The historic Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam is one of India’s twelve sacred jyotirlingas. Set on the green Nallamala Hills beside the Krishna River, the Mallikarjun Mandir welcomes pilgrims from across the country. In the inner sanctum, devotees offer prayers to the Mallikarjuna Shivling with deep faith and quiet reverence. Known also as Shrishail Jyotirlinga, this Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple blends rich temple art, simple mountain beauty, and a strong sense of calm, making it a key spiritual and cultural site.
History + Architecture of the Temple
The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga has an old and long history. Inscriptions and records show a shrine here from very early times. Kings and rulers added to the place over many centuries. The temple grew larger during the time of the Vijayanagara rulers. Today you can see layers of work from many ages on the walls and halls.
The design is mainly in the Dravidian style. You will see tall gateway towers called gopurams. There are carved halls, stone pillars, and a quiet inner room where the Mallikarjuna Shivling is kept. The temple sits on the Nallamala Hills and faces the Krishna river. The plan mixes open courtyards and covered mandaps so people can pray and walk around. The shrine for Bhramaramba (the goddess) stands close by, so this place is both a jyotirlinga and a Shakti shrine in one campus.
The carved pillars and sculptures show stories from old Hindu texts. Many parts you see now were fixed and decorated during the Vijayanagara time. Recent conservation work is being done using old, traditional methods to keep the temple safe for the future. This work follows old building ways so the stone and art stay true to the past.
Rituals and Daily Puja Schedule — Mallikarjuna Temple
- The temple opens — 4:30 AM. Devotees may enter early for a quiet time.
- Suprabhatam / Mangala (morning wake-up prayer) — 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM. Short prayer to wake the god.
- Mangala Aarti / Early Aarti — 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM. Small lamp prayer for the day.
- Morning Darshan (first big session) — 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (main morning darshan time). Devotees get close darshan of the Mallikarjuna Shivling and offer flowers.
- Midday / Alankara (decorated darshan) — 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Priests do special decoration and small rituals; normal darshan may be limited.
- Temple break / cleaning time — around 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (varies). The temple may be less open for public darshan during this.
- Evening Prayers — Pradosh / Susandhyam — 4:30 PM to 5:20 PM. Short evening rites before the main aarti.
- Evening Aarti / Rajopachara — 5:20 PM to 6:00 PM. Main aarti for both Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba in the evening.
- Evening Darshan (second session) — 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (or up to 9:30/10:00 PM on some days). Final darshan before the temple closes.
- Temple closes — usually 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM (check daily notice for exact close time).
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Temple
By Air
- Nearest major airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. From Hyderabad it is about two to four hours by road depending on route and traffic. (Book a taxi from the airport.)
- Nearest smaller domestic airport: Kurnool (used sometimes). From Kurnool it is about four hours by car.
- Tip: If you fly in, hire a cab from the airport or take a bus to a nearby town and then a taxi to Srisailam.
By Train
- Best rail stop for many pilgrims is Markapur Road (MRK). From Markapur it is about one and a half to two and a half hours by road to Srisailam.
- Other stations used: Cumbum (CBM) and Tarlupadu (TLU) depending on your train. From these stations you will need a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
By Road
- Srisailam is well connected by state buses and taxis. APSRTC runs regular buses from towns like Kurnool, Markapur and Atmakur. Buses are cheap and common.
- Drive times (approx): from Hyderabad ~200–230 km (about four to six hours), from Kurnool ~180 km (about four hours), from Markapur ~80–90 km (about two hours). Roads go through the Nallamala hills.
- Note: Road travel through Nallamala forest may have time limits at night. Plan day travel when possible.
Best Time to Visit Mallikarjuna Temple
Season | Months | Weather | Crowd level | Why go now | Quick tips |
Winter (best) | Oct – Feb | Cool days, pleasant nights. Easy walking. | High (peak pilgrim season). | Best weather for darshan, sightseeing, and walks. | Book stay early. Carry a light jacket. |
Post-monsoon / Early spring | Sep – Oct | Green hills, mild temps, some rain in Sept. | Medium | Nature looks fresh. Good for photos and short hikes. | Watch for wet roads after rains. |
Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Heavy rain at times. Humid. | Low to medium (fewer tourists). | Fewer crowds, lower rates. But roads can be risky. | Avoid travel in heavy rains. Check road safety and ghat closures. |
Summer / Hot | Mar – May | Hot and dry. Can be very warm in May. | Low to medium | Quieter temples and cheaper stays. | Carry water, avoid midday travel. Best to visit early morning or evening. |
Mallikarjuna Temple — Nearby Attractions
- Bhramaramba Temple — right next to Mallikarjuna shrine in the same complex. This is the goddess shrine many people visit with Mallikarjuna.
