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About this puja
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, located in Srisailam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas, making it a significant pilgrimage site for both Shaivism and Shaktism.
Mythological Origins
The temple's origins are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, the temple's name "Mallikarjuna" combines "Mallika," meaning jasmine, and "Arjuna," referring to Lord Shiva. The myth states that the divine couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, took the form of Arjuna (Shiva) and Mallika (Parvati) and resided in this region. Another legend narrates that their son, Kartikeya, after a disagreement with his parents, moved to the Krauncha Mountain. Shiva and Parvati, wishing to stay close to their son, appeared as the Jyotirlinga and the Shakti Peetha in Srisailam.
Historical Development
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. References to Srisailam can be found in several ancient scriptures, including the Skanda Purana, which describes the sanctity of the temple. The temple gained prominence during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty, around the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, when it became a significant center of Shaivite worship.
