple Timings:

The temple opens at 4:30 AM and closes for the day at 10:00 PM. While the morning darshan starts at 6:00 AM and lasts till 3:30 PM, the evening darshan starts at 6:00 PM and lasts till 10:00 PM. Daily various pujas and rituals are performed to honor the Lord and Goddess.