Introduction
Located in the Srisailam town of Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the sacred Krishna River, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga stands as one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by the lush Nallamala Hills, this temple is not only a Jyotirlinga but also a Shakti Peetha, making it one of the rarest and holiest pilgrimage sites for both Shaivites and Shaktas. Its stunning Dravidian architecture and spiritual aura attract thousands of devotees throughout the year.
Mythological Significance
According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati resided on this hill when their son Kartikeya left for Mount Krauncha after feeling insulted by his brother Ganesha’s marriage. To console him, Shiva and Parvati followed him, choosing to stay in Srisailam. Because of this divine presence, the place became sacred as Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, symbolizing the eternal union of Shiva (Mallika) and Parvati (Arjuna). It is believed that visiting this temple grants liberation and family harmony.
📍 Temple Location
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Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India
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District: Nandyal District
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Altitude: Approximately 457 meters above sea level
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Coordinates: 16.0721° N, 78.8686° E
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Nearest City: Kurnool (180 km)
Situated amidst the scenic Nallamala Hills, the temple offers a divine view of nature and spirituality blending seamlessly.
Aarti Timings
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Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM
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Noon Aarti: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
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Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The temple hosts grand celebrations during Mahashivratri, Kartika Masam, and Shravana Masam, when devotees from all over the country gather for divine blessings.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
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By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad), around 230 km away.
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By Train: The nearest railway station is Markapur Road (85 km), well-connected to major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
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By Road: Regular buses and taxis operate from Hyderabad, Kurnool, and Vijayawada to Srisailam. The route through the Nallamala forest is scenic and spiritually uplifting.