The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddesses Shiva and Parvati, located at Srisailam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati, after getting married to Shiva, went to Srisailam and began meditating there. Shiva later joined her and the place got its name after their marriage. Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple was first built by Pulikeshi Balarjuna, a Chola king in the 10th century CE. The temple has typical Hindu architecture with a 12th-century Gopuram or tower. The temple is significant to the Hindu sects of duo Shaivism and Shaktism. The temple is also referred to as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The shape of the temple is like a lotus. Special puja is performed at the temple on Maha Shivaratri day.
Srisailam or Shrishailam is a temple town with more than ten temples. Srisailam is located in Nallamala Hills in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The most prominent among these temples is the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple. It is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers and is a pilgrimage site for Shaivites. Thirteen of the temples are dedicated to Shiva, nine dedicated to his consort Parvati and the rest dedicated to other deities. The main temple faces east and there is a shrine for Varaha (a boar incarnation of Vishnu) to its left. The main shrine of Shivas linga is called Agni Theertham.
Jyotirlingas
In Hindu mythology, Jyotirlingas are sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, and it is believed that Lord Shiva himself visited these places. Therefore, they have a special place in the hearts of devotees. The 12 of them are in India. According to the Hindu school of thought, Jyotirlinga means ‘column or pillar of light’, on the other hand, the stambha symbol represents that there is no beginning or end. When duo Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu argued about who was the supreme god. Then Lord Shiva appeared as a column of light and asked each of them to find the ends, and neither could do it. It is believed that Jyotirlingas are located in the places where these columns of light fell.
History of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
The Mallikarjuna Swamy temple is built on the top of Srisailam Mountain, which is located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the biggest Shiva temples in all of South India with an impressive height of 98 ft. and width of 350 ft. Some rulers contribute to the building and maintenance of the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple; Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, and Reddis. They were followers of Mallikarjuna Swami. The Empire of Vijayanagara and Chhatrapati Shivaji also improved the shrine and temple, and worship was halted there during the Mughal era but resumed during the British rule. Right after the independence, the temple came back into prominence.
The story behind Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
Lord Shiva and consort Goddess, the duo were confused as to which of their sons – Ganesha or Kartikeya, should married first. For the determination that who would be first, they set a contest for the two whoever would go around the world first would be the winner. Lord Kartikeya, without delay, set off on his mount – the peacock. But on the other hand, Lord Ganesha went to his parents instead of going around the world. It is said that going around one’s parents is more equivalent to going around the world. So, he betrayed his brother and won the race. Thus, the parents married their son to Siddhi (spiritual powers) and Riddhi (prosperity). When Lord Kartikeya heard about the marriage of Lord Ganesha on his return, he became upset and decided not to get married.
Facts about Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga
- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is special due to jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha.
- According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva appeared as Arjuna on Amavasya – no moon day. On the other hand, Goddess Parvati is Mallika on Poornima – full moon day. Therefore, the name is Mallikarjuna.
- The temple is a significant work of architecture, its tall towers beautify by carving, and enclosed within tall walls that fortify it.
- It is believed that visiting this temple brings them wealth, faith, and fame.
- According to Hindu mythology Goddess, Parvati fought the demon Mahishasura by transforming herself into a bee, and devotees believe that they can still hear a bee buzzing through a hole in the Bhramaramba temple!
Conclusion
The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deities Shiva and Parvati, located at Srisailam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated on a hilltop that is known as Srisailam and one of the most sacred places for Hindus. The presiding deity of the temple is Mallikarjuna, a form of Shiva. The temple has faced many invasions in the past but still remains to be a famous site of pilgrimage. This article will give you information about the temple and the places around it.