SHRI MALLIKARJUNA JYOTIRLINGA

CHAPTER TWO

Om Namah Shivaya

INTRODUCTION

"Salutations to Lord Ganesha. Today, I narrate to you the wonderful story of Mallikarjuna – the second among the twelve Jyotirlingas."

This is not merely a story – it is the tale of the glory of parents, the tale of the balance between wisdom and strength, and that divine play of the oneness of Shiva and Shakti, which teaches us – where Shiva is, there is Shakti, and where Shakti is, there is Shiva.

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CHAPTER ONE

SHIVA-PARVATI'S TWO SONS – GANESHA AND KARTIKEYA

This is a very ancient tale... when even the gods wandered upon the earth.

Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati had two sons – Ganesha and Kartikeya. Both were extremely powerful, wise, and radiant. Ganesha was the embodiment of wisdom, while Kartikeya was renowned for his valor and heroism.

One day, Mother Parvati thought – "Both my sons are worthy. Now the time has come for them to be married."

But the problem was – whose marriage should happen first? Which of the two should be given priority?

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CHAPTER TWO

THE CIRCUMAMBULATION OF THE UNIVERSE – THE COMPETITION

Then Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati set a competition for both sons.

"Whoever circumambulates the entire universe and returns first, his marriage will happen first."

Upon hearing this, Kartikeya immediately mounted his vehicle, the peacock, and set off to circumambulate the universe. He was fully confident – "I am the fastest. I will surely win."

Ganesha remained seated calmly. He showed neither haste nor eagerness. Then he slowly rose, circumambulated his parents – Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati – seven times, and bowed at their feet.

Everyone asked in surprise – "Ganesha! Why did you not circumambulate the universe?"

Then Ganesha said with a smile –

"Parents are the entire universe. Circumambulating them is equivalent to circumambulating the universe. Bowing at their feet is the greatest penance."

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CHAPTER THREE

SHIVA'S BLESSING – PRIORITY TO GANESHA

Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati were extremely pleased with Ganesha's wisdom and humility.

Shiva said –

"O Ganesha! You have attained true knowledge. You have understood that parents are the center of creation. Therefore, your marriage shall happen first."

Ganesha was married to Buddhi (Wisdom) and Riddhi-Siddhi (Prosperity and Accomplishment).

When Kartikeya returned after circling the universe, he came to know that his younger brother Ganesha had already been married.

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CHAPTER FOUR

KARTIKEYA'S ANGER AND DEPARTURE TO SRISAILA

Kartikeya became very angry. He felt that injustice had been done to him. He said –

"I circumambulated the entire universe, and Ganesha only circumambulated our parents. This is unfair!"

In anger, Kartikeya mounted his peacock and set off towards the Srisaila mountain. He made up his mind – "I shall remain a celibate for life. I have no need for marriage now."

Upon reaching the Srisaila mountain, Kartikeya began intense penance. He started living there in solitude.

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CHAPTER FIVE

SHIVA-PARVATI'S ARRIVAL AT SRISAILA

Mother Parvati became extremely grief-stricken due to the separation from her son. She kept saying again and again –

"My son has gone far away. He is alone, and he is angry with me."

Lord Shiva consoled Mother Parvati and said –

"Let us go to Srisaila ourselves. Where our son is, there we shall also reside."

Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati came to the Srisaila mountain and began to live there. It was here that Lord Shiva came to be worshipped as Mallikarjuna.

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CHAPTER SIX

THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE NAME MALLIKARJUNA

"Mallika" means – Parvati (who is as beautiful as the Mallika flower).

"Arjuna" means – Shiva (who is as firm and unyielding as the Arjuna tree).

Thus – Mallikarjuna = the combined form of Parvati and Shiva. This is the symbol of the oneness of Shiva and Shakti.

This place is also a Shakti Peetha. Here resides Bhramaramba Devi – a form of Mother Parvati herself.

"Where Shiva is, there is Shakti; and where Shakti is, there is Shiva."

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CHAPTER SEVEN

THE DIVINITY OF SRISAILA – SPECIAL FEATURES

The Srisaila mountain is also called the Kailash of the South. This place is extremely beautiful – filled with lush green forests, cool breeze, and the melodious sounds of birds.

Geographical Features –

Srisailam is located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

It is situated on the banks of the Krishna river.

The temple is located on a hill, and one has to climb steps to reach it.

Mythological Significance –

The Skanda Purana contains a detailed description of Srisaila.

This place is sacred to both Shaiva and Shakta traditions.

It is believed – that having darshan here destroys sins of many lifetimes.

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CHAPTER EIGHT

THE TEMPLE'S ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The architecture of the Srisaila temple is extremely grand and ancient. It is built in the South Indian style.

Historical Background –

The temple is mentioned in texts dating back to the 7th century.

The Chalukya and Vijayanagara rulers got this temple renovated.

Special festivals are celebrated here during Navaratri and Mahashivaratri.

Temple Features –

The temple has two main lingas – one of Lord Shiva, and one of Mother Parvati.

The Shivalinga here is self-manifested – believed to have appeared on its own.

The sanctum sanctorum houses a massive idol of Nandi.

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CHAPTER NINE

THE STORY OF MALLIKARJUNA – OTHER VERSIONS

According to another legend, King Bhrigu performed penance to Shiva here. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted him darshan and bestowed a boon.

There is another belief – Sage Agastya also performed penance at this place. He prayed to Shiva – "Lord, may you also reside in the South." Accepting his prayer, Shiva took up residence at Srisaila.

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CHAPTER TEN

THE SPIRITUAL MESSAGE – THE ESSENCE OF THE STORY

This story carries a deep spiritual meaning –

1. The Glory of Parents

Ganesha did not circumambulate the universe, but only his parents. This proves – parents are our universe. Serving them is the greatest worship.

2. Wisdom is Greater than Strength

Kartikeya had strength, but Ganesha had wisdom. Shiva gave priority to Ganesha's wisdom. This teaches – there is no strength greater than wisdom.

3. The Oneness of Shiva and Shakti

Mallikarjuna = Parvati + Shiva. This teaches – where Shiva is, there is Shakti. Purusha and Prakriti are complementary to each other.

4. The Importance of Balance

Kartikeya left in anger, but Shiva-Parvati came to him. This teaches – anger and ego increase distance, but a parent's love always comes closer.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN

INTERESTING FACTS

First – The Srisaila mountain is called the "Kailash of the South".

Second – The temple of Bhramaramba Devi located here is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas.

Third – It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya also visited this place.

Fourth – Both the Kaveri and Krishna rivers are closely associated with this place.

Fifth – This temple opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

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CHAPTER TWELVE

CONCLUSION

This story of the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga teaches us –

"Wisdom is greater than strength, serving parents is the greatest penance, and the oneness of Shiva and Shakti is the foundation of creation."

Whoever remembers Mallikarjuna with devotion, attains wisdom, strength, and devotion – all three.

This is the story of Mallikarjuna... this is the glory of the second Jyotirlinga.

Om Namah Shivaya.

Jai Mallikarjuna.

Jai Bhramaramba Devi.

— The End —