Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple Guide: Darshan, Timings, Tickets & Travel Info

Hey, traveller! We are off to one of India’s most sacred spots, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam. Situated high in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, it’s the second of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas, and the drive up through tiger forest is half the fun.

We all walk you through darshan timings, tickets, how to reach Shri Mallikarjuna Temple and the hidden gems around it. Plus, we’ll show you how Chiku Cab can make your ride smooth, since our drivers cover the Hyderabad to Srisailam route every week. Let’s get going!

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, also known as Shrishail Mallikarjun Temple, stands on a ridge above the Krishna River gorge. Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Reddi kings and Vijayanagara rulers all built parts of this complex. The main shrine houses the Mallikarjun Shivling, with Goddess Parvati beside him as Bhramaramba Devi.

The hills stay green most of the year, and mornings come with peacock calls and langur chatter from the tiger reserve around town.

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Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Information

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga History & Legend

Satavahana inscriptions mention Srisailam as early as the 2nd century, and the Skanda Purana gives it a full section, the Srisaila Khanda.

Story of Lord Shiva, Parvati and Kartikeya

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga story begins with a race. Shiva and Parvati said whichever son circled the earth first would marry first. Kartikeya flew off on his peacock, while Ganesha simply walked around his parents seven times and won.

Hurt, Kartikeya left Kailash for the Krauncha mountain. Shiva and Parvati followed him and settled on a nearby hill, now Srisailam, as Arjuna and Mallika. That’s how the linga got the name Mallikarjuna. Another local katha credits a princess, Chandravati, who worshipped it daily with mallika (jasmine) flowers.

Significance as the 2nd Jyotirlinga

The Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram names it right after Somnath: “Saurashtre Somanatham cha, Srisaile Mallikarjunam”. Many devotees chant Adi Shankaracharya’s verse for this shrine as the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga mantra.

Srishaila shrunge vibudhaati sange, tulaadri tunge’pi muda vasantam,

Tamarjunam mallika poorvamekam, namaami samsaara samudra setum.

An old saying adds that whoever sees the Srisailam peak won’t be born again. So families often ask our drivers to stop at Shikharam viewpoint on the way in.

Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha in One Temple

Srisailam is one of the rare temples where a Jyotirlinga and a Maha Shakti Peetha share one complex. Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Bhramaramba Devi, and tradition says Sati’s neck fell at this spot. Legend says she took the form of bees (bhramara) to kill the demon Arunasura. Press your ear to a small opening behind her shrine and you’ll hear a faint buzzing.

Mallikarjuna Temple Architecture

High stone prakara walls, about 8.5 m tall, enclose a 2-hectare complex with four gopurams. Their outer panels show Shiva as a hunter, epic scenes, elephants and dancers. Inside, the Dravidian-style Mukha Mandapa has densely carved Vijayanagara pillars. Krishnadevaraya added mandapas in the 16th century, and Chhatrapati Shivaji built the northern gopuram in 1677. Look for the Vruddha Mallikarjuna linga, the Sahasra Linga and the five Panchapandava lingas too.

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Darshan Timings

Timings change during Karthika Masam, Shivaratri and Ugadi, so check the official site a day before.

Temple Opening & Closing Time

Aarti & Abhishekam Timings

Try to catch the evening harathi. Bells, nadaswaram and rows of oil lamps fill the packed mandapa.

Types of Darshan & Ticket Prices

Since December 2025, ₹500 tickets come with two free laddus and ₹300 tickets with one.

Free (Sarva) Darshan

It’s open during all darshan hours with no ticket. On Karthika Mondays and Shivaratri, the queue can take many hours, so carry water.

Sheeghra Darshan

At ₹150, it’s the easy pick for elderly parents. Athi Sheeghra gives a closer Alankara view but no touching. Both are sold online and at the counters.

Sparsha Darshan (Touching the Jyotirlinga)

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga sparsh darshan lets you touch the linga, which few Jyotirlingas still allow.

• Tickets cost ₹500 and are sold only online.
• Tuesday to Friday has three slots, around 7:30 AM, 11:45 AM and 8:30 PM.
• On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, only the night slot is usually open.
• A free Sparsha window, about 1:45 PM to 3:45 PM on Tuesday to Friday, works on same-day Aadhaar tokens.
• During Shivaratri, Ugadi and peak Karthika days, it’s often suspended.

