Mallikarjuna
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Legend (as per scripture and tradition)
According to the Koti Rudra Samhita of the Shiva Purana, Kumara Kartikeya returned after slaying the demon Tarakasura and heard that Ganesha had been married first. Hurt, he left for the Krauncha mountain. Shiva and Parvati came there themselves to console their son and stayed on in the form of light — that light became known as the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. Tradition holds that Shiva visits on every new-moon day (Amavasya) and Parvati on every full-moon day (Purnima).
History and significance
Srisailam lies in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, on the northernmost part of the Nallamala Hills, more than 1500 feet above sea level. According to the Government of India it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, and having both in one complex makes it unique in the country. The present temple was built in the 14th century; its walls are carved with elephants, hunting scenes and many forms of Shiva. In 1677 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj came here and prayed at the Mallikarjuna temple; the Sri Shivaji Spoorthi Kendram stands here in his memory.
Festivals and worship
Maha Shivaratri · Kartika month
Darshan and travel
- How to reach
- Srisailam bus stand is about 2 km from the temple. By road, Nandyal is 158 km, Kurnool 180 km and Hyderabad 210 km away.
- Nearest railway station
- Markapur railway station (85 km)
- Nearest airport
- Kurnool airport (180 km)
- Official website
- https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org
Information checked on: 2026-11-11
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?
At Srisailam in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, on the Nallamala Hills.
What is its place among the twelve Jyotirlingas?
Second in the Dwadash Jyotirlinga Stotra — "Shrishaile Mallikarjunam", right after Somnath.
Is there a Shakti Peetha here too?
Yes. The Goddess is worshipped here as Bhramaramba, and according to the Government of India, having a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha in one complex makes it unique.
How do I reach Srisailam?
The nearest railway station is Markapur (85 km) and the nearest airport is Kurnool (180 km). By road it is about 210 km from Hyderabad.
What is Shivaji Maharaj's link with Srisailam?
In 1677 Shivaji Maharaj came here and prayed at the temple. The Sri Shivaji Spoorthi Kendram stands here in his memory.
Sources
- PIB, Government of India (14 Oct 2025)
- PIB: PM's address at Kurnool (16 Oct 2025)
- PMIndia: Glimpses of PM's visit to Andhra Pradesh (16 Oct 2025)
- Utsav (Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India): Srisailam Temple
- Nandyal District (Govt. of Andhra Pradesh): Temple Tourism
- Britannica: Andhra Pradesh
- शिव पुराण, कोटिरुद्र संहिता, अध्याय 15 — गीता प्रेस, गोरखपुर
Tirth Bharat takes facts only from official temple trusts, government sources and recognised editions of scripture. Check darshan timings with the temple's official information before you travel.