Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Sacred Waters Draw Pilgrims to Mallikarjuna Temple in Adilabad Jungles
Imagine a special temple for the god Shiva that's hidden in a big jungle lake!
To visit, people have to walk through water that comes up to their waists, holding onto ropes for help.
This temple is very old, from a time called the Kakatiya era.
People from nearby places, like Maharashtra, travel here because they feel a special, calm energy that helps them think and pray.
Legend says a boy dug the lake long ago to help with a drought, and then a Shiva statue magically appeared in the water.
The temple also honors gods from other religions like Jainism and Buddhism, showing how people have lived together peacefully.
It's a magical place where nature, spirituality, and old traditions all come together.
The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, dating back to the Kakatiya era, is situated in a lake in Adilabad district, Telangana.
Pilgrims must wade through waist-deep water for approximately 500 meters to reach the temple, especially during monsoon and winter.
The temple attracts devotees from Telangana and neighboring Maharashtra, who are drawn by its serene atmosphere conducive to meditation.
Local lore suggests Lord Mallikarjuna himself created the sacred lake, and the temple complex also houses deities from Jainism and Buddhism, promoting religious harmony.
The temple celebrates grand events like Maha Shivaratri and features special rituals on Mondays and Fridays, with nearby attractions including the Kuntala Waterfalls.
- Who
- Pilgrims from Telangana and Maharashtra, seeking darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy.
- What
- Pilgrimage to the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, located in a lake requiring wading through water.
- When
- During monsoon and winter seasons when the lake level is high, and annually for Maha Shivaratri.
- Where
- Sirichelma village, Adilabad district, Telangana.
- Why
- To seek blessings, experience spiritual energy, engage in meditation and mantra japa, and witness religious harmony.
- Location
- Sirichelma village, Ichhoda mandal, Adilabad district, Telangana
- Deity
- Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (Shiva)
- Temple Era
- Kakatiya
- Unique Feature
- Located in the middle of a lake, requiring pilgrims to wade through waist-deep water.
- Proximity to Waterfalls
- Near Kuntala Waterfalls
- Distance from Hyderabad
- Approx. 260 km