Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Timings and Rituals

Sri Mallikarjuna Temple of Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is a religious abode, devoted to Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba.

It is among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Mahadeva and Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas of Maa Sati, making it highly revered in Hinduism and the greatest Shaivite shrine. Given its spiritual significance, it lures devotees from each corner of the nation every year.

This guide is written to share some of the basic details of the temple that will help you while planning your itinerary to this holy site.

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timing Schedules:

Whenever we travel to some place, its opening and closing timings are important aspects to plan accordingly. We generally know that temples are open early in the morning and then accessible in shifts the rest of the day.

Morning:

Mallikarjuna Temple opens its doors at 4:30 am for devotees to relish a peaceful experience in the Mangla Aarti. The first Darshans of the god is also said to bring a fortunate day ahead.

Afternoon:

During the afternoon, the temple remains closed as it is believed to be inauspicious hours of the day. Also, these are the resting times of the god.

You can, however, explore the complex and its surroundings in the meantime.

Evening:

The temple reopens between 5:00 and 6:00 pm and starts flooding with thousands of devotees to have a glimpse of the deity. You will get to witness evening rituals and religious ceremonies that make the atmosphere very serene and tranquil.

Night:

For the last Darshans of the God, you may reach the temple before 9:00 pm. After the Shayan Aarti, the deities are put to rest for the night, and the doors are closed.

In the Aarti, many devotees feel the rush of adrenaline listening to the religious hymns, with the resonant sounds of Dhols and drums.

Note: It’s advisable to double-check the timings before your visit, as during the festival or special occasion, it generally fluctuates.

Pooja and Rituals:

Since Mallikarjuna Temple has a very rich history, its daily rituals are unique in a way and showcase its religious and cultural heritage. Other than these, there are celebrated ceremonies tied to specific festivals.

These rituals and ceremonies hold a significant place in the hearts of devotees, offering them a sense of devotion and a great spiritual experience.

Suprabhatam:

Suprabhatam refers to the early morning prayers and hymns to awaken Lord Shiva and other deities. It creates a devotional atmosphere in and around the temple, which radiates very positive vibes.

Abhishekam:

Abhishekam suggests the sacred bathing of the Lord Mallikarjuna with natural substances like honey, milk, and water, as it is considered highly purifying.

Alankara:

After the Abhishek, priests prepare to adorn the idol and the sanctum with great faith. The decorations add to the visual glory of the god and the temple, and it’s also said that each of the embellishments has a symbolic impression.

Rudrabhishekam:

This potent ceremony involves the anointing of the Shivling with several religious items. Many devotees feel that applying oil, Itra, and other sacred things to the god will bring them good fortune and health.

Nitya Kalyanotsavam:

This daily ceremony is a marriage of Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba, which is said to bless devotees with marital harmony.

Major Festivals:

Here are some special occasions and major festivities of this Jyotirlinga:

Mahashivratri:

• The authorities of the Mallikarjuna shrine host an 11-day ceremony in honour of Mahashivratri, called Brahmotsavam.
• During this annual festival, thousands of devotees come from far and wide to participate in the special Pooja and rituals.
• They perform processions, night-long prayer sessions, chanting, seek blessings for their spiritual growth, and pardon for their sins.
• The entire complex of the temple gets flooded with cultural events and spiritual vibrancy, turning it into a paradise for attendees.
• Maha Shivratri at Srisailam is a soulful retreat, and you must plan to witness this profound ceremony once in your lifetime.

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Dwajarohanam:

• The Dwajarohanam means the ceremonial hoisting of the flag, indicating the official beginning of the festival, especially Maha Shivratri.
• This ceremony is performed on the top pillar of the temple, known as Dhwaja Stambha, and is treated as an invitation to other gods and devotees to join this holy event.
• Moreover, It is also believed that the Pratham darshans of the flag and Shikhar(top) are very auspicious, connecting the divine energies and soul together.

Deepotsavam:

• Deepotsavam, or Diwali, the festival of light, is a prominent festival celebrated at Mallikarjuna by lighting thousands of oil lamps and creating a mesmerising ambience and spiritual gathering.
• Among the festivities, the most significant is the Laksha Deepotsavam, where one lakh diyas are lit and adorned in and around the premises.
• It also includes special prayers and baths in the Krishna River, which draw a huge crowd from all across India.

Pradosh Pooja:

• Pradosha is a specific phase of the moon, celebrated on the 13th day of the lunar period, and occurs twice a month.
• It is said that Lord Shiva gets in a euphoric and jubilant mood and blesses the devotees who worship him during this phase.
• According to the legends, once, the Gods asked Mahadeva for his help to defeat demons in the Pradosh Kaal, and since then, it’s an auspicious time to seek his blessings.
• The local people here visit the temple in the evening and offer Bilva leaves to the Shiva Linga and chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra or any other powerful mantras.
• Priests of the temple perform Abhishek with holy substances like honey, ghee, curd, milk, and water.
• Pradosh Pooja at Mallikarjuna also combines fasting, prayer and other ritualistic worship of the god.

Suggested to Read:

Mallikarjuna Temple History

Best Time To Visit Mallikarjun Temple

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Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Timings and Rituals