About Mallikarjuna Temple
The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple stands on the Srisailam hill in the Nallamala forests of Andhra Pradesh, above the gorge of the Krishna river. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mallikarjuna, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and the goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba Devi, honoured as one of the Shakti Peethas. This rare union of a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha in one complex makes Srisailam one of the holiest places in South India, visited by lakhs of devotees every year.
Legend says that when Kartikeya left Mount Kailash in anger, Shiva and Parvati followed him south and settled on this hill to stay close to their son. The goddess is said to have taken the form of a bee, Bhramari, to destroy a demon, which gives her the name Bhramaramba. The shrine is praised in ancient texts and in the hymns of Shaiva saints. Over the centuries it was patronised by the Satavahanas, Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagara kings, and Chhatrapati Shivaji is said to have built one of its gopurams.
The temple is enclosed by high fortified walls carved with scenes from the epics, and has tall Dravidian-style gopurams on its four sides. Inside are the main Mallikarjuna shrine, the Bhramaramba temple on a raised level, many smaller shrines, and pillared halls. Srisailam is one of the few Jyotirlingas where devotees may touch the linga during sparsha darshan at set times.
Mallikarjuna Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 4:30 AM) to about 10:00 PM, with darshan slots separated by a break in the afternoon. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Suprabhata Seva | About 4:30 AM |
| Maha Mangala Harathi | Early morning, after Suprabhatam |
| Evening Harathi | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mallikarjuna Temple
By air
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, is about 200 km away.
By train
Markapur Road is the nearest railway station, about 85 km away; Kurnool is about 180 km away.
By road
Regular buses run from Hyderabad, Kurnool and Vijayawada. The ghat road passes through a tiger reserve, and forest check-posts close to traffic at night, so plan to travel in daylight.
Festivals at Mallikarjuna Temple
- Maha Shivaratri BrahmotsavamFeb/Mar
- Ugadi MahotsavamMar/Apr
- Dasara (Navaratri) UtsavamSep/Oct
- Kartika MasamOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional attire is required for sparsha darshan and sevas (dhoti for men, saree or churidar with dupatta for women); modest traditional clothing is recommended for general darshan.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; paid quick darshan and sparsha darshan tickets are available through the temple devasthanam.
- Reach Srisailam before the forest check-posts close for the night, as the ghat road is shut after dark.
- Carry traditional clothes if you plan to take sparsha darshan or perform any seva.
- Mondays, weekends and Kartika month are very busy; weekday mornings are calmer.
- Take the ropeway down to Patala Ganga for a holy dip in the Krishna river.
- Book accommodation in advance during festivals.
Places to visit near Mallikarjuna Temple
- Patala GangaBathing ghat on the Krishna river, reached by steps or ropeway, about 1 km away
- Sakshi Ganapati TempleGanesha who is believed to record pilgrims' visits, about 3 km away
- Srisaila ShikharamHilltop viewpoint and shrine, about 8 km away
- Srisailam DamMajor dam across the Krishna river, about 13 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Srisailam a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. Lord Mallikarjuna is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Goddess Bhramaramba is revered as a Shakti Peetha, both in the same temple complex.
What are the Srisailam temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 4:30 AM and closes around 10:00 PM, with an afternoon break between darshan slots. Timings may change on festival days.
Is there a dress code at Srisailam?
Traditional dress is required for sparsha darshan and sevas. For general darshan, modest traditional clothing is recommended.
How far is Srisailam from Hyderabad?
Srisailam is about 210 km from Hyderabad by road, a drive of roughly five to six hours.
Can devotees touch the linga at Srisailam?
Yes, during sparsha darshan at fixed times devotees can touch the Mallikarjuna linga.
What is the aarti time at Mallikarjuna Temple?
Suprabhata Seva: About 4:30 AM; Maha Mangala Harathi: Early morning, after Suprabhatam; Evening Harathi: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
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