Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga of the Lord Shiva and one of the 51 Shakti Peetha. It is situated on the bank of Krishna River in Srisailam district of Nandyal (Kurnool) Andhra Pradesh. It is only temple where a Jyot irlinga and a Shakti Peetha Coexist.
Here, Lord Shiva worshipped as a Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati worshipped as a Bhramaramba.
Story about Malikarjuna Temple
- When Kartikeya Left Mount Kailasa after a dispute with his parents, Shiva and Parvati followed his to Srisailam. Shiva manifested here as Mallikarjuna and Parvati as Bhramaramba.
- The name Mallikarjuna is also linked to Arjuna (from Mahabharata) who is believed to have worshipped Shiva here and received the Pashupatastra.
Places to Visit in Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Sakshi Ganapati Temple
The Sakshi Ganapati Temple is small in size but important temple in Srisailam, It is belived that the Lord Ganesh acts as a divine witness to a devotees. Pilgrims usually pray here before and after darshan of Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Ista Kameshwari Temple
Iska Kameshwari Temple is one of the ancient and powerful temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, located deep inside the Nallamala Forest near Srisailam. It is believed that the Goddess Parvati Perform tapasya to unite with Lord Shiva.
Hatakeswaram
Hatakeswaram also known as the “Pathala Siddheswaram”, it is a sacred underground cave where the Lord Shiva Temple is located on the bank of the Krishna River (Patala Ganga). It is conidered as the place have a Great Spiritual Power and Meditation.
Srisailam Dam
Srisailam Dam is a large multipurpose dam built across the Krishna River, It is one of the biggest dams in the South India used for Hydroelectric Power Generation, Irrigation, and for Controlling Flood. It is surrounded by the Nallamala Hillsa and the dam is also a popular sightseeing spot, especially at the time of monsoon season when water levels is so high.
Akkamahadevi Caves
Akkamahadevi Caves are natural limestone caves located near the Srisailam on the bank of the Krishna River, within the range of the Nallamala Forest.
Nallamala Forest
The Nallamala Forest is a Vast and Ancient forest range spread across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is surrounded by the sacred town of Srisailam. It is one of the largest forest ecosystem located in south india and holds great ecological, spiritual and historical importance.
