Mallikarjuna Temple is situated on Shri Shaila Mountain by the banks of Patal Ganga. It is also known as Kailash of the South. Mallikarjuna constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines and is one of the greatest Shaivaite shrines in India. The presiding deities of Mallikarjuna temple are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi). Every year there is a fair organized on account of Mahashivratri.

Legen of Mallikarjuna Temple
According to Shiv Purana, when Lord Ganesha was married before his brother Kartikeya, he became angry. Despite being consoled by his parents and other gods, Kartikeya went away to the Kraunch Mountain. Then Lord Shiva and Parvati decided they would go and reside at the Kraunch Mountain. However, when Kartikeya came to know bout this, he went away. Eventually Lord Shiva assumed the form of Jyotirlinga and resided on that mountain by the name of Mallikarjuna. Mallika means Parvati, while Arjuna is the other name of Shiva.

Architecture of Mallikarjuna Temple
The architecture here is very intricate. The temple has fort like walls, towers and rich sculptures. The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards and is a fine example of Vijayanagar architecture. Temple of Tripurantakam, Siddavatam, Alampura and Umamaheswaram are located in the vicinity of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and are considered to be the four gateways to Sri Sailam.

Bhramaramba Shrine is adjacent to Mallikarjun temple and is dedicated to Goddess Jagdamba who is known as Bhramaramba. Legend states that Durga is said to have assumed the shape of a bee and worshipped Shiva here, and chose this place as her abode.