Mallikarjuna Swami Temple, Mallikarjun, Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, one of the historical shrines in the country is picturesquely situated on Nallamalai hills, Srisailam, in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. On one side of the temple flows River Krishna. This popular pilgrimage centre was built in fourteenth century on Nallamalai Hills which is also called as Sri Giri. The significance of this temple, one of the twelve Jyothirlingams attracts thousands of devotees from different part of the country. The deity is a manifestation of Lord Siva and each and every person coming here can go inside the sanctum sanctorum and touch the deity. This temple has been a popular pilgrimage centre for centuries and is dedicated to Sri Mallikarjuna, an incarnation of Lord Siva and Bhramaramba in the form of Mahakali, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.The combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi is very rare and one of its kind.The antiquity and origin of this ancient temple is unknown.

According to Shiva Purana, when Lord Ganesh was married of before his Kartikeya, and because of this brother Kartikeya became angry. Despite being stopped and consoled by his parents Shiv-Parvati, Kartikeya went away to the Kraunch Mountain. Even the Gods went and tried consoling Kartikeya but all their efforts were in vain. Because of this incident Shiv-Parvati were very sad and both decided that they would themselves go to Kraunch Mountain. However, when Kartikeya came to know that his parents have arrived, he went away. Eventually Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirlinga and resided on that mountain by the name of Mallikarjuna. Mallika means Parvati, while Arjuna is another name of Shiva. In this way both Shiva and Parvati came to reside in this linga. It is said that by merely seeing the tip of mountain one is emancipated from all his sins and worries. The person becomes free from the vicious cycle of life and death.  

Located adjacent to the Mallikarjun Temple is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Jagdamba who is known as Bhramaramba here. The Bhramaramba shrine is considered to be of great significance. Legend has it that Durga is said to have assumed the shape of a bee and worshipped Shiva here, and chose this place as her abode.

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