Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna Swamy at the famous Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh. But ever wondered why Lord Shiva is known as Mallikarjuna Swamy?
The reason why Shiva got the name Mallikarjuna Swamy is associated with beautiful princess Chandravathi. Shiva never shy away from fulfilling the wishes of his ardent devotees.
Legend has it that Chandravathi, beautiful princess, ran away to the distant Nallamala hill range, to escape from her father who was making her life hell through his amorous advances.
Chandravathi worshipped Shiva here with jasmine or malle flowers.
So powerful was her devotion that Shiva could not ignore her prayers. Shiva appeared before her and granted her wish that He adorn with jasmine flowers at all times. Shiva agreed to this innocent wish of his devotee. From that day onwards Shiva came to be known as Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Did You Know?
- Hailed as Dakshina Kashi, Srisailam is the only temple complex that comprises of a Jyotirlinga and a Shaktipeeth –this distinction even eludes Kashi.
- Goddess Parvati took the form of a bee (Bhramara) to annihilate demon Arunasur here. She is therefore worshipped here as Sri Bramaramba.
- The Shivling of Lord Shiva at Srisailam was worshiped by Hiranyakashipu. Sita and Bhagavan Sri Ram consecrated sahasra lingas here. Arjuna and Dattatreya performed penance at the temple. Adi Shankaracharya composed the Sivananda Lahari here.