Malikarjuna Jyotirling
Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple , commonly known as srisailam temple, andhra pradesh , is the second jyotirlinga of shiva . the temple is located on a hilltop by the krishna river . one of the holy site of 12 jyotirlingas , mallikarjuna jyotirlinga is in mallikarjuna swamy temple and is devoted to both bhagwan shiva and his consort mata parvati . mallikarjuna temple is revered as both a juotirlinga (sacred representation of prabhu shiva) and a shaktipeeth (sacred shrines where the sissever body parts of shakti fell).
Timing of Temple
- Morning: 4.30 AM to 3.30 PM
Evening: 4.30 PM to 10.00 PM - The below-mentioned timings are applicable only on Monday :
Suprabhatam – 4.00 AM
Harathi – 5.00 AM
Abhishekam – 5.30 AM
Darshnam – 5.30 AM
Architecture
The Malikarjuna temple has fort-like towers, walls, and a rich foundation of sculptural work. The huge temple is built in the Dravidian style with towering towers and sprawling gardens and is considered to be one of the finest remembrances of Vijayanagar architecture.
History
Many rulers gave a hand to the building and maintenance of the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. The first documentation emerged in 1 AD in the books of the Shathavahanas empire builders.
Eventually, Ikshvakus, Chalukyas, Pallavas, and Reddis, also the followers of the Mallikarjuna Swami, lend a hand for the contribution to the temple. The Vijayanagara Empire and Chhatrapati Shivaji individually worked towards improving the shrine and temple (building the gopuram in 1667 AD).
Worship was stopped here during the Mughal rule and the temple was destroyed in the ages of Nizam but resumed during the British rule. However, it was only after independence that this temple became well known.
Religious Significance
In this temple, Bhagwan Shiva is mentioned as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This temple is known as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is believed that having darshan in this temple brings wealth and fame.
On the way to the main temple, there is a temple known as the Shikreshwar temple. It is believed that by worshiping in the temple one attains moksha.
Here Patal Ganga is named after Krishna River. Devotees have to go down 852 stairs to reach the river. Shiva Linga is bathed through this river water.