How to Book Mallikarjuna Darshan Online

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga online booking works only on srisailadevasthanam.org.

1. Register with your mobile number.
2. Under Online Booking, pick Darshanam Tickets.
3. Choose type, date and slot, then add devotee ID details.
4. Pay by UPI or card and download the ticket.

There’s no VIP pass sold online. VIP break darshan needs a recommendation letter sent to the protocol office two days ahead, so avoid agents selling “darshan passes”.

Sevas & Pooja Booking at Srisailam

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga abhishek booking is on the same website, as Pratyaksha (in person) or Paroksha (prasadam posted home).

For a full Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga rudrabhishek, book the 9:00 AM Mahanyasapurvaka Rudrabhishekam. Paid sevas usually pause during Shivaratri and Ugadi.

Dress Code for Mallikarjuna Temple

General darshan needs modest clothes, with no shorts or sleeveless tops. Sparsha Darshan and Garbhalaya Abhishekam follow a strict code.

The dress code for men catches many north Indian visitors off guard. Shops on the temple road sell pancha sets for a few hundred rupees. Phones, cameras and leather items aren’t allowed inside.

Best Time to Visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

The best time to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is October to February, with 15°C to 30°C weather. March to May gets hot, often crossing 40°C. June to September is humid and green, and the dam gates may open after a good monsoon. For thin crowds, our drivers suggest a Tuesday to Thursday between mid-December and February.

Festivals at Srisailam Temple

Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam

It’s an 11-day festival with nightly vahana sevas and a midnight Lingodbhava abhishekam. In 2027, Shivaratri falls on 6 March. Forest gates stay open at night, and paid sevas pause.

Karthika Masam

In 2026, it falls between 10 November and 8 December. Mondays bring the year’s biggest queues, and lamps float on the Krishna at Patala Ganga every evening.

Ugadi Festival

Thousands of Kannada devotees walk to Srisailam for the five-day Ugadi Mahotsavam, since they treat Bhramaramba Devi as their own daughter. Ugadi 2027 falls on 7 April.

How to Reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Reach Hyderabad by flight or train, then drive the last 215 km.

By Air

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga nearest airport is Hyderabad’s RGIA, about 200 km away, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and every metro. Our airport cabs skip the city and head straight onto the Srisailam highway.

By Train

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga nearest railway station is Markapur Road (MRK), 85 km away, on the Guntur to Guntakal line. For long-distance trains, use Secunderabad, Kacheguda or Hyderabad Deccan. We pick up from all of them.

By Road

APSRTC and TGSRTC buses leave Hyderabad’s MGBS through the day. Buses also come from Kurnool, Vijayawada and Nandyal. From Bengaluru, take NH 44 to Kurnool and turn east via Atmakur.

Hyderabad to Srisailam by Cab

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga distance from Hyderabad is 215 km on NH 765, via Kalwakurthy, Achampet and the Mannanur checkpost. Leave by 5:00 AM, have breakfast at Kalwakurthy, and you’ll reach the temple before noon. Network drops inside the forest, so download offline maps.

Srisailam Ghat Road & Forest Checkpost Timings

Miss the gate and you’ll wait till morning, so we time returns to clear Mannanur by 8:30 PM.

Where to Stay in Srisailam

Temple Devasthanam Rooms & Online Booking

Devasthanam guest houses like Ganga Sadan, Gouri Sadan and Mallikarjuna Sadan cost about ₹150 to ₹4,000 a night. Do your Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga room booking on the official site, or try the CRO counter on arrival. Carry ID for every adult. Community satrams like Vasavi Satram are cheaper and often serve free meals.

Hotels Near Mallikarjuna Temple

Private hotels near the bus stand cost around ₹1,200 to ₹4,000 for AC rooms. Sunnipenta, near the dam, is quieter. For festival weeks, book three to four weeks ahead.

Top Things To Do in Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

1. Darshan at the Main Shrine

See the lamp-lit Mallikarjuna lingam covered in bilva and jasmine, and touch it if you hold a Sparsha ticket.

2. Join the Evening Aarti

Bells, chants and camphor smoke make this the loudest half-hour of the day.

3. Take a Holy Dip in Temple Tanks

Bathe in the Krishna at Patala Ganga or a temple tank, and carry spare modest clothes.

