Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Overview:
Contents
Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Overview: Significance of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga: How to Reach Srisailam:From HyderabadFrom Markapuram Railway Station:Best Route for North Indian Tourists: Travel Tips: Srisailam Dam:Accommodation in Srisailam:Booking Tips:Available Options:Parking: Temple Entry and Darshan:Darshan Options:Security: The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga:Temple Premises:Jyotirlinga History:Mythological Significance: Surrounding Pilgrimage Sites:Sakshi Ganpati:Pataal Ganga (Krishna River):Other Sites:Special Occasions:Kartik Maas (Oct-Nov): Historical Contributions:Vijayanagara Empire:Maratha Empire: Conclusion:
- The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga on Srisailam Hills, located in the Nalla Malla forests, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Srisailam Hills are also known as the Kailash of the Southern region.
Significance of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga:
- It is the second Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Krishna River.
- Unique as the only Jyotirlinga where Lord Shiva’s marriage is reenacted daily.
- Pilgrims, especially those facing difficulties in marriage, visit to seek blessings.
How to Reach Srisailam:
From Hyderabad
Distance: 250 km; travel time: 5-6 hours by SRTC bus.
Bus fare: Rs 400 to Rs 450.
From Markapuram Railway Station:
- Distance: 90 km.
Best Route for North Indian Tourists:
- Via Hyderabad to Srisailam.
Travel Tips:
- The route to Srisailam is scenic, featuring mist-covered hills and well-maintained roads.
- Important Note:
- Srisailam is a dense wildlife area with restricted access from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Toll gates close at 6:00 pm and reopen at 6:00 am.
Srisailam Dam:
- Location: On the Krishna River, near the road to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.
- Specifications:
- Length: 500 meters; Height: 150 meters.
- India’s second-largest hydroelectric dam.
- Activities:
- A serene spot for relaxation and photography, offering beautiful views of the dam and surrounding greenery.
Accommodation in Srisailam:
Booking Tips:
- Online booking is recommended due to limited availability, especially during peak times.
Available Options:
- Ganga Sadan and Mallikarjuna Sadan: Non-A.C. rooms: Rs 250 to Rs 700; A.C. rooms: Rs 1000 to Rs 1200.
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism’s Haritha Hotel: A.C. rooms: Rs 800; online booking available.
- Dormitory: A.C. beds for Rs 200.
Parking:
- Available 1 km from the temple.
Temple Entry and Darshan:
Darshan Options:
- Free Darshan: 40-45 minutes (depends on crowd).
- Quick Darshan: Rs 150.
- Very Quick Darshan: Rs 300.
Security:
- Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple; a counter is available for deposit (Rs 5/- charge).
The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga:
Temple Premises:
- Features two main temples: Lord Shiva’s Jyotirlinga and the shrine of Goddess Parvati (Bhrambhrambha Devi).
Jyotirlinga History:
- Origin story involves Lord Shiva and Parvati residing on Srisailam Hill after their son Kartikeya’s dispute over marriage.
- Unique for the daily marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with their son Kartikeya present.
Mythological Significance:
- Associated with multiple ancient scriptures like Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, and the Mahabharata.
Surrounding Pilgrimage Sites:
Sakshi Ganpati:
- Located en route to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga; signifies Lord Ganapati as a witness to devotees’ visit.
Pataal Ganga (Krishna River):
- Accessible via 852 steps or a ropeway; offers stunning views.
Other Sites:
- Hathkeshwar, Paal Dhara, Panch Dhara, Srikeshwaram: Accessible via autorickshaw (Rs 500 to Rs 600).
Special Occasions:
Kartik Maas (Oct-Nov):
- Celebrated with special rituals, including lighting lamps on Amla, known as “Amla Deep Jyoti.”
- Thousands of devotees gather, especially during this auspicious month.
Historical Contributions:
Vijayanagara Empire:
- 400 years ago, King Krishna Deva Rai built a gold-canopied structure over the temple.
Maratha Empire:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji, a devout follower, received a sword from Goddess Bhrambhrambha and contributed to the temple’s upkeep.
Conclusion:
- The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is not just a pilgrimage site but a place rich in history, spirituality, and cultural significance.
- Visiting this sacred location offers a profound spiritual experience, along with the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Om Namah Shivaya!
