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Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga | Pilgrimage Destination India

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh  

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located on the banks of the river Krishna in the town of Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is believed to have been built by the Satavahanas during the 2nd century CE and was later renovated by various dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara kings. The temple complex is spread over an area of 2 acres and has several shrines and mandapas.  

The legend behind Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga  

According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Tarakasura had become invincible due to a boon from Lord Brahma, which made him immune to all forms of death except at the hands of a son of Lord Shiva. Tarakasura began to wreak havoc on the gods and mortals, and Lord Vishnu suggested that Lord Shiva should get married to Parvati to produce a son who could kill Tarakasura.  

Lord Shiva agreed and got married to Parvati. Their son, Kartikeya, then killed Tarakasura, thus saving the world. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati took place in the Mallikarjuna temple, making it a very sacred place for Hindus.  

The architecture of Mallikarjuna Temple  

The Mallikarjuna temple is an excellent example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture. The temple has three Gopurams or towers, which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple's main shrine houses the Lingam of Mallikarjuna, which is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses.  

Significance of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga  

The Mallikarjuna temple is considered one of the most sacred places for Hindus and is believed to grant blessings and fulfill devotees' wishes. The temple is also significant as it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to have appeared on their own and are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.  

Festivals and Celebrations at Mallikarjuna Temple  

The Mallikarjuna temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. One of the most significant festivals is the Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. During this festival, the Lingam is decorated with flowers, and devotees offer milk, honey, and other offerings to Lord Shiva. Other festivals celebrated at the temple include Navaratri, Diwali, and Ugadi.  

Accommodation and Facilities at Mallikarjuna Temple  

There are several options for accommodation available near the Mallikarjuna temple, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. The temple also provides free accommodation for pilgrims, and there are several Dharamshalas or rest houses run by various trusts and organizations. The temple also provides several facilities for devotees, such as free food, water, and medical facilities. There are also several shops selling religious items and souvenirs. 

Hidden Fact about Mallikarjuna

Mallikarjuna is a prominent temple located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. While the temple's history and significance are widely known, there are several hidden facts about Mallikarjuna that are lesser known.

One of the lesser-known facts about the Mallikarjuna temple is that it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, which are considered to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is said to represent the element of fire and is believed to have been installed by Lord Brahma himself.

Another interesting fact about the Mallikarjuna temple is that it is located on a flat hill called Sri Shailam, which is also known as 'Chenchu Mallikarjuna Swamy Kshetram'. The hill is believed to have been the abode of several sages and saints who meditated in the caves and hills surrounding the temple.

The temple also has a unique architectural style, blending both the Dravidian and Nagara styles of temple architecture. The temple's main tower, or gopuram, stands at a height of 147 feet and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Another hidden fact about the Mallikarjuna temple is that it has a unique ritual called the 'Sri Parvathi Kalyanam', which is celebrated every year during the festival of Maha Shivaratri. During the ritual, the temple priests perform the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which is believed to signify the union of the male and female energies in the universe.

Overall, the Mallikarjuna temple is not only a popular pilgrimage site but also a place of great historical and architectural significance, with several hidden facts waiting to be discovered by visitors.

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in the Srisailam hill range of Andhra Pradesh and is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is located in Hyderabad, which is about 230 km away from Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. The nearest railway station is located in Kurnool, which is about 180 km away from Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. Several state-run and private buses also operate from major cities in Andhra Pradesh to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a popular pilgrimage destination in India and has numerous spiritual places to visit. The Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Patala Ganga, Akka Mahadevi Caves, Hatakeswara Temple, Sakshi Ganapati Temple, Srisailam Dam, Phaladhara Panchadhara, and Shikaresvara Temple are some of the must-visit places in Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. A visit to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is a great way to experience the rich cultural heritage and spirituality of India.   

How to travel by road to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh and the nearest bus stand   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is well-connected by road to major cities in Andhra Pradesh. The nearest bus stand is located in Srisailam, which is about 16 km away from Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.   

If you are traveling from Hyderabad, you can take a state-run or private bus to Srisailam. The journey takes about 5-6 hours. From Srisailam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.   

If you are traveling from Kurnool, you can take a state-run or private bus to Srisailam. The journey takes about 3-4 hours. From Srisailam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.   

There are also several private tour operators who offer package tours to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. These tours usually include transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing.   

How to travel by train to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh and the nearest railway station   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in the town of Srisailam, which is well-connected by rail to major cities in Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India. The nearest railway station to Srisailam is located in Kurnool, which is about 180 km away.   

To travel by train to Srisailam, one can take a train to Kurnool Railway Station from any major railway station in Andhra Pradesh or other parts of India. From Kurnool Railway Station, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Srisailam.   

Some of the trains that stop at Kurnool Railway Station include the Rayalaseema Express, Amaravati Express, Kacheguda Kurnool City Express, and Prashanti Express. These trains connect Kurnool to major cities in Andhra Pradesh, as well as other parts of India.   

It is advisable to book train tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Additionally, one can also opt for private cabs or taxis to reach Srisailam from Kurnool Railway Station.   

How to travel by air to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Andhra Pradesh and the nearest airport   

The nearest airport to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is located around 220 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and also has international flights to destinations around the world.   

Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. Several state-run and private buses operate from Hyderabad to Srisailam, which is the nearest town to the temple. Alternatively, you can also hire a cab from the airport to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga directly.   

It is important to note that while air travel may be more convenient, it may also be more expensive compared to other modes of transportation. It is advisable to check for flight deals and discounts in advance to save money on your travel expenses.   

FAQs   

Q.1 What is Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India and is located in the Srisailam hill range of Andhra Pradesh.   

Q.2 What is the history of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga has a rich history that dates back to the 7th century. The temple is believed to be built by the Chalukya dynasty and was later renovated by various rulers over the years.   

Q.3 What are some of the spiritual places to visit in Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?   

Some of the spiritual places to visit in Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga are Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Bhramaramba Devi Temple, Patala Ganga, Akka Mahadevi Caves, Hatakeswara Temple, Sakshi Ganapati Temple, Srisailam Dam, Phaladhara Panchadhara, and Shikaresvara Temple.   

Q.4 What is the significance of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited after a long separation. It is also believed to be the place where Lord Ganesha witnessed the marriage of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba.   

Q.5 How can I reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?   

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is located in Hyderabad, and the nearest railway station is located in Kurnool. Several state-run and private buses also operate from major cities in Andhra Pradesh to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.