Lord Shiva has twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, located across different states of India. However, Varanasi (Kashi) is the only city where all twelve Jyotirlingas are represented in the form of sacred replicas. If devotees are unable to visit the original Jyotirlingas, it is believed that worshipping their replicas in Kashi grants the same spiritual blessings and religious merit.
Today, we are discussing about Mallikarjuna Mahadev Temple in Varanasi, which represents the famous Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga situated at Srisailam in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Krishna River.
The Legend of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s two sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, once argued about who should get married first.To settle the dispute, Lord Shiva announced that whoever completed a journey around the Earth first would be declared the winner.
Lord Kartikeya immediately left on his peacock to circle the world. Lord Ganesha, whose vehicle was a mouse, knew he could not compete in speed. Instead, he wisely seated his parents together and walked around them seven times.
In Hindu tradition, parents are considered equal to the entire universe. Mother represents the Earth, while the father is regarded as the highest among the gods. Therefore, Lord Ganesha’s act was accepted as equivalent to circling the whole world, and he was declared the winner.
Feeling disappointed, Lord Kartikeya left for a distant place. To comfort him, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati went there and appeared before him in the divine form of Mallikarjuna. This sacred place later became the famous Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, also known as the Kailash of South India.
Mallikarjuna Mahadev Temple in Kashi
The Mallikarjuna Mahadev Temple in Varanasi is located in the Sigra area and is regarded as the sacred replica of the original Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga.
Devotees have to climb 84 steps to reach the temple. According to local beliefs, climbing these steps symbolizes freedom from the 84 lakh (8.4 million) life cycles, leading the soul toward liberation (Moksha).
Historical and Spiritual Importance
According to the Shiva Purana, during the period of the Ramayana, this place was the ashram of Rishi Shri Rangi. Many great sages and saints performed intense penance here to worship Lord Shiva.
Pleased by their devotion, Lord Shiva manifested here as Tripurantakeshwar in a self-manifested (Swayambhu) form.
It is also believed that the sages created a sacred stream of the Krishna River through their spiritual power. Even today, there is a holy well inside the temple, and devotees believe that its water comes from the Krishna River and is used for the Abhishek (holy bathing ritual) of Lord Shiva.
Other Deities Inside the Temple
Besides Lord Shiva, the temple also houses several important Hindu deities, including:
- Maa Kali
- Trimukhi (Three-Faced) Lord Ganesha, one of the Chappan Vinayaks of Kashi
- Lord Hanuman
- Lord Shri Ram with his divine family
Special Belief of the Temple
The temple is especially famous for its belief related to speech disorders.
It is believed that if a devotee or a child suffers from stammering, stuttering, or delayed speech, offering a silver tongue to Maa Kali after making a sincere vow helps remove these problems through the blessings of the Goddess.
The Hidden Tunnel
According to an inscription found inside the temple, there was once a secret underground tunnel beneath the temple that directly connected to the holy River Ganga.
Although the tunnel is no longer in use, it remains one of the temple’s fascinating historical legends.
How to Reach Mallikarjuna Mahadev Temple
The temple is located in the Sigra area of Varanasi.
From Sigra Chauraha, walk towards Mahmoodganj for about 400–450 meters. On the left side, you will find a signboard marking the entrance to the temple. Enter through the gate, and you will reach the sacred Mallikarjuna Mahadev Temple.
Address:
Mallikarjuna Mahadev Temple
Sri Shitla Mata Mandir, Sigra Mahmoorganj Rd,
Sampoornanand Nagar Colony,
Mahmoorganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
Conclusion:
The Mallikarjuna Mahadev Temple in Varanasi is one of the most spiritually significant Shiva temples in Kashi. As the sacred representation of the original Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga of Srisailam, it allows devotees to receive the blessings of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas without traveling to Andhra Pradesh.
Whether you seek spiritual peace, liberation, or divine blessings, a visit to this ancient temple offers a deeply meaningful experience.
Har Har Mahadev!
Image Credit – Phone Gallery
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