The Mallikarjun Temple is also known as the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple dedicated to the deities Shiva and Parvati, located at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. It is significant to the Hindu sects of both Shaivam and Shaktam as this temple is referred to as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and as one Shakti Peethas of goddess Parvati. Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati depicted as Bhramaramba. It is the only temple in India which is revered as both Jyotirlinga and Shaktipeeth.
The temple complex covers 2 hectares and houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba being the most prominent. The shrine where Mallikarjuna is housed is considered the oldest in the temple, dating back to 7th century.
Legend: When Shiva and Parvati decided to find suitable brides for their sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya argued to who is to get wedded first. Shiva bade that the one who goes around the world in Pradakshinam could get married first. By the time Kartikeya could go round the world on his vahana, Ganesha went round his parents 7 times (for according to Shastras, going in pradakshinam round one’s parents is equivalent to going once around the world (Bhu pradakshinam). Siva got Buddhi(intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity) married to Ganesha. Kartikeya on his return was enraged and went away to stay alone on Mount Kraunja in the name of Kumar Brahmachari. On seeing his father coming over to pacify him, he tried to move to another place, but on the request of the Devas, stayed close by. The place where Shiva and Parvati stayed came to be known as Srisailam. As per Hindu legend, the presiding deity in the form of Linga (an iconic form of Shiva) was worshipped with jasmine (locally called Mallika), leading to the name of presiding deity as Mallikarjuna.
*(All the above information are from Wikipedia.)
History: Read the history of the temple here.
Transport:
Airport: The nearest airport is Hyderabad International Airport at a distance of 230 km.
Rail: Markapur railway station in the Guntur Hubli line of South Central Railway is the nearest railway station at a distance of 91 km.
Road: Srisailam is well connected by A.P.S.R.T.C buses from all major towns of the State and even from Bangalore and Chennai. The Karnataka Road Transport Corporation also runs buses from various major cities of that state.
Local: Vehicles are available on hire to reach the temple from the city. Hyderabad is the major city which provides the best connectivity to reach the temple from other states.
Tourist Interest:
Mallikarjun Temple: Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is the major attraction in Srisailam.
Srisailam Tiger reserve: This is the largest Tiger Reserve in India spreading across an area of 3568 sq km.
Srisailam Dam: The Srisailam Dam is constructed across the Krishna River in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh near Srisailam temple town and is the second largest capacity working hydroelectric station in the country.
Mallela Theertham: Mallela Theertham is a waterfall located in the Nallamala Forest in Mahbubnagar, Telangana, India. The River Krishna flows through this forest. It is located around 58 km from Srisailam.
The other places of interest are Sakshi Ganapati Temple, Hathakesvara Temple and Akkamahadevi Caves.
Tour Planner: Mallikarjun Temple in Srisailam can be covered in a day trip. Those who are interested in covering the other places can make a base in Srisailam and move around for a day or two to all the nearby attraction.
Hotels: Hotels in Srisailam are Grand Akka Mahadevi Temple, Haritha Srisailam, Gowri Sadan and others. Those who prefer to travel from Hyderabad had an ample of choice from budget to luxury hotels.