Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple is located at the top of Nallamalai hills in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is one of its kind as it is significant to both Shaivism and Shaktism. Mallikarajuna temple is both a jyotirlinga and a shaktipeetha. The temple is known as "Kailash of South" and is located in Nallamala hill forests along the banks of Krishna river. It is believed that Shiva emerged here in the form of a Jyotirlinga and resided on the mountain by the name of Mallikarjuna. Mallika is Parvati, while Arjuna is another name of Shiva. The Mallikarjuna temple complex covers an area of 2 hectares and houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. Here we bring to you some lesser known facts about the Kailash of South-Mallikarjuna Temple :
Mallikarjuna Temple is one of those rare temples that is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shaktipeetha(special shrine to Shakti Devi - there are 18 of them).
According to the legend, Lord Ganesha was married off before Kartikeya which left Kartikeya angered. He went away to Kraunch Mountain. Later to console him, Shiva-Parvati themselves travelled to the mountain but were turned away by Kartikeya. Seeing their son in such a state they were very hurt and Shiva assumed the form of a Jyotirlinga and resided on the mountain by the name of Mallikarujna.
This magnificient temple has five Shivalingas installed by the Pandavas. These five lingas are situated in the north of the temple.
One unique feature of the temple is that all the devotees who visit the temple are allowed to touch the idol which is not prevalent in any other temple.
The Sree Sailam temple has rich sculptural work, fort-like walls and towers. The temple is built in Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards and is considered to be one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagar architecture.
It is believed that the Sathavahanas, Pallavas, Vishnukundis, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Reddy Kings, Vijayanagara Emperors and Chatrapathi Shivaji are among the emperors who worshipped God Mallikarjuna Swamy. The temple has a Sahasra linga (1000 linga), believed to have been commissioned by Lord Rama.
The temple complex also has a small temple dedicated to Veerabhadra Swamy, the ferocious form of Lord Shiva.
It is believed that modern additions in the temple were done during the time of king Harihara I of Vijayanagara Empire. The veerasheromandapam and paathalaganga steps were constructed during the time of Reddi Kingdom.
The Temple is located around 180 kilometers from the Kurnool district headquarters, and 213 kilometers from Hyderabad.
