Mallikarjuna Temple is an important Jyotirlinga temple, one in which Lord Shiva manifests himself as a column of light. This temple is also called as the ‘Kashi of the South’ and it is located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh with the presiding deity being Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Beautiful, majestic and signifying the spiritual power of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, this is a place where ardent devotees throng to enjoy their bliss and spiritual glory. The main quality is that this place is that hold importance both as a Jyotirlinga and Shatipeetha temple It is in this place that the upper lip of Goddess Sati fell and that’s why people revere it as a Shati Peetha destination. A very unique quality of the temple is that devotees can touch the Shiva Linga and carry out Abhisheka on it with milk, something that is not possible in many other temples. A devotees can gain high spiritual bliss by doing abhishekam for a lovely and powerful Jyotirlingam.
One of the most significant aspects of this temple is its Sahara Linga, which is so beautiful to behold and indeed a sight that every devotee will relish. It was established by Lord Rama and is of high spiritual importance to pilgrims. Owing to the huge number of Shiva Lingas in Srisailam devotees throng here in thousands from all over the country and drench themselves in the power of Lord Shiva. Such is the spectacular beauty of the Mallikaarjna temple and likewise other Shiva temples in this place that a journey here is simply unforgettable.
This special quality about the temple is must loved by the ardent devotee who wants to experience bliss of the Lord at closer quarters. Doing a personal Abhishekam lifts the soul to higher levels and what better way to experince this than by a visit to the grand mallikaarjuna Temple. There is also a linga dedicated to Veerabhadra Swami, the ferocious form of Lord Shiva. Another lovely quality about this temple is that everyday in the morning there is a long queue of sadhus who are provided with free breakfast, which is sponsored by random devotees.
This temple is a spiritual delight for ardent devotees, primarily because of its powerful lingas, both that of the main deity and those established by the Pandavas. It is primarily due to its establishment in antiquity that it is considered as a place of such divine power and lovely Revel in the resplendent beauty of this majestic temple, with its intricate sculptures, carvings and various images, each of which display the showcases the intricate craftsmanship of yesteryear artisans. During Navaratri and various other festivals, this temple comes alive, filled with devotees, flowers, songs and aartis being helpd at various times of the day.
It is to be noted that the in addition to this immense and rand Shiva temple, there are many other key Shiva temples that is a must to visit for the ardent devotee, which makes Srisailam such an important pilgrimage destination. Some of the other places to visit include Hemeshwaraam, Janaradhaneshwaram, Kukkudeshwaram, Moksheshwaram, Sapthakoteeshwaram, Agneshwaram and Brahmeshwaram. In each of these places, you can see some of the most beautful of temple structure almost mesmerizing and regal to behold. Such is the immensity of the structural beauty of thee Shiva temples that you are left stunned at their majesticity and intricate work.
Archeitecture of Mallikarjuna Temple
One of the most stunning aspects about this temple is that it is spread over 2 hectares of land and has enormous rajagopurams or gateway towers. As you enter inside, you are treated to a marvelous sight of immense sculptures and images. The main deity is the majestic Mallikarjuna Shiva Linga but there are also numerous other shrines here. The key feature about the temple is that it has a large complex which includes many halls, the most important of which is the Mukha Mandapa, which was built during the time of the Vijayanagar period.
Actually the shrine of the Lord is the oldest in the temple structure dating back to the 7th century. In addition to this is the Saharara linga or 1000 linga, which is a majestic and stunning sight. Walk into the mirror hall and you can see so many stunning images of Lord Natraja.
When you enter the temple, what will strike you right away is its majestic pillars. They are very huge and full of beautiful sculptures and pattern work. Such is their mesmerizing quality that the entire temple comes alive due to their beauty ad craftsmanship. They are well worth a study for those who love to understand more about ancient temple architecture. The sanctum santorium is small and accommodates a few priests. Here you can see a small lings which is covered by a golden hood. During Mahashiratri, this entire place is transformed with a vast number of devotees coming to enjoy the Lord’s spiritual bliss. As the songs and the prayers go on, they revel in the deity's beauty and majesty.
As this temple has structural contributions from various royal dynasties hence you can see various styles all over it. This is indeed a treat for those who love to study ancient architecture and various artistic building forms. The work all over the temples is the result of skilled craftsmanship that is a testimony to the true skills of builders of bygone era. As you walk over its spacious hall, you can see some of the finest images and sculpting work that brings out the lovely beauty of intricate workmanship, which is very hard to find today as it is no longer so pravelently practiced. Enjoy the tranquil beauty and serenity of this majestic temple, known for its beautiful images, immense beauty and vast expanse of structural area in which you can experience some of the most lovely of Dravidian style architectural marvels and sculpture work.
History of Mallikarjun Jyotirling
In a competition between Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya, the former won and as a result parents Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati consented to him getting married first. When Lord Karthikeya got angry about this, he came to the Kronch Hills from Kailash.
However, his parents decided to come along with him and stayed in this place. On earth they called themselves Arjuna and Mallika and the place where they stayed got their presences in them form a Jyotirling called Mallikaarjun. The reason why Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati came down was to appease their son Lord Karthikeyan, who was angry that his brother Lord Ganesha was getting married before him. Inside the temple, you can see the deities of Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bharmaramba Devi.
According to legend, whoever enters this temple and has Darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will gain moksha after their lifetime. However, after having Darshan, the devotees must visit the Sakshi Ganapati temple, located in the outskirts of the town. Why? It seems that Lord Ganesha told his father that he might grant moksh even to devotees who have not done a proper Darshan but lying about it. In order to guard his father, who can be so innocent, it is a must for devotes to visit the Sakshi Ganapati temple, in which Lord Ganesha has a pen and book in his hand, writing down the names of devotees who have had darshan.
Step into the majestic mirror hall and you will get the chance to witness a classic beauty like never before. So many lovely mirrors, along with the Nataraj sculpture with lovely lighting are indeed a treat to experience and enjoy.
Mallikarjuna Temple Facts
- Important attractions around the temple which are a must to see include Sikharam, Sakshi Ganesh Temple, Panchamathams, temple of Istakmeswari and Srisilam Dam
- As the presiding deity was worshiped by jasmine, the linga was called Mallikaarjuna as the local name for jasmine is mallika
- Five Shiva Lingams installed in this place have been done by the Pandavas
- In this temple, Lord Shiva is also worshiped as Vruddha Mallikarjuna Swami an aged old man
- Ardent devotees of this temple include the Ikshavakus, the Vishnukundis, Pallavas, Sathavahanas, Kakatiyas,Chalukyas, Reddy kings and Vijayanagara Emperors
- As it is located on the Nallamalai hills, you can get a grand view of the surroundings from this location.
- You can find historical mention of this Srisailam hill in the 1st Century AD Pulumavis Nasik inscription on temple walls
- The Saharara Linga was commissioned by none other than Lord Rama
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple
Srisailam is a place that is well connected to various cities closeby Hyderabad being the most important point. It is best to reach Hyderabad and then arrive here either by bus or cab as it makes the journey comfortable and convinient.
Air – Reach either the Begumpet Airport or the Vijayawada Airport and then arrive at the temple via express bus or cab.
Train – Arrive at the railway station closest to Srisailam and then come to the temple via bus or taxi –
Road – Reach Hyderabad via bus service operating from your city or one closest to you. Hyderabad is just 6 km from Srisailam, so book on any bus from the city or private cab and arrive at Srisailam.
0 Comments