Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

About Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

A Jyotirlinga near Hyderabad (around 215 kms) on the Srisailam mountain, the Mallikaarjuna depicts Shivshakti (the feminine-masculine form of Shiva). Known as the Kailash of the South, its temple overlooks the holy river Krishna, giving a calm and godly presence.

Of all the lingas, this particular one has Devi Parvati by Lord Shiva’s side. The main deities here are Sri Mallikarjuna (Shivling) and Sri Bhramaramba (Parvati, the Shakti Peetha).It is said that just by looking at the Srisailam Jyotirling, all your sins get washed away.

The Significance Of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

The Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple is considered the second-most favourite place of Lord Shiva. That’s reason enough for devotees to run to the complex from time to time.

Cultural Significance In Hinduism

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple holds deep significance in the Shavism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism. Holy texts say Lord Shiva appeared here as Arjuna on Amavasya (No moon day) and Goddess Parvati as Mallika on Poornima (full moon day).

The temple also hosts the Maha Shivaratri festival for 11 days. During this time, devotees walk 1000s of kilometres to pray for a happy married life and wealth. Moreover, it is said that Sati’s neck, a Shakti Peetha, fell here, establishing Sri Bhramaramba shrine.

Astrological Significance

According to Vedic astrology, the Srisailam Jyotirling darshan is especially lucky for the Virgo individuals. It is said that Lord Mallikaarjuna causes the exaltation of Mercury and symbolises the element Earth (Prithvi Tatva).

Hence, devotees must visit this place to attract powerful gains associated with speech, business, and education. This practice also removes bad karma, Pitru Dosha, Mercury Dosha, Jupiter Dosha and Guru Dosha.

Stories Of Shri Mallikarjuna Temple

There are stories associated with Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple that sing tales of the glory of the Jyotirlinga. Read them below.

Shri MallikaArjuna Jyotirlinga Origin Story

According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati settled in Srisailam to convince their son, Kartikeya, who was upset about not finding a suitable bride. There, they assumed the form of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, waiting to meet Kartikeya occasionally.

The Story Of Chandravati

Chandravati, a princess, decided to spend her life doing penance. While meditating in the Kadali forest, she saw a cow offer her milk to the ground near a Bilwa tree daily. Curious, she dug up the ground and found a self-manifested Shivling.

Since then, Chandravati started worshipping the Jyotirlinga and eventually made a temple to house it. It was named Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple.

Hiranyakashipu’s Penance At MallikaArjuna

Another tale speaks of the demon Hiranyakashipu, who performed Penance (Tapasya) at Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna temple to gain boons from Lord Shiva. This act of devotion underlines the temple's effectiveness as a site for seeking divine favour.

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple Architecture

Stepping into the holy premises of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam temple, one is instantly mesmerised by its gigantic fort-like structure. Read ahead to know more.

History Of Mallikarjuna - Construction And Design

The Srisailam temple history explains the contribution of several followers who kept it alive for ages. It first went into the public eye around 1 ADduring Shathavahana's reign. Thereafter, rulers of the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Reddis dynasties enhanced it.

The Vijayanagara Empire and Chhatrapati Shivaji further improved the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple, building its entrance gate (Gopuram). Hence, it has a Vijayanagara Influence and Dravidian architectural style (tall towers and big courtyards).

Features Of The Architectural Wonder MallikaArjuna

The main features that add value to the marvellous Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple are mentioned below.

• Main Gopuram (Entrance Tower): The towering gateway, or Gopuram, is decorated with detailed carvings depicting various deities, mythological scenes, and floral patterns, serving as a majestic entrance to the temple complex.
• Garbhagriha: The innermost sanctum or Puja area that contains the main shrine or lingam alongside Shakti Peetha.
• Mandapa (Pillared Hall): A spacious, pillared hall leads to the main shrine of the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple, providing space for devotees to pray.
• Gold-Plated Vimana: The temple features a gold-plated vimana (tower above the sanctum). It represents Mount Meru, a home for gods.
• Amalaka: It is the stone disc seen at the top of the Vimana.
• Kalasha: It is the Kalash-shaped structure found on the topmost portion of the tower.
• Antarala: The lane connecting the main shrine and the mandapa in the Shri Mallikarjuna temple.
• Jagati: The space around the sanctum where devotees can sit and pray.
• Pillars And Sculptors: Pillars support the walls of the temple and are carved with sculptors telling different Hindu tales.

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