Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple Guide: Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha in the Nallamala Hills

Quick answer: The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam, in the Nallamala hills of Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also one of the Shakti Peethas of the goddess. Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna and the goddess as Bhramaramba. The temple stands high above the Krishna river inside the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, is praised in the Tevaram hymns, and is famous for sparsha darshan, the chance to touch the lingam. Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi and Karthika Masam are the busiest seasons. Check the temple's official website for current timings.

For Telugu families around the world, Srisailam is one of the holiest places on earth, often visited together with Tirumala and other Andhra and Telangana temples during a trip home. This guide explains why, and how to plan.

Srisailam at a glance

The legends of Srisailam

Kartikeya and the contest. Shiva and Parvati once set their sons a contest: whoever went around the world first would marry first. Kartikeya set off on his peacock, while Ganesha simply walked around his parents, saying that they were his whole world. Ganesha won. Hurt and angry, Kartikeya left Kailash and went to live on the Krauncha mountain. Shiva and Parvati followed to be close to him and made Srisailam their home, Shiva as Mallikarjuna and Parvati as Bhramaramba.

The goddess as bees. The name Bhramaramba comes from bhramara, the black bee. The demon Arunasura had obtained a boon that no two-legged or four-legged being could kill him. The goddess took the form of a swarm of bees, six-legged creatures, and destroyed him. Devotees say the faint humming of bees can still be heard near her shrine.

The jasmine offering. Another tradition explains the name Mallikarjuna through a princess who worshipped the lingam with mallika (jasmine) flowers. Several versions exist, and devotees cherish all of them.

Srisailam is also counted among the Shakti Peethas, the places where parts of the goddess Sati's body fell. Tradition associates Srisailam with the neck.

History and architecture

Srisailam has been a centre of Shaiva worship for well over a thousand years. It is praised in the Tevaram hymns of the Tamil Nayanmars, and it was patronised by many dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Kakatiyas, Reddi kings and the Vijayanagara emperors. Inscriptions in the temple record many of these gifts.

The temple is enclosed by high fortified walls carved with sculptures of deities, epic scenes and everyday life. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited Srisailam in the seventeenth century, and the northern gopuram is associated with him. The Vijayanagara period added mandapams and gopurams, and the complex today shows many layers of building.

• The main shrine of Mallikarjuna Swamy.
• The shrine of Bhramaramba Devi, set higher in the complex.
• Carved prakara walls around the temple.
• Mukha mandapam with sculpted pillars.
• Gopurams on several sides, including the one associated with Shivaji.

Sparsha darshan and rituals

One of Srisailam's distinctive traditions is that devotees may, under arrangements set by the temple, touch the Mallikarjuna lingam: the sparsha darshan. For many pilgrims this direct contact is the most moving part of the visit. There are also other darshan categories, abhishekams, kumkum archanas for the goddess and special pujas.

Darshan types, tickets and dress codes change from time to time, and sparsha darshan may not be available every day or in festival seasons. Always check the temple's official website before planning.

Festivals at Srisailam

• Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam: the temple's greatest festival, with processions, the divine wedding and enormous crowds.
• Ugadi: the Telugu and Kannada New Year draws huge numbers of pilgrims, many from Karnataka and Maharashtra, some on foot.
• Karthika Masam: the holy month of lamps and Monday worship. See our Karthika Masam 2026 guide.
• Navaratri (Dasara): special worship of Bhramaramba Devi. Navratri 2026 runs from 11 to 19 October, with Dussehra on Tuesday 20 October.

Around Srisailam

• Pathala Ganga: the bathing ghat on the Krishna below the temple, reached by steps or ropeway.
• Sakshi Ganapati: a Ganesha shrine where, by tradition, Ganesha records the visit of each pilgrim; many stop here on the way.
• Shikharam (Shikareshwaram): a high point with a view of the temple's gopuram; a darshan from here is traditionally considered auspicious.
• Srisailam dam: a large dam on the Krishna, an impressive sight when its gates are open.
• Tiger reserve: the Nallamala forests are home to tigers and other wildlife; follow forest rules.

How to reach Srisailam

By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the usual arrival point for NRIs. From there, Srisailam is several hours by road.

By road: Roads lead to Srisailam from Hyderabad through the forest, and from Kurnool, Nandyal and other Andhra towns. State buses from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh run frequently. Forest checkposts on the ghat roads may restrict travel at night, so plan to travel in daylight.

By rail: Markapur Road and other stations in the region are the nearest railheads; continue by road.

Planning tips for NRI families

• Stay overnight in Srisailam to avoid rushing through the forest road.
• Check darshan categories and book online where available.
• Dress code is traditional; check the temple's current rules, especially for sparsha darshan.
• Avoid Maha Shivaratri and Ugadi if travelling with elderly parents or small children.
• Combine with Tirumala, Kanaka Durga in Vijayawada or Telangana temples on a longer trip.
• Carry water and snacks for the forest drive; facilities are limited between towns.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Srisailam special among the Jyotirlingas?

Srisailam is both one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, as Mallikarjuna, and one of the Shakti Peethas of the goddess, as Bhramaramba. Having both in one temple complex is rare, and devotees consider it especially sacred.

What is sparsha darshan at Srisailam?

Sparsha darshan is the opportunity to touch the Mallikarjuna lingam, a privilege not offered at most major temples. Arrangements, tickets and the days on which it is available are set by the temple and can change; check the official website before you travel.

Where is Srisailam?

Srisailam is in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, in the Nallamala hills above the Krishna river. It lies inside the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Hyderabad is the usual starting point for NRIs.

What is the story of Mallikarjuna?

According to tradition, Kartikeya left Kailash in anger after Ganesha won a contest by circling their parents, and went to the Krauncha hills. Shiva and Parvati followed to be near him and remained at Srisailam as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba (or Mallika and Arjuna in some tellings).

When is the best time to visit Srisailam?

The cooler months from October to February are the most comfortable. Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi and Karthika Masam bring very large crowds. Forest road rules apply, so plan to travel through the tiger reserve in daylight.

Editor's note

Editor's note (5 October 2026): This guide has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. It covers well-established facts about Srisailam's legends, history and festivals; legends are presented as devotees tell them. We have not listed darshan timings, ticket prices or contact numbers; please check the temple's official website and forest road rules before you travel.

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