Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple
శ్రీశైలం శ్రీ మల్లికార్జున స్వామి జ్యోతిర్లింగ దేవస్థానం
Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna with Goddess Bhramaramba · Srisailam, Nallamala Hills, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh
Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple (శ్రీశైలం శ్రీ మల్లికార్జున స్వామి జ్యోతిర్లింగ దేవస్థానం) is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna with Goddess Bhramaramba. Located in Srisailam, Nallamala Hills, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh at 457 metres above sea level on Rishabhagiri / Nallamala hills. Significance: Among the holiest Shiva sites in India — combining Jyotirlinga AND Shakti Peetha status, which is rare. Only Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath) shares both designations. Recitation of Sivanandalahari verses (108 verses) is the temple's spiritual highpoint.
History & Significance
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva and one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas (Bhramaramba shrine = Bhramaramba Shakti Peetham). Mentioned in Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Lingamahima. Visited by Adi Shankaracharya (composed Sivanandalahari here). Renovated by the Vijayanagara emperors.
Among the holiest Shiva sites in India — combining Jyotirlinga AND Shakti Peetha status, which is rare. Only Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath) shares both designations. Recitation of Sivanandalahari verses (108 verses) is the temple's spiritual highpoint.
Darshan & Sevas
Darshan timings: 4:00 AM - 10:30 PM (with break 3:30-4:30 PM). Free darshan available. Special darshan ₹100. Sparsa darshan (touching Linga) only on specific days.
Major sevas: Rudra Abhishekam (multiple varieties), Maha Mrutyunjaya Homam, Chandi Homam, Mahalakshmi Homam, Sahasra Bilva Archana, Pradosha Seva, Bhramaramba Devi Sahasra Namarchana.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri (most important — 10-day festival), Brahmotsavam (March), Navratri (Bhramaramba Devi worship — 9 days), Karthika Masam, Sri Rama Navami.
Accommodation
AP Devasthanam cottages (₹100-3000), TTD-grade choultries, AP Tourism Haritha. Pithapuram-style basic to luxury options. 5-10 km from temple in Srisailam town.
How to Reach
From Hyderabad: 232 km (5 hours). From Vijayawada: 350 km. Nearest railway: Markapur (85 km) or Cumbum (50 km). APSRTC and TSRTC buses available. Nearest airport: Hyderabad (240 km).
Prasadam
Pulihora, Laddu, Sannidhi pongal. Bilva leaves key offering.
Dress Code
Strict traditional dress: pancha for men, saree/churidar for women.
Best Time to Visit
Maha Shivaratri (February-March), October-March cool weather. Avoid summer.
Nearby Attractions
Akkamahadevi caves — 13 km; Sikharam (Veera Shaiva pilgrimage) — 5 km; Patala Ganga sacred bath — 4 km; Mallela Theertham waterfall — 65 km; Tungabhadra and Krishna river confluence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings at Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?
4:00 AM - 10:30 PM (with break 3:30-4:30 PM). Free darshan available. Special darshan ₹100. Sparsa darshan (touching Linga) only on specific days.
How to reach Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?
From Hyderabad: 232 km (5 hours). From Vijayawada: 350 km. Nearest railway: Markapur (85 km) or Cumbum (50 km). APSRTC and TSRTC buses available. Nearest airport: Hyderabad (240 km).
What is the dress code at Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?
Strict traditional dress: pancha for men, saree/churidar for women.
Where to stay near Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?
AP Devasthanam cottages (₹100-3000), TTD-grade choultries, AP Tourism Haritha. Pithapuram-style basic to luxury options. 5-10 km from temple in Srisailam town.
When is the best time to visit Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?
Maha Shivaratri (February-March), October-March cool weather. Avoid summer.
What festivals are celebrated at Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?
Maha Shivaratri (most important — 10-day festival), Brahmotsavam (March), Navratri (Bhramaramba Devi worship — 9 days), Karthika Masam, Sri Rama Navami.