The Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is dedicated to Shiva as Mallikarjuna and to Parvati as Bhramaramba. Inscriptions from the Satavahana dynasty indicate the temple existed from the second century. The Mallikarjuna shrine is considered the oldest part, dating to the seventh century. The Reddi kingdom built the Veerasheromandapam and the Paathalaganga steps in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire made most later additions.
The complex covers 2 hectares and faces east. Four gateway towers pierce enclosing walls that measure 600 feet by 499 feet (183 by 152 meters) and stand 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall. A central hall holds a large Nandi, and a mirror hall holds images of Nataraja.
A flight of 852 steps leads down to the Krishna River, whose water is used to bathe the Shiva lingam. The temple's main festival is Maha Shivaratri.
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