Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is situated at Srisailam, in Andhra Pradesh state, India.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Tower.

When Lord Shiva and Parvati decided to find brides for their sons, Sons Ganesha and Kartikeya argued about who would get married first. Lord Shiva ordered that the one who goes around the world in Pradakshinam could get married first. It is Lord Ganesha who was successful in this test by going around his parents seven times. (Going in pradakshinam around one’s parents is considered going once worldwide). Lord Karthikeya went around the world, and it took a long time. Lord Kartikeya, on completion of his Pradakshinam, was enraged and went away to stay alone on Mount Kravunja in the name of Kumarabrahmachari. On seeing his father, Lord Shiva, coming over to pacify him, Kartikeya tried to move to another place, but Devas requested him to stay nearby. Shrishailam is the place where Lord Siva and Parvati stayed when they visited Kartikeya. It is believed that Lord Siva visits Lord Kartikeya on Amavasya day and Goddess Parvati visits her son Kartikeya on Poornima day.

“Mahashivratri” is the main festival of the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam. There is a huge idol of Nadikeshwara in the center of the Mandapam in this temple.

How do I Go to Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple?

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is at a distance of around 230 kilometers from Hyderabad city. Chennai and Bangalore alias Bangalooru are at a distance of 360 and 370 kilometers distance, respectively, from Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at Srisailam.