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.

 

Ritual	Timing
Suprabhata Darshanam	5:00 AM
Mahamangala Aarti (Morning)	5:30 AM
Mahamangala Aarti (Evening)	5:00 PM
Various Poojas and Seva performed at the Temple Premises
Ganapati Abhishekam	7:00 AM
Ganapathi Homam	7:00 AM
Rudra Homam	7:30 AM

Ritual	Timing
Suprabhata Darshanam	5:00 AM
Mahamangala Aarti (Morning)	5:30 AM
Mahamangala Aarti (Evening)	5:00 PM
Various Poojas and Seva performed at the Temple Premises
Ganapati Abhishekam	7:00 AM
Ganapathi Homam	7:00 AM
Rudra Homam	7:30 AM
Laksha Bilwarchana	11:00 AM
Sahasralingam Abhishekam	6:30 AM
Kumkuma Pooja	7:00 AM
Gouri Vratham	8:00 AM
Aarti Timings
Suprabhata Darshan	5:00 AM
Morning Mahamangalaarati	5:30 AM
Evening Mahamangalaarati	5:00 PM

 

Interesting titbits surrounding Mallikarjuna temple:

• It is one of the three religious places in India, which has both a jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha.
• The walls of the temples tell tales of Mahabharata and other mythological stories.
• Lord Rama is said to have installed the sahasra, or the thousand, Lingas in the temple.
• Anyone, irrespective of caste, can touch the Linga and perform the puja per individual choice. It is the firm belief of the devotees that praying to the deities will rid them of their problems and bring them wealth and fame.
• The swayambhu Linga is one of the 12 jyotirlingas and is said to be very powerful. Pilgrims who worship the linga with utmost devotion see the fulfillment of their wishes.
• Goddess Parvati is said to have battled the demon Mahishasura by changing herself into a bee. Hence the name Brahmaramaba derived from the Sanskrit words Brahmari (bee) and amba (mother). Devotees claim to hear a bee buzzing through a hole in the Bhramaramba temple!
• The name Mallikarjuna comes from folklore in which Lord Shiva appeared as Arjuna on Amavasya (No moon day), and Goddess Parvati appeared as Mallika on Poornima (full moon day).

 

Reaching the Temple

The best time to visit the temple is between October to February when the weather is pleasant. If you are looking to experience the local flavors and devotion, the best time to visit is during Mahashivaratri.

 

• By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International airport in Hyderabad is the closest international airport. From Srisailam, it is 202 kilometers distant.
• By Train: Markapur is the closest rail station which is 80 km away and the next closest station is followed by Nandyal and Kurnool.
• By Road: The Srisailam Bus Stand and the Srisailam Temple are only separated by a distance of 1 kilometer.

We have made an attempt to bring forth the significance of one of the most famous temples of India, the Mallikarjuna temple of Srisailam. We hope this inspires you to travel to this ancient architectural marvel and share your story with us.