Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
A rare shrine counted both among the Jyotirlingas and among the Shakti Peethas, set in the Nallamala hills above the Krishna.
Significance
Srisailam is unusual in holding two distinct kinds of sanctity at once: the Mallikarjuna shrine is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva, while the Bhramaramba shrine is counted among the Shakti Peethas. Pilgrims traditionally visit both. The temple sits on the Nallamala range above the Krishna river, inside a forest tract that is now a tiger reserve, and its fortified stone walls carry extensive relief sculpture. Vijayanagara-era patronage, particularly associated with Harihara and later rulers, accounts for much of the surviving structure.
Structures largely from the Vijayanagara period, on a much older site
The forest setting shapes a visit here more than most pilgrims expect. The approach roads run through a protected reserve, and access along some stretches is restricted at night, so arrival times matter in a way they do not at temples in towns.
Confirm current road timings and darshan arrangements with the temple administration before travelling, particularly outside festival periods.
Principal festivals
- Maha Shivaratri
- Ugadi
- Dasara
Timings, darshan arrangements and dress codes change without notice, especially around festivals. Check with the temple administration before relying on anything here.