The Mallikarjuna Temple, located in the serene town of Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, is an ancient and revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as the “Kailash of the South,” it holds immense spiritual significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, as well as a Shakti Peeth, where the divine energy of Goddess Sati is believed to reside.
The Mallikarjuna Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the town of Srisailam. Often called the Kailash of the South, it holds a unique distinction as it is also one of the 52 Shakti Peethas—sacred spots where parts of Goddess Sati’s body are believed to have fallen.
The Origin of the Name: Mallika and Arjuna
The temple derives its name from a divine manifestation—Parvati as Mallika and Shiva as Arjuna. According to legend, the gods assumed these forms and took up eternal residence in the hills of Srisailam, becoming known together as Mallikarjuna.
A Family Legend of Devotion and Destiny
In a beautiful tale from Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati decided to find suitable brides for their sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha. Shiva proposed that whoever completed a pradakshina (circumambulation) of the world first would marry first.
While Kartikeya set out on his peacock, circling the earth, Ganesha simply walked around his parents, declaring they were his entire world. Touched by his wisdom, Shiva and Parvati married Ganesha to Siddhi (spiritual power) and Riddhi (prosperity).When Kartikeya returned and discovered this, he was heartbroken. In grief, he chose a life of solitude and retired to Mount Krouncha, taking the vow of Kumara Brahmachari (eternal celibacy).
The Divine Reunion at Srisailam
Longing to reunite with their son, Shiva and Parvati journeyed to Mount Krouncha. But sensing their arrival, Kartikeya withdrew further. Saddened, the divine couple paused their search and waited atop the mountain. That very spot became Srisailam, and in their sorrow and love, they manifested as a Jyotirlinga, eternally residing there as Mallika and Arjuna.
Spiritual Significance
This temple is not just a symbol of divine love but also of parental longing, sacrifice, and transcendence. It represents the duality of separation and connection, where even gods experience the human emotions of attachment and loss. The presence of both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth makes Mallikarjuna Temple a rare and deeply sacred confluence of Shiva and Shakti energies, drawing seekers of both devotion and spiritual knowledge.