4. Walk Through the Temple Halls

Stone halls with old inscriptions and carvings of Shiva and Parvati stay quiet in the early afternoon.

5. Climb the Pigeon Hill (Kashi)

This small hill next to the shrine gives temple views over the mountains, with pigeons circling overhead.

6. Visit the Parvati Mandapam

This quiet, flower-scented corner of the complex is far less crowded than the main shrine.

Places to Visit near Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Patala Ganga (by steps or ropeway), Shikharam Viewpoint, Sakshi Ganapathi Temple and Lingala Gattu are all short drives from the temple. Our drivers know the less crowded spots too.

1. Srisailam Dam

This huge hydroelectric dam is 14 km away and looks spectacular when the gates open. Ask your driver to stop on the way back.

2. Srisailam Tiger Reserve

The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is India’s largest by area. Early morning drives are best for spotting deer and peafowl.

3. Akkamahadevi Caves

Take a boat from Patala Ganga to these old caves, linked to the 12th-century saint-poet Akka Mahadevi.

4. Octopus Viewpoint

Near Domalapenta, the Krishna’s winding arms look like an octopus from above. Go early for the mist.

5. Mallela Theertham Waterfall

About 58 km away in the Amrabad forest, it’s fullest between August and November.

Let’s be honest, the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga images online are just the start. Photography isn’t allowed inside, so save your camera for these viewpoints.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Getaways

1. Mahanandi (170 km)

This calm temple town has springs so clear you can count coins at the bottom.

2. Kurnool (180 km)

Kurnool has Konda Reddy Fort, museums and Andhra food, and you can book one-way rides with Chiku Cab.

3. Hyderabad (215 km)

Head here for biryani, Charminar and shopping, with the airport on your way out.

4. Nagarjuna Sagar (165 km)

This big reservoir has a boat ride to Nagarjunakonda’s Buddhist ruins.

5. Alampur Jogulamba Temple (220 km)

It’s another Maha Shakti Peetha, with 7th-century Navabrahma temples beside it.

For a longer Mallikarjun Jyotirling yatra, our cabs also cover Tirupati Balaji (370 km), Rameshwaram and the Maharashtra Jyotirlingas.

Suggested 1-Day / 2-Day Srisailam Itinerary

The day trip means about 11 hours in the cab, so we suggest two days for elderly travellers.

Tips for Visiting Mallikarjuna Temple

• Book Sparsha Darshan and rooms two to three weeks ahead for weekends.
• Leave phones and leather items in the cab or the cloakroom.
• Free Annaprasadam starts around 11:30 AM.
• Monkeys at Patala Ganga and Shikharam grab open bags, so keep prasadam closed.
• If you need the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga contact number, use the one on the official website only.

Book a Cab for Srisailam Mallikarjuna Darshan

Chiku Cab has served 250+ cities since 2018. Our Srisailam drivers know the gate timings, queue drop points and parking, so you don’t lose time. Pick a one-way drop, round trip or a full Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga tour package.

Fares are estimates. Tolls, forest fees and driver night allowance (₹300 to ₹500) are extra, and the app shows your exact fare before you confirm. Book your Hyderabad to Srisailam cab on the Chiku Cab app and pick a 5:00 AM pickup to beat the noon rush.

FAQs About Mallikarjuna Temple

Where is Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple located?

The Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is in Srisailam, a temple town in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh. It stands on the Nallamala Hills above the Krishna River, roughly 215 km south of Hyderabad.

Why is Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple famous?

It’s one of the very few temples where a Shiva Jyotirlinga and a Maha Shakti Peetha share the same complex. Pilgrims also come for Sparsha Darshan, which lets you touch the linga with your own hands.

What are the darshan timings of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

The gates open at 4:30 AM with Suprabhatam. Darshan is held from about 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The temple closes for cleaning between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM, and these hours change during Karthika Masam, Shivaratri and Ugadi.

Is Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga one of the 12 Jyotirlingas?

Yes. Srisailam is counted second among the 12 Jyotirlingas, named right after Somnath in the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram.

Which goddess is worshipped at Mallikarjuna Temple?

Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Bhramaramba Devi. Her shrine is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, and devotees believe Sati’s neck fell at this spot.

