Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Srisailam: History, Significance & Complete Pilgrimage Guide (2026)

There are Jyotirlingas that stand in cities.

There are Jyotirlingas that rise in the Himalayas.

And then there is Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam — standing deep within the Nallamala forests, embraced by hills, silence, and ancient devotion.

This is not just a temple.

This is Dakshina Kailasam — the Southern abode of Lord Shiva.

If Somnath represents resilience,
Srisailam represents divine presence in wilderness.

Quick Facts – Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Why Mallikarjuna Is One of the Most Powerful Jyotirlingas

Mallikarjuna is unique among the 12 Jyotirlingas because:

• It is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha
• Shiva is worshipped alongside Goddess Bhramaramba
• It is located in a forested hill region (rare for Jyotirlingas)
• It is one of the few temples where Sparsha (touch) darshan is allowed

The presence of both Shiva and Parvati makes this temple spiritually complete.

Also Read: Pilgrimage Made Easy Daily Hyderbad-Srisailam Tour by Telangana Tourism

The Divine Story Behind Mallikarjuna

The origin story of Mallikarjuna is deeply emotional.

According to Shiva Purana:

When Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, competed to determine who would marry first, Shiva proposed a challenge:

“Whoever circles the world first will be married first.”

Kartikeya immediately left on his peacock.

But Ganesha simply circled his parents, declaring:

“You are my world.”

Impressed, Shiva married Ganesha first.

When Kartikeya returned and learned this, he was heartbroken and retreated to Mount Krauncha in the south.

Unable to bear their son’s separation, Shiva and Parvati followed him and stayed there to bless devotees.

That sacred place became Srisailam.

Thus, Mallikarjuna represents:

• Parental compassion
• Emotional healing
• Divine closeness

Devotees believe praying here removes family conflicts and emotional distress.

Why Is It Called “Mallikarjuna”?

The name combines:

• Mallika – A form of Goddess Parvati
• Arjuna – Another name for Lord Shiva

Together, Mallikarjuna symbolizes the eternal union of Shiva and Shakti.

The fragrance of jasmine (Mallika flowers) is traditionally associated with this temple.

Also Read: Hyderabad-Srisailam-Nagarjuna Sagar: A Perfect 2-Day Road-Cum-River Tour

Dakshina Kailasam – The Southern Kailash

Many scriptures refer to Srisailam as:

Dakshina Kailasam (Southern Kailash)

Unlike Himalayan Kailash, which is physically unreachable for most people, Srisailam offers:

• Hilltop spirituality
• Dense forest serenity
• Sacred river Krishna flowing nearby

The temple is located at an elevation of around 1,500 feet, surrounded by Nallamala hills.

The atmosphere itself feels ancient.

Historical Significance of Srisailam Temple

The temple’s history stretches back more than 1,000 years.

It received patronage from:

• Satavahanas
• Chalukyas
• Kakatiyas
• Vijayanagara rulers

The architectural style reflects:

• Dravidian temple architecture
• Massive gopurams
• Intricate stone carvings
• Mandapams built over centuries

The Vijayanagara rulers significantly expanded the temple complex.

Many inscriptions inside the temple premises provide historical evidence of royal endowments.

Bhramaramba Devi – The Shakti Peetha

Adjacent to the Jyotirlinga shrine is Bhramaramba Devi Temple, one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.

Legend says:

When Sati’s body was dismembered, her neck is believed to have fallen here.

This dual presence of Jyotirlinga + Shakti Peetha makes Srisailam spiritually rare.

Pilgrims consider the yatra incomplete without visiting both sanctums.

Also Read: How to Book Srisailam Darshan Tickets Online (Step-by-Step Guide – 2026)

What Makes Mallikarjuna Different from Other Jyotirlingas?

• It is in a forest hill setting.
• It allows Sparsha Darshan (touching the Lingam).
• It combines Jyotirlinga + Shakti Peetha.
• It has strict ghat road timings for safety.
• It offers ropeway access to Patala Ganga.

Each of these factors adds experiential depth.

Emotional Experience of First Darshan

Many devotees describe their first darshan as:

“Closer and more personal.”

Unlike some crowded temples where distance is maintained, Sparsha Darshan here allows physical proximity.

Touching the sacred Jyotirlinga is considered deeply transformative.

Temple Timings – 2026 Updated Schedule

Mallikarjuna Temple operates in structured sessions.

Morning Session

4:30 AM – 1:00 PM
(Extended up to 3:30 PM for certain paid darshan slots)

Evening Session

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
(Extended up to 10:00 PM for selected darshan types)

The temple opens early at 4:30 AM for:

• Suprabhatam
• Early rituals
• Mangala Harathi

General free darshan typically starts around 6:00–6:30 AM.

