Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga | Srisailam Temple

When Lord Murugan returned to Kailash after completing his trip around the earth, he heard about Ganesha’s marriage from Narada muni. This angered him. In spite of being restrained by his parents, he touched their feet in obeisance and left for Krounch Mountain. Parvati was very distraught at having to be away from her son, implored Lord Shiva to look for their son. Together, they went to Kumara. But, Kumara went away a further three Yojanas, after learning about his parents coming after him to Krouncha Mountain. Before embarking on a further search for their son on each mountain, they decided to leave a light on every mountain they visited. From that day, that place came to be known as Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati visit this place on Amavasya (No moon day) and (full Moon day) Pournami, respectively. Visiting the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga not only blesses one with innumerable wealth, but also name and fame and fulfills all the desires.

Once, a princess named Chandravati decided to go to the Jungle to do penance and meditation. She chose Kadali Vana for this purpose. One day, she witnessed a miracle. A Kapila cow was standing under a Bilwa tree and milk was flowing from all of its four udders, sinking into the ground. The cow kept doing this as a routine chore everyday. Chandravati dug up that area and was dumb founded at what she saw. There was a self-raising Swyambhu Shiva Linga. It was bright and shining like the sun rays, and looked like it was burning, throwing flames in all directions. Chandravati prayed to Shiva in the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. She built a huge Shiva Temple there. Lord Shankara was very pleased with her. Chandravati went to Kailash wind borne. She received salvation and Mukti. On one of the stone-inscriptions of the temple, Chandravati’s story can be seen carved out.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga has its origin about six centuries back. It was built by King Harihara Raya of Vijayanagar. The temple is constructed in Vijayanagar style with high operas surrounding the temple. The Reddy kings of Kondaveedu dynasty have contributed a lot towards the making of this temple. The North Gopuram of the temple has been built by Shivaji. A massive wall of 6 metres encloses the temple. The walls of the temple are beautifully crafted with stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana that takes us back to those Vedic times.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga has small temples in and around its premises which are dedicated to various Hindu Gods including Nandi the Bull, Sahasralinga and Nataraja. The temple is a renowned site of Andhra Pradesh and stands as testimony to Vijayanagar architecture. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is of immense historical, architectural and religious significance. Feel the spirituality and peace while visiting the majestic Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.