Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam Temple

Address: Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramarambika Temple Complex, Srisailam, Nandyal District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hours: Temple complex: generally early morning to late evening; main darshan hours vary (commonly 6:00am-8:30pm).

Admission: Free entry to temple precincts; special puja/darshan and accommodation services vary in fee.

Mallikarjuna Temple at Srisailam is a major Hindu pilgrimage temple in Andhra Pradesh, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva under the name Mallikarjuna. The temple is one of the classical 12 Jyotirlinga sites and occupies a prominent position in regional religious practice.

The complex centres on two principal shrines - the Mallikarjuna shrine to Shiva and the Bhramaramba shrine to the goddess - forming a combined Shaiva-Shakti pilgrimage destination. Pilgrims follow established access routes and there are substantial temple precincts and ritual spaces for worship and festivals.

The site has a long history of patronage and enlargement by medieval South Indian dynasties and continued religious use over centuries. Architectural elements and inscriptions reflect multiple phases of construction and repairs.

The temple stands in the Nallamala Hills at Srisailam on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by forested hills and a protected landscape. Access is via road from regional centres and it functions as a focal point for regional pilgrimage circuits.

• Jyotirlinga status: Recognised as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it a major destination for Shaiva pilgrims from across India.
• Paired Shakti shrine: Contains a paired Shakti shrine, so the complex is both a Jyotirlinga and an important Shakti Peetha for devotees.

What to See#

• Mallikarjuna (Shiva) shrine: The main shrine dedicated to Shiva, revered as one of the 12 classical Jyotirlinga pilgrimage sites of India; the temple complex forms the principal focus of ritual worship at Srisailam.
• Bhramaramba (Shakti) shrine: The adjoining shrine of Bhramaramba, a principal Shakti shrine that forms a paired worship complex with the Mallikarjuna temple; both shrines are integral to the site’s ritual significance.

Srisailam is accessible by road from Hyderabad (~213 km) and Kurnool. The nearest railheads are at Dornakal or Markapur; buses and taxis run to Srisailam village. The temple complex is on a hill above the town; local transport and shuttle services operate during festival times.

• Plan darshan timings around the temple's official schedule; queues can form at morning and evening services.
• The temple complex sits on a steep hill - expect many steps; there are rest stops and drinking-water points.
• Dress respectfully and be prepared for crowds during Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri.