Gundala Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Gundala Mallikarjuna Swami Temple, popularly known as Srisailam Temple, it is one of the momentous and historical shrines in Andhra Pradesh in Kurnool district. The temple lies close to the southern banks of river Krishna that is called as Patalaganga (underground springs). This temple was built in 14th century and mounts on the Nallamala Hills or Rishabhagiri Hills also known as Sri Giri, Sriparvata, Rudra Parvata or Seshachalam. The main significance of this temple is that it has one of the twelve Jyotirlingams (manifestation of Lord Siva) in India and people from every walk of life can touch the deity. The temple is dedicated to Sri Mallikarjuna (incarnation of Lord Siva) and Bhramaramba in the form of Mahakali (incarnation of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Siva) who are also the presiding deities of the temple and hence it is also called as Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swami Temple. The temple has nearly 116 inscriptions in and around the shrine.

Mallikarjun Temple is situated on Shri Shaila Mountain by the banks of the Patal Ganga, Krishna River in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Kailash of the South, Mallikarjuna constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Shiva and is one of the greatest Shaivaite shrines in India. The presiding deities of Mallikarjuna Temple are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi). Every year there is a fair organized on account of Mahashivratri.

Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swami on the Indrakiladri hill. Mallikarjuna or the Malleswara as he is known in the Puranas is said to have been installed by 'Yudhishthira', the eldest of the 'Pancha Pandavas', as a token of their victory of the South.

Significance of the Temple

Thribhuvana Malla, Western Chalukya King of the 10th century AD, historically constructed the temple. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them being Kali, Shiva and Krishna.

There are interesting legends about the origin of the Malleswaraswamy temple also. It is stated that, prior to the 'Kalyuga', the sage 'Agastya' had named the Lord at Vijayawada as 'Jayasena'. The Mahabharata hero Arjuna, called the Lord as Malleswara. Thus, the famous Lord Shiva so goes the legend, graces with his presence and blesses the town Vijayawada on the banks of the sacred Krishna river.