Mallikarjuna Temple
* Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India
* Deity: Lord Shiva in the form of Mallikarjuna (also known as Srisaila Mallikarjuna)
* Architecture: Dravidian style
* History: The temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century CE by the Chalukya dynasty. It is one of the most important Shiva temples in India.
* Significance: The temple is located on the banks of the River Tungabhadra and is surrounded by lush green hills. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
* Highlights: The temple complex includes a number of shrines, halls, and courtyards. The main shrine houses a lingam (aniconic representation of Shiva) that is said to have been installed by the sage Agastya. The temple also has a number of beautiful sculptures, including a depiction of Shiva as Nataraja (the dancing Shiva).
* Festivals: The temple celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, including Maha Shivaratri (the festival of Shiva) and Ugadi (the Telugu New Year).
Images:
[Image of the Mallikarjuna Temple](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Mallikarjuna_Temple_Srisailam.jpg/220px-Mallikarjuna_Temple_Srisailam.jpg)
[Image of the main shrine of the Mallikarjuna Temple](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Mallikarjuna_Temple_Srisailam_-_Main_Shrine.jpg/220px-Mallikarjuna_Temple_Srisailam_-_Main_Shrine.jpg)
[Image of a sculpture of Shiva as Nataraja in the Mallikarjuna Temple](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Nataraja_Mallikarjuna_Temple.jpg/220px-Nataraja_Mallikarjuna_Temple.jpg)
Architecture
Architecture of Mallikarjuna Temple
The Mallikarjuna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India and is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key features of the architecture
* The temple is built on a raised platform and has a square plan.
* The main shrine is a towering pyramidal structure with a gold-plated dome.
* The temple is surrounded by a number of smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.
* The walls of the temple are decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
* The temple complex also includes a number of other structures, such as a pillared hall, a water tank, and a garden.
Significance of the temple
The Mallikarjuna Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India and is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century CE by the Chalukya dynasty. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a lingam. The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Mallikarjuna Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The temple was recognized for its outstanding example of Dravidian architecture and its importance as a pilgrimage site. The temple is also a significant example of the cultural heritage of India.
References
* [Mallikarjuna Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallikarjuna_Temple)
* [UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India](https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/IN)