Festival days may extend timings significantly.

Also Read: Complete Guide to Srisailam Temple Darshan Timings and Sevas

Aarti Timings

The temple performs multiple daily aartis.

Morning Mangala Harathi

Around 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM

Noon Rituals

Midday poojas around 12:00 PM

Evening / Pradosha Aarti

Between 5:20 PM – 6:00 PM
(Main evening aarti is powerful during twilight)

Separate aartis are also conducted at the Bhramaramba Devi Temple around early morning hours.

Pradosha time (evening twilight) is considered especially sacred here.

Sparsha Darshan (Touch Darshan) – Complete Guide

One of the most unique features of Mallikarjuna is Sparsha Darshanam.

This allows devotees to physically touch the sacred Jyotirlinga.

Ticket Cost

₹500 per person

Important Rules

• Single person ticket only
• Valid government ID required
• Must follow strict traditional dress code
• Subject to availability
• May be temporarily suspended during major festivals

Dress Code (Strictly Enforced)

For Sparsha Darshan, the temple enforces traditional attire.

Men:

• Dhoti with upper cloth (uttariya)
• Panchakacham allowed
• No shirts, jeans, trousers, T-shirts

Women:

• Saree
• Half-saree
• Salwar kameez with dupatta

No western wear, leggings, skirts, or modern outfits are allowed.

Mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside.

This level of discipline makes the experience deeply traditional.

Free vs Paid Darshan – What Is the Difference?

Free Darshan

• No charge
• Longer queues during peak days
• No touching of Lingam
• Suitable for all pilgrims

Seeghra Darshan – ₹150

• Faster queue
• Shorter waiting time

Athi Seeghra Darshan – ₹300

• Even faster access

Sparsha Darshan – ₹500

• Single person
• Physical touch allowed
• Strict attire

For elderly devotees, Seeghra Darshan is often recommended.

Lingodbhava Kala Abhishekam – Shivaratri Highlight

During Maha Shivaratri, the temple performs:

Lingodbhava Rudrabhishekam

This ritual commemorates the moment when Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of fire.

In 2026, this ritual began around 10:00 PM onward and continued into midnight.

It is considered one of the most powerful Shiva rituals in India.

The temple remains highly crowded during this period.

Sparsha Darshan may be temporarily suspended during peak festival nights.

Pradosha Special Seva

Pradosha is observed twice every lunar month.

At Srisailam, Pradosha Seva includes:

• Special Abhishekam
• Evening Harathi
• Chanting

Full participation seva can cost around ₹25,000+ depending on type.

Even regular evening Pradosha darshan is spiritually powerful.

Ropeway to Patala Ganga (Operational 2026)

The Srisailam Ropeway is fully operational.

It connects devotees to Patala Ganga, a sacred point of River Krishna.

Ropeway Timings

6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fare

Adults: ₹50 (to and fro approx.)
Children: ₹35

The ropeway offers:

• Scenic views of Nallamala hills
• Aerial view of Srisailam dam
• Easier access for elderly devotees

Many pilgrims first take a holy dip at Patala Ganga before temple darshan.

Ghat Road Timings – Extremely Important

The road to Srisailam passes through dense Nallamala forest.

For safety reasons:

Ghat Road Closed

9:00 PM – 6:00 AM

No vehicles allowed during these hours.

Reasons:

• Wildlife movement
• Narrow curves
• Accident prevention

Plan your travel accordingly.

Do not attempt late-night driving.

During festival seasons, traffic regulations are even stricter.

Experienced drivers are recommended.

Practical Darshan Strategy (Expert Tip)

To avoid heavy rush:

• Reach before 6:00 AM
• Use Seeghra Darshan during weekends
• Avoid peak festival afternoons
• Dress traditionally to avoid last-minute issues
• Book online in advance

If you are planning a larger Jyotirlinga yatra, Srisailam requires more logistical planning than city temples.

Spiritual Experience Compared to Other Jyotirlingas

Mallikarjuna feels:

• More intimate than Kashi
• More accessible than Kedarnath
• More forest-bound than Somnath

The journey itself becomes part of the pilgrimage.

The silence of hills adds to the sanctity.

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga (Srisailam)

Srisailam is located deep within the Nallamala hills of Andhra Pradesh. Unlike city temples, reaching here requires careful travel planning.

There is no direct railway station in Srisailam town.

Also Read: Somnath Jyotirlinga: History, Darshan, Timings & Complete Travel Guide (2026)

By Road (Most Common Option)

Srisailam is best accessed by road.

