SHRISHAILAM MALIKARJUN JYOTIRLINGA

Shrishailam Temple

  HELLO!! After a gap of almost two years, I am finally back to writing. And what could be more meaningful for a comeback than sharing a journey that touched both my heart and soul? Recently, I traveled to Shrishailam Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga Temple with my 8-month-old daughter—a trip filled with spirituality, nature, and history.

This was not just another getaway; it was an experience of divine blessings, breathtaking landscapes, and precious memories with my little one.

Journey from Solapur to Shrishaiam

Our trip began with a train journey from Solapur to Hyderabad. Watching the countryside roll past was refreshing, and managing the travel with my baby felt surprisingly smooth. From Hyderabad, we boarded a private bus to Shrishailam, passing through dense forests and winding hill roads. The entire route felt like nature’s way of welcoming us to a holy land.

Travel Tip: The distance from Hyderabad to Shrishailam is about 215 km, and you can easily find buses, cabs, or private vehicles.

Shrishailam temple

Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga Temple - History and Significance

The highlight of the trip was visiting the sacred Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is believed that Lord Shiva (Mallikarjun) and Goddess Parvati (Bhramaramba) reside here, making Shrishailam both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth.

Temple Architecture

The temple’s Dravidian architecture is stunning—towering gopurams, beautifully carved pillars, and intricate stone work that reflects centuries of devotion. Inside the main sanctum lies the holy Jyotirlinga, and the atmosphere is charged with energy and faith.

Walking through the complex, I also came across several smaller temples within the temple that added depth to the spiritual experience.

After the darshan, we received the delicious prasad—simple, pure, and soul-satisfying. Sharing it with my daughter made it even more memorable.

Sightseeing in Shrishailam

Shrishailam is not just about the temple; it has many gems waiting to be explored. On the next day, we went sightseeing, and here’s what we experienced:

Ancient Sakshi Ganpati Temple – A small yet powerful shrine. Devotees believe Lord Ganpati here keeps a record of all pilgrims visiting Mallikarjun.

Sakshi Ganpati

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Dome – A massive dome that narrates stories of Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery and his kingdom’s glory. History lovers will find it truly fascinating.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj dome

Shivaji Maharaj Ashta Pradhan 

Krishna Dam – The huge dam across the Krishna River is a sight to behold. Standing near it, I felt both calm and inspired by nature’s magnificence.

Patal Ganga River Boat Ride – This was the highlight of our sightseeing! The boat ride on the peaceful Patal Ganga River, surrounded by hills and greenery, was both adventurous and calming.

Patal Ganga

After a long break from writing, this Shrishailam travel story felt like the perfect restart. Visiting the Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga Temple with my 8-month-old daughter was a journey of faith, history, and natural beauty all rolled into one.

From the divine darshan to exploring Sakshi Ganapti Temple, Shivaji Maharaj Dome, Krishna Dam, and the Patal Ganga boat ride, every moment was blessed.

If you’re planning a Shrishailam trip, prepare yourself for more than just darshan—it’s a complete experience of spirituality, heritage, and nature. 🙏✨

With my Girl

Travel Tips for Shrishailam

Best Time to Visit: October to March when the weather is pleasant.

Ideal Duration: 2–3 days for darshan and sightseeing.

Travelling with Kids: Carry essentials like baby food, extra clothes, and light snacks. Plan temple visits during non-peak hours to avoid rush.

 

Entry gate

Nandi Circle