rjunThere are a total of twelve Lord Shiva Jyotirlingas in India. Almost every inner Hindu desires to grasp all these 12 Jyotirlingas in his lifetime. Malikarjun is one such temple of Lord Shiva Jyotirlingas located in South India. It is known as Mount Kailas of South India. Some of these Jyotirlingas temples are located in the city area, but the famous Malikarjun temple is located amidst the thickest and densest forests. This is a place where pilgrims can visit only in the month of February to May, because it is very difficult to reach this temple during heavy rains.
This temple of Lord Shiva is located in the Karnul region, on Mount Shrishail, on the banks of the Krishna River. The town is Pedahettum, about 12 miles from that temple. You can come to Pedachet by train or road from Chennai, Madurai and Bangalore. A small guest house here at Pedachetto for travelers to stay. The temple is situated on the top of Shrishail mountain. There is one small Shiva temple at the side of the main temple, which was once called Malikarjun. This ancient temple is very small and every pilgrim has to carefully enter it. There are 1008 small Lord Shiva Lingams carved into the main Lingam. for which reason this Lingam is also called Sahastralingam. There is also a very beautiful statue of Lord Nataraj in this temple in the stature of the choir. This temple is located in the middle of a thick and dense forest and therefore does not have many facilities. The local people staying here are called Chenchu and extend all kinds of assistance to tourists. The calm and peaceful environment of this famous temple generates spiritual energy in all people and hence it is the best place to practice meditation, yoga, and dhyana. Pilgrims take a holy bath here in the Krishna River before entering the main temple.
They are in all five places like Mount Shrishail in India, where the holy statue of Devi Bhagvati is installed and prayed to by all the pilgrims. This is also why Mount Shrishail has become a holy place of pilgrimage. Devi Bhagvati in one form of Devi Gayatri and an eagle is kept on the banner of this temple. As the standard is kept very high, this Gayatridevi temple is called Gagangami temple. This goddess is said to be the daughter of the Himalayan Mountains and is considered to be very fond of music. That is why many famous musicians come here to Mount Shrishail to sing their new music compositions before the goddess. There are no hotel and food facilities here at the Malikarjun temple. Make sure you drink your own water and bring plenty of drinking water with you. It is advisable to stay overnight in Pedachetto and proceed to the main temple the next morning.
Compared to all other Jyotirlingas Lord Shiva temples, this temple is the least visited temple due to its remote location in the middle of dense forests. However, for people who are interested in adventure travel, this is an ideal place to visit. The real threat of wild animals is in the forests near this temple. Wherefore it is not expedient to stay the night here. All pilgrims, including the priest, leave the temple after the evening ritual. They return again in the morning to complete the morning ritual.
I visited this Lord Shiva temple once in 2007. I must mention here that I enjoyed my visit very much because of the secluded location of this temple. Do you think you should visit this temple?