From Hyderabad

• Distance: ~215 km
• Travel Time: 5–6 hours
• Route: NH765 via Kalwakurthy – Dornala

This is the most popular route. The final stretch includes scenic ghat roads.

From Bengaluru

• Distance: ~530 km
• Travel Time: 10–11 hours

From Vijayawada

• Distance: ~270 km
• Travel Time: 6–7 hours

APSRTC and TGRTC operate frequent buses from Hyderabad and nearby cities.

By Train

The nearest major railway station:

Markapur Road Railway Station
Distance: ~90–100 km

From Markapur Road:

• Buses available to Srisailam
• Taxi options available

Alternative stations:

• Nandyal
• Cumbum

However, most pilgrims prefer Hyderabad road travel.

Also Read: Hyderabad-Srisailam-Nagarjuna Sagar: A Perfect 2-Day Road-Cum-River Tour

Important: Ghat Road Safety Reminder

The ghat section closes daily from:

9:00 PM to 6:00 AM

No vehicles are allowed during this time.

Always plan to cross forest entry gates before 9 PM.

This rule is strictly enforced.

Accommodation at Srisailam (Temple Trust Options Available)

The Srisaila Devasthanam provides various accommodation facilities.

All bookings should be made through:

www.srisailadevasthanam.org

Types of Accommodation Available

✔ Trust Cottages
✔ AC Rooms
✔ Non-AC Rooms
✔ Choultries / Dormitories
✔ Donor Cottages

Accommodation is located within walking distance of the temple.

Advance booking is strongly recommended during:

• Maha Shivaratri
• Kartika Masam
• Long weekends

Prices vary depending on type and season.

Temple-managed stays are clean and well-maintained.

Avoid third-party unofficial booking portals.

Also Read: Srisailam Temple Accommodation – A Complete Guide for Pilgrims

Best Time to Visit Srisailam

Srisailam can be visited year-round, but climate varies.

October to March (Best Season)

• Pleasant weather
• Ideal for ropeway and outdoor exploration

April to June (Summer)

• Hot daytime temperatures
• Early morning darshan recommended

July to September (Monsoon)

• Forest becomes lush
• Scenic views enhanced
• Occasional heavy rainfall

Maha Shivaratri

Extremely crowded
Spiritually intense
Advance planning mandatory

Kartika Masam

High devotional turnout
Evening lamps and rituals create beautiful atmosphere

1-Day Srisailam Itinerary

For pilgrims with limited time:

Morning:

• Early darshan (free or Seeghra)
• Visit Bhramaramba Devi Temple

Midday:

• Explore temple complex
• Visit temple museum (if open)

Afternoon:

• Ropeway to Patala Ganga
• Holy dip (if physically comfortable)

Evening:

• Pradosha Aarti
• Peaceful meditation inside temple corridors

2-Day Srisailam Itinerary

Day 1:

• Darshan
• Ropeway
• Temple complex exploration

Day 2:

• Srisailam Dam View Point
• Akkamahadevi Caves (boat ride)
• Sakshi Ganapati Temple
• Hatakeswaram Temple

This allows a relaxed spiritual experience.

Nearby Attractions Around Srisailam

1. Bhramaramba Devi Temple

One of the 18 Shakti Peethas
Located within same complex

2. Patala Ganga

Sacred Krishna river point
Accessible via ropeway

3. Srisailam Dam

Massive dam structure
Beautiful scenic views

4. Akkamahadevi Caves

Boat ride required
Spiritual cave retreat

5. Sakshi Ganapati Temple

Located on route
Devotees stop here before entering Srisailam

Also Read: 11 Best Places to Visit Near Srisailam – Complete Travel Guide

Estimated Travel Budget (2 Days)

Approximate per person budget:

Transport: ₹1,000–₹3,000
Accommodation: ₹800–₹3,000
Food: ₹500–₹1,000
Darshan tickets (if opted): ₹150–₹500

Estimated total: ₹3,000–₹7,000 depending on comfort level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Conclusion

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is not just a temple visit.

It is a forest pilgrimage.

It is a journey through winding hills.

It is a rare opportunity to experience both Shiva and Shakti together.

Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, Srisailam stands apart because it blends:

• Mythology
• Nature
• Ritual discipline
• Deep personal darshan

If your Jyotirlinga yatra includes Srisailam, it becomes spiritually complete.

Also Read:
Complete Guide to Srisailam Temple Darshan Timings and Sevas

Mahashivaratri in Hyderabad: Best Shiva Temples, History, Fasting & Night Darshan Guide

Somnath Jyotirlinga: History, Darshan, Timings & Complete Travel Guide (2026)