Mallikarjuna at Srisailam Jyotirlinga
మల్లికార్జున - శ్రీశైలం
Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna with Goddess Bhramaramba · Srisailam, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna at Srisailam Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva as a self-manifest pillar of light (jyoti-linga). Located in Srisailam, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. Combined Jyotirlinga + Shakti Peetha (rare). Mentioned in Skanda Purana. See our detailed guide: /temples/srisailam-mallikarjuna/
Significance
Combined Jyotirlinga + Shakti Peetha (rare). Mentioned in Skanda Purana. See our detailed guide: /temples/srisailam-mallikarjuna/
Mythological Origin
Lord Karthikeya separated from his parents over a marriage dispute. Shiva and Parvati arrived at Srisailam to console him in his anger, where they manifested as Mallikarjuna.
About the 12 Jyotirlingas
The 12 Jyotirlingas are the holiest Shiva pilgrimage sites in India. Per the Shiva Mahapurana, when devotees compete to claim Lord Shiva's primacy, he manifested as an infinite pillar of light (jyoti-stambha) at 12 sacred locations. Devotees visiting all 12 in a single lifetime is one of the highest pilgrimages (Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Yatra). Reciting the 12-line Jyotirlinga Stotra ("Saurashtre Somanatham...") daily is said to grant the merit of physical pilgrimage to all 12.