Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga sits at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, on a plateau above a gorge of the Krishna river, deep in the Nallamala forest range. What sets it apart from the other eleven Jyotirlingas is that the same temple complex also houses Bhramaramba Devi, one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas - making Srisailam one of the few places in India sacred to both major Shaiva and Shakta traditions at once.

Architecture and significance

The temple's fortress-like outer walls and carved gopurams reflect centuries of patronage, with inscriptions and additions from multiple dynasties including the Vijayanagara period. The setting itself is part of the draw - Srisailam is surrounded by the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, and the drive up to the temple through forested hills is dramatic.

How to reach

Srisailam is roughly equidistant from Hyderabad and Kurnool, both a few hours away by road; there is no direct rail line to the town itself, so most pilgrims travel by bus or car from Hyderabad.

Best time to visit

October to February is the most pleasant period. The monsoon months bring heavy rain to the surrounding forest, which can affect road travel in the ghat sections.