(Distance: inside the temple complex).
Quick note: Both shrines are visited together. Easy to walk between them. - Pathala Ganga — a peaceful river spot below the temple with a small ghat and boating options. Good for photos and short boat rides.
(Distance: about one km from the main temple).
Quick note: You can see the river and the temple from here. It is safe but follow the boat rules. - Srisailam Dam / Reservoir — big dam on the Krishna river near Srisailam. Nice view and calm water.
(Distance: short drive from temple).
Quick note: Good for evening views and pictures. - Mallela Theertham — a scenic waterfall in the Nallamala forest. A short trek and nature walk to reach it.
(Distance: about fifty to sixty km from Srisailam).
Quick note: Wear good shoes for the trail and carry water. - Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary) — large forest area with wildlife, birds, and green hills. Good for nature lovers and bird watchers.
(Distance: covers the hills around Srisailam).
Quick note: Go with a guide or forest permission for safaris.
Do’s & Don’ts at Mallikarjuna Temple
Do’s
- Wear simple and decent clothes. Cover your shoulders and knees.
- Carry water, a small snack, and any medicine you need.
- Come early if you want to avoid big crowds.
- Listen to temple staff and stay quiet inside the temple.
- Keep your things close to you. Don’t leave bags unattended.
- Offer flowers, milk, or fruits to the Mallikarjuna Shivling nicely.
Don’ts
- Don’t touch the Mallikarjuna Shivling unless the priest allows.
- Don’t throw garbage; always use dustbins.
- Avoid plastic bags inside the temple.
- Don’t shout or make noise while inside.
- Don’t go to areas marked “no entry.”
- Don’t carry too many valuables; keep things safe in crowds.
Tips for Pilgrims Visiting Mallikarjuna Temple
Going to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga can be exciting but also a little tiring. Here are some simple tips to help you have a smooth and joyful trip:
- Start Early: Morning darshan is calm and peaceful. You can see the Mallikarjuna Shivling without big crowds.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes: You will walk a lot. Light shoes and loose clothes make it easier.
- Carry Essentials: Water, a small snack, medicines, hand sanitizer, and a hat for the sun.
- Plan Your Travel: Check buses, trains, or taxis in advance. Roads in the Nallamala hills can be slow.
- Respect the Temple Rules: Stay quiet in the sanctum, don’t rush, and follow the signs.
- Take Rest When Needed: There are benches and small resting points near the temple. Don’t push yourself.
- Visit Nearby Spots: Don’t miss Bhramaramba Temple, Pathala Ganga, and Srisailam Dam if you have time.
- Check Puja Timings: Keep the Mangala Aarti and evening Rajopachara in mind while planning.
- Carry a Small Bag: Keep all your belongings in one small bag. It’s easier in crowds.
- Be Ready for Weather: Carry a light jacket in winter, an umbrella in monsoon, and water in summer.
Conclusion — Mallikarjuna Temple
If you ever go to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, you will feel something special. The temple is up in the green Nallamala Hills, next to the Krishna river. It is quiet, peaceful, and a little magical. When you stand near the Mallikarjuna Shivling, you can feel calm, like all your worries fade for a while. The journey here is part of the experience. You can come by road, train, or air, but walking around slowly makes it better. Listen to the priests, follow the rules, and take small breaks. Don’t rush. Look around. The hills, the river, and even the small steps make you feel connected to nature and history.
Nearby, places like Bhramaramba Temple and Pathala Ganga are worth seeing. Even a short walk to them feels nice. The morning Mangala Aarti is very peaceful, and sitting quietly by the river is something you will remember for a long time. Visiting Mallikarjuna Mandir is not just about seeing a temple. It is about feeling peace inside, saying a small prayer, and leaving with a happy heart. Walk slowly, enjoy every moment, and let yourself soak in the calm around you.