Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, also known as the Srisailam temple is the nearest Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad. It is a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage site and the second of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Situated in the southern part of India, in a place called Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga stands for the testament to the divine union of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. Worshipped together, it symbolises balance and harmony in relationships and life, making it a sacred site for couples and seekers of inner balance.
Where is the nearest Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad Located?
The nearest Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad is Mallikarjuna temple, located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. is nestled in the Nallamala Forest of eastern ghats, offering a lush and pristine environment. The nearby Krishna River is ideal for boat rides and picnics. Mallikarjuna Temple is a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture, with intricately carved pillars and a majestic gopuram (entrance tower). It is known to be the place of the divine union of Lord Shiva ( Arjuna ) and Devi Parvati ( Mallika ).
READ MORE: WHAT ARE THE 12 JYOTIRLINGA
Legend of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Markandeya’s Boon
The legend of Mallikarjuna Swamy is primarily centred around the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. It also tells about the selfless nature of the young Markandeya.
The legend begins with the story of a sage named Markandeya, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Markandeya prayed intensely to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Markandeya and offered to grant him a boon.
Instead of asking for personal benefits, Markandeya requested that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati bless him by eternally residing in the same place so that devotees could easily worship them together.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati agreed to Markandeya’s request and chose the sacred site of Srisailam to manifest as Mallikarjuna Swamy. They blessed the place with their divine presence and declared their eternal marriage.
READ MORE: COMPLETE STORY ABOUT MARKANDEYA
Ganesha and Karthikeya’s Marriage
Another legend states that Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati conducted a race between Ganesha and Karthikeya to decide who should get married first. Karthikeya stepped on his peacock and flew around the world, However, Ganesha couldn’t do the same on his small mooshaka, Hence Lord Ganesha recited the Narayana stotram and walked around his parents and he was declared the winner. And Ganesha was married to Riddhi and Siddhi.
Although Karthikeya accepted his defeat he was upset and went to stay alone in Krauncha parvat in Palani. To pacify an upset Karthikeya Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati went to the place where he stayed in disguise. Lord Shiva took the form of Arjuna and Devi Parvati took the form of Mallika. Eventually, they stayed at a Mountain nearby which is the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam the nearest Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad.
The story of Nandi and Parvata
According to Shiva Purana, There was a sage called Shilada, who was a huge devotee of Lord Shiva. Maharshi Shilada performed a tapasya, which was so intense that termites, ants and other insects started biting off his skin. Eventually, Lord Shiva was pleased with the penance and asked Shilada for his wish. Shilada asked for children who could continue and carry forward the devotion just like him.
Eventually, Shilada had two children: Nandi and Parvata. Both of them very supreme devotees of Lord Shiva. Once Mitra and Varuna were travelling towards the hermitage of Shilada, when they saw Nandi, they declared that the boy would die in eight years. This made Shilada grief-struck. But then Lord Shiva assured him nothing of such sort would happen and said he would join Nandi into his ganas and make Nandi his Vahana.
The Second son was Parvata, who performed a tapasya and pleased Lord Shiva. As a part of boon Parvata asked :
Just as all holy things reside in Kailasa, I would want to be a similar mountain filled with gods who reside as one family, holy 9 rivers, holy water bodies, many peaks, animals, birds, all eight Bhairavas, munis and rishis, fruit-bearing and medicinal plants and trees. While I take the form of a Mountain, you shall reside atop me on the highest peak in the form of a prime Jyotirlinga.
Lord Shiva was extremely pleased to hear such a beautiful wish and guaranteed that he would reside along with Devi Parvati. From then on he was started to be called as SriParvata or Sriparvatam in southern India.
Bhramarambika Devi Shakti Peetha
This jyotirlinga at Srisailam which is the nearby jyotirlinga in Hyderabad the metro city, is not just a temple for Lord Shiva but also a Shakti Peetha, meaning a place where Devi Sati’s part fell on earth. This is the place where Devi Parvati took the incarnation of Bharamambika in the form of a Bee, to kill the mighty Arunasura who had the boon of not being killed by any living being which had 2 or 4 legs. After which she started residing nearby Srisailam Jyotirlinga as Bhramarambika Devi.
History of Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
The Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple is the only Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad and the Telugu States. And the earlier records of inscription exists from 2nd Century
- There are inscriptions on the temple walls which date back to the 2nd Century of the Satavahana dynasty
- Archeologists have found that the most recent developments were done by Harihara 1 of the Vijayanagara empire
- Veerasheromandapam and Paathalaganga steps was constructed during the time of the Reddi Kingdom.
Hence for all those Pilgrims looking for the nearest Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad, Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is the answer.
How to reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Srisailam, home to the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, is a significant pilgrimage destination located in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, India and it is the nearest Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad for all the Pilgrims around Hyderabad who wish to visit any of the 12 jyotirlingas. And one can reach Srisailam by road, rail and airways
Hyderabad to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
By Road:
- Private Vehicle: You can drive to Srisailam from nearby cities and towns. The town is well-connected by road. If you’re travelling to Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad, it’s approximately a 5-6 hour drive.
- State Transport Buses: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates regular bus services to Srisailam from various major cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. You can find both deluxe and ordinary bus services.
By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Srisailam is Markapur Road Railway Station (approximately 85 km away). From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Srisailam.
- Kurnool Railway Station: Kurnool Railway Station is another option, and it is well-connected to major cities. From Kurnool, you can hire a taxi to reach Srisailam, which is approximately 180 km away.
By Air:
- Nearest Airports: The nearest airports to Srisailam are Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad and Vijayawada Airport. From these airports, you can travel by road to reach Srisailam.
Interesting facts about the Jyotirlinga in Hyderabad – Mallikarjuna swamy
- Akka Mahadevi Caves: The nearby Akka Mahadevi Caves are a famous attraction for tourists and pilgrims. Akka Mahadevi was a renowned Kannada poet and devotee of Lord Mallikarjuna.
- Srisailam Dam: The Srisailam Dam, located in the vicinity of the temple, is one of the largest reservoirs in India, adding to the importance and allure of the region.
- Official Website: Srisailam devasthanam
READ ABOUT OTHER JYOTIRLINGA
12 JYOTIRLINGA IMAGES WITH NAME AND PLACE
SRISAILAM MALLIKARJUNA JYOTIRLINGA
UJJAIN MAHAKALESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA
OMKARESHWAR, MAMLESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA
TRIMBAKESHWAR JYPTIRLINGA NASHIK
KEDARNATH JYOTIRLINGA, RUDRAPRAYAG, UTTARAKHAND