How can I reach Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

Most travellers fly or take a train to Hyderabad and then drive about 215 km to Srisailam. Markapur Road (MRK) is the closest railway station at 85 km. State buses also come in from Hyderabad, Kurnool, Vijayawada and Nandyal.

What is the distance from Hyderabad to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

Srisailam is about 215 km from Hyderabad on NH 765. A cab usually takes 5 to 6 hours, with a breakfast stop at Kalwakurthy and the forest drive after Mannanur.

What is the best time to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

Plan your trip between October and February, when temperatures stay between 15°C and 30°C. For smaller crowds, pick a weekday from mid-December onwards and skip Karthika Mondays.

Is there an entry fee for Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

Entry is free, and so is Sarva Darshan. If you want a quicker queue or a closer view, Sheeghra Darshan costs ₹150, Athi Sheeghra ₹300 and Sparsha Darshan ₹500 per person.

How can I book darshan tickets for Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple online?

Go to srisailadevasthanam.org, the Devasthanam’s official site, and sign up with your mobile number. Open Darshanam Tickets under Online Booking, choose your date and slot, enter each devotee’s ID details and pay by UPI or card. Sparsha Darshan tickets are only sold online.

What is the significance of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga?

According to legend, Shiva and Parvati settled on this hill as Arjuna and Mallika to stay near their son Kartikeya, and that’s where the name Mallikarjuna comes from. An old belief says that just seeing the Srisailam peak frees a person from rebirth.

How much time is required for Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga darshan?

On a regular weekday with a Sheeghra or Athi Sheeghra ticket, plan for an hour or two. The free queue can take several hours on Mondays, long weekends and festival days.

Can I visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and Bhramaramba Temple on the same day?

Yes, easily. The Bhramaramba Devi shrine is in the same complex, up a few steps behind the main sanctum, so most pilgrims visit both in one go.

What is the dress code for Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

For general darshan, modest clothes are enough, but shorts and sleeveless tops aren’t allowed. Sparsha Darshan and Garbhalaya Abhishekam are stricter. Men wear a dhoti or pancha with an upper cloth, and women wear a saree, half-saree or churidar with a dupatta.

Is mobile phone photography allowed inside Mallikarjuna Temple?

No. Phones and cameras aren’t allowed inside, so leave them in your cab or at the cloakroom. Save your photos for Shikharam, Patala Ganga and the dam viewpoints.

What are the major festivals celebrated at Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

The biggest crowds come for the 11-day Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam, the month of Karthika Masam and the Ugadi Mahotsavam. Sankranti and Dasara also have special pujas.

Are accommodation facilities available near Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

Yes. The Devasthanam runs guest houses such as Ganga Sadan, Gouri Sadan and Mallikarjuna Sadan, priced at roughly ₹150 to ₹4,000 a night and bookable on the official website. There are also community satrams and private hotels near the bus stand.

Can I visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple with my family and elderly parents?

Srisailam is easy to plan for families. For older parents, a Sheeghra ticket saves hours of standing, and a two-day trip is far more comfortable than a same-day return from Hyderabad.

Which places can I visit near Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple?

Patala Ganga, Shikharam Viewpoint, Sakshi Ganapathi Temple, Srisailam Dam, Akkamahadevi Caves and Octopus Viewpoint are all a short drive away. With more time, you can add Mallela Theertham waterfall or a morning drive through the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

How can I plan a one-day trip to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple from Hyderabad?

Leave Hyderabad around 5:00 AM, have breakfast at Kalwakurthy and you’ll reach Srisailam by about 11:00 AM. After darshan and lunch, visit Sakshi Ganapathi and Shikharam. Head back by 4:00 PM so you clear the Mannanur forest gate well before it closes at 9:00 PM. A Chiku Cab round trip from Hyderabad lets you plan this around your darshan slot.

Related Guides and Cab Services from Chiku Cab

Most Srisailam trips start in Hyderabad, and some pilgrims carry on to another temple town. These pages cover both.

• Groups and families. Book a Hyderabad to Srisailam tempo traveller, an Innova cab from Hyderabad to Srisailam or an Ertiga cab for six. Large groups can hire a Hyderabad to Srisailam bus.
• Onward trips. Book Srisailam to Vijayawada cabs for Kanaka Durga darshan, or Srisailam to Bhadrachalam cabs for the Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple.

Abhishek Singh

I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.