Mallikarjuna Temple is also known as Srisailam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. It is significant for Hindu Shaivam sects as this temple is known as one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva. Here Parvati is worshiped as “Mallika” and Shiva is worshiped as “Arjuna”, represented by the lingam.
Shivaratri Brahmotsavam is one of the most famous festivals celebrated in Srisailam Sri Bhramaraambasameata Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. In 2023, Brahmotsavam will start on February 11 and end on February 21.
The Brahmothsavams starts with Ankurarpana, a religious ritual on the occasion of the festival followed by Dhwajarohana in which Dhwaja Patam marked with the Nandi symbol is hoisted over the Dhwajasthambha of the temple. The Dhwajarohana is said to be the significant event of the initiation of Brahmothsavams to invite all gods.
Vahana Sevas are another important event of the celebrations in which the procession of the God and Goddess took place in various vahanas like Sesha Vahanam, Mayura Vahanam, Nandi Vahanam and Aswa Vahanam.
On Maha Sivarathri day at midnight during Lingodbhavakalam, Abhishekam to God Mallikarjuna Swamy will be performed religiously.
The Rathotsavam/Car festival will actually start the day after Mahasivaratri in the evening. More than one million pilgrims will take part in the car festival. The celebration ends with the Dhwajavarohana in which the Dhwaja Patakam is removed from the Dhwajasthambham.
Srisailam Temple 2023 Shivaratri Brahmotsavam Dates:
| Day | Date / Day | Vahana Seva |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | February 11 | Ankurarpanam & Dwajarohanam |
| Day 2 | February 12 | Brungi Vahanam |
| Day 3 | February 13 | Hamsa Vahanam |
| Day 4 | February 14 | Mayuri Vahanam |
| Day 5 | February 15 | Ravana Vahanam |
| Day 6 | February 16 | Puspha Pallaki Vahanam |
| Day 7 | February 17 | Gaja Vahanam |
| Day 8 | February 18 | Mahashivaratri, Prabotsavam, Nandi Vahanam, Lingodbhava Maha Rudrabhishekam, Pagalkarna, Kalyanotsavam |
| Day 9 | February 19 | Rathotsavam, Teppotsavam |
| Day 10 | February 20 | Purnahuthi,Vasantotsavam, Dwajarohana |
| Day 11 | February 21 | Aswa Vahanam, Sayanotsavam, Phuspotsavam |