Srisailam — Pilgrim Information Guide

Srisailam (Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple) — a complete pilgrim guide

Srisailam is one of the most sacred pilgrimage towns in South India because its hilltop shrine is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha — a rare combination found in only a handful of places. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Bhramaramba, counted among the revered Shakta Peethas. The temple sits in the Nallamala hills of Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the River Krishna, and is administered by the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department. This guide covers the significance, darshan and seva options, how to reach, and where to look for official accommodation — all drawn from published, verifiable sources.

Why Srisailam is significant

The temple is officially the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam. Its dual identity makes it special to two great streams of Hinduism at once: it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas sacred to Shaivism, and one of the celebrated Shakti Peethas sacred to Shaktism. Devotees believe darshan here brings the combined grace of Shiva and Shakti.

The shrine is ancient. Inscriptional and archaeological evidence links the site to the Satavahana period (around the 2nd century CE), and it received major additions and renovations during the Vijayanagara Empire (14th–15th centuries), including work associated with King Harihara I. The temple stands roughly 470 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Nallamala forest and the Krishna, which here is revered as Patala Ganga. Pilgrims traditionally descend a long flight of steps (about 852 steps) to bathe in the river before darshan.

Darshan timings and main sevas

On a normal day the temple opens in the early morning and closes at night, with a break in the afternoon. Published timings for general (free) darshan are broadly 4:30 AM–1:00 PM and 6:00 PM–9:00 PM. During peak devotional months such as Karthika and Shravana, and on major festival days like Maha Shivaratri and Ugadi, the temple extends its hours and crowds swell dramatically. Because the administration adjusts timings for festivals and special rituals, treat the table below as a planning guide and confirm the exact schedule for your travel date on the official portal.

Popular paid sevas include the Abhishekam to Mallikarjuna Swamy (several grades, with the sanctum Garbhalaya Abhishekam being the most premium), Kumkumarchana to Bhramaramba Devi, and various homams. Exact seva names, timings and fees are set by the Devasthanam and change from time to time, so verify the current list and prices on the official portal before you book. A valid government photo ID matching the booking is generally required to enter ticketed and seva queues.

How to reach Srisailam

Srisailam is deep in the Nallamala forest, so most pilgrims arrive by road. The scenic forest ghat road passes through the Nallamala tiger reserve; the forest checkpost can restrict night travel, so plan to reach before dark.

Accommodation at Srisailam

The Devasthanam has built cottages, guest houses and rest rooms for pilgrims in and around the temple town, alongside privately run lodges. For temple-managed rooms, the correct and safe channel is the official Srisailam Devasthanam portal (srisailadevasthanam.org / srisailamonline.com), where availability, room categories and tariffs are published and where any online reservation should be made or verified. Rooms fill quickly during festivals and weekends, so it helps to check availability early. As an independent guide, we do not take bookings and do not recommend third-party resellers — always deal directly with the official temple channel or reception.

Frequently asked questions

Is Srisailam a Jyotirlinga or a Shakti Peetha?

It is both. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Mallikarjuna, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba, one of the Shakti Peethas — which is why Srisailam is considered especially powerful.

What are the general darshan timings?

Free darshan is usually available around 4:30 AM–1:00 PM and 6:00 PM–9:00 PM, with extended hours during festivals and the months of Karthika and Shravana. Confirm the exact schedule for your date on the official portal.

What is Sparsha Darshan?

Sparsha Darshan lets devotees physically touch the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. It is offered in limited slots on selected days for a fixed fee, and is separate from the general and VIP queues. Book early as slots are few.

How do I reach Srisailam from Hyderabad?

By road it is about 213 km (roughly 5–6 hours) via the Nallamala ghat road, with regular state buses. The nearest airport is Hyderabad, and the nearest convenient railheads are Markapur Road, Nandyal and Kurnool.

Where should I book temple accommodation?

Use only the official Srisailam Devasthanam portal (srisailadevasthanam.org / srisailamonline.com) or the temple reception. Avoid third-party booking sites, and verify tariffs and cancellation rules on the official channel.

Do I need an ID for darshan or sevas?

For ticketed darshan and sevas booked online, carry the original government photo ID that matches your booking. Entry can be refused without valid ID, so keep it handy.

Sources & last verified (July 2026)

• Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam (official) — https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/
• Official temple / darshanam pages — https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/en-in/about/the-temple/main-temple and https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/en-in/sevas-and-darshanam/darshanam
• Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam — Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallikarjuna_Temple,_Srisailam

Timings, seva fees and accommodation tariffs are set by the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department and the Devasthanam and can change, especially on festival days — always confirm on the official portal. This site is an independent pilgrim guide and is not affiliated with the temple, the Devasthanam, or TTD.

Last reviewed: July 7, 2026