Srisailam Karthika Masam 2026: Dates, Darshan Rules, Karthika Pournami Deepotsavam and Pilgrimage Guide

Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh | November 10, 2026: The sacred Karthika Masam celebrations have begun at the renowned Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam. The month-long Karthika Masotsavam runs from Tuesday, November 10 to Wednesday, December 9, 2026, and is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other parts of India.

Dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, Srisailam holds a special place in Hindu pilgrimage as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas.

During Karthika Masam, the temple town in the Nallamala Hills becomes a major centre of Shiva worship. Devotees take part in abhishekams, Deepotsavams, Monday prayers, holy dips at Pathala Ganga and other religious ceremonies.

The biggest day this year is Karthika Pournami on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, when the temple holds its Deepotsavam and the traditional Jwala Thoranam.

Srisailam Karthika Masam 2026 at a glance

• Festival period: November 10 to December 9, 2026
• Karthika Somavarams: November 16, 23, 30 and December 7
• Karthika Pournami: Tuesday, November 24
• Suspended on rush days: ₹5,000 Garbhalaya Abhishekam and ₹1,500 Samuhika Abhishekam
• Alternative: Abhishekam at the Pancha Mathas, ₹216 per ticket
• Booking: Mana Mitra WhatsApp 95523 00009 (80% of the quota) and the official temple portal (20%)

Srisailam Karthika Masam 2026: Important Dates

Karthika Masam is especially auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The month is associated with lighting sacred lamps, fasting, Rudrabhishekam and charity. For the full month calendar, see our Karthika Masam 2026 guide.

Why Karthika Masam Is Special at Srisailam

Karthika Masam is one of the most spiritually significant months in the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees believe that sincere prayers, fasting, charity and lighting lamps during this period bring divine blessings.

Lord Shiva is worshipped extensively during this month, while devotees also observe special Vishnu worship and Tulasi traditions.

Srisailam is exceptional because the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and the Bhramaramba Devi Shakti Peetha stand in the same temple complex. The temple sits in the Nallamala forest above the Krishna River, whose sacred stretch here is known as Pathala Ganga.

The combination of the Jyotirlinga, the Shakti Peetha, the sacred river and ancient temple traditions makes Srisailam one of the most important destinations for pilgrims during Karthika Masam.

Karthika Somavaram 2026 at Srisailam Temple

Mondays in Karthika Masam are known as Karthika Somavaram and are especially important for devotees of Lord Shiva. In 2026, the four Karthika Somavarams fall on:

• November 16: First Karthika Somavaram
• November 23: Second Karthika Somavaram
• November 30: Third Karthika Somavaram
• December 7: Fourth Karthika Somavaram

Devotees visit the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple to offer bilva leaves, take part in abhishekams and seek blessings.

Special Monday worship

• Rudrabhishekam to Lord Mallikarjuna
• Bilvarchana and Shiva Nama Smarana
• Deepa Daanam and lamp offerings
• Special worship of Goddess Bhramaramba
• Pushkarini Harathi and Deepotsavam programmes, as scheduled by the temple

Mondays draw heavy crowds, so plan travel and darshan in advance.

Karthika Pournami 2026: November 24 at Srisailam

Karthika Pournami on November 24 is the most important day of Srisailam's Karthika Masam. It is celebrated with special prayers, the lighting of lamps and the temple's grand Deepotsavam.

Jwala Thoranam: the divine flame arch

Jwala Thoranam is a traditional Karthika Pournami observance in which a sacred arch of fire is lit as part of the celebrations. The flames symbolise divine light, the removal of darkness and the victory of spiritual knowledge. Devotees gather to witness the ceremony and offer prayers to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy.

Laksha Deepotsavam

Laksha Deepotsavam means the lighting of one lakh lamps. Devotees offer oil lamps as an expression of devotion and gratitude, and the illuminated temple surroundings create a deeply uplifting atmosphere. Lighting lamps in Karthika Masam represents the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Koti Deepotsavam

Koti Deepam means one crore lamps, a collective offering of devotion. Devotees searching for a Srisailam Koti Deepotsavam should check the Devasthanam's latest announcement for any 2026 programme and participation arrangements; the confirmed main lamp festival at Srisailam is the Karthika Pournami Deepotsavam on November 24.

The lamp festivals represent:

• Devotion to Lord Shiva
• Spiritual purification through Deepa Daanam
• Collective prayers for peace and prosperity
• Preservation of traditional Hindu customs
• Community participation in religious celebrations

Srisailam Darshan Arrangements During Karthika Masam 2026

Because of the expected rush, the temple has modified several sevas. Opening hours and darshan slots can vary with the day, the crowd and Devasthanam decisions, so treat any timing as a planning reference rather than a fixed daily schedule.

• Peak days: Mondays, weekends, Ekadashi and Karthika Pournami.
• Early opening: The temple usually opens earlier than normal on peak festival days.
• Alaya Suddhi: The daily temple cleaning and ritual interval continues.
• Sevas paused: Tickets for the Udayastamana, Pratahkala and Pradoshakala sevas have been temporarily halted, according to reports.
• Continuing: Arjitha homams and the daily Kalyanotsavam continue as scheduled.

Sparsha Darshan restrictions

Sparsha Darshan gives eligible devotees closer access to the main deity. According to reports, Sparsha Darshan will not be available on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and major festival days, including Karthika Pournami and Ekadashi, during the festival. On other days it is available in scheduled sessions, subject to tickets.

Do not assume Sparsha Darshan is available every day. Check the official booking schedule before travelling.

Abhishekam Ticket Changes During Karthika Masam

The temple administration has changed abhishekam arrangements to make room for general darshan:

• Garbhalaya Abhishekam (₹5,000): suspended on crowded days.
• Samuhika Abhishekam (₹1,500): suspended on crowded days.
• Pancha Matha Abhishekam (₹216): available as the alternative.

Pancha Mathas at Srisailam

Devotees can perform abhishekam at the five traditional Mathas:

• Ghanta Matha
• Bhimashankara Matha
• Vibhuti Matha
• Rudraksha Matha
• Sarangadhara Matha

These allow devotees to continue their Shiva worship even when rituals inside the main sanctum are restricted.

Goddess Bhramaramba Devi Kumkumarchana

On crowded days, the ₹1,000 Kumkumarchana to Goddess Bhramaramba Devi moves from the Ammavari Antaralayam to the Ashirvachana Mandapam. Follow the instructions of temple staff on the day.

Pushkarini Harathi and Pathala Ganga Rituals

Pathala Ganga, the sacred stretch of the Krishna River below the temple, is one of the most important places at Srisailam. Taking a holy dip before darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna is considered especially meritorious in Karthika Masam.

On festival days the riverfront hosts harathi programmes, lamp offerings and prayers according to the temple's schedule. The sight of devotees floating lamps on the river is unforgettable. Use designated bathing areas and follow safety instructions, especially on crowded days.

Akasa Deepam During Karthika Masam

Akasa Deepam, the lamp raised high through Karthika Masam, symbolises the eternal light of Lord Shiva and divine knowledge. Devotees believe lighting lamps this month removes negativity and brings peace, prosperity and spiritual awareness. At Srisailam, the tradition adds to the glow of the month-long celebrations.

Spiritual Significance of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Srisailam is among India's most revered Shaiva pilgrimage centres. Lord Mallikarjuna is worshipped as a Jyotirlinga, while Goddess Bhramaramba is one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, so a single visit offers darshan of both Shiva and Shakti.

Devotees pray to Lord Mallikarjuna for family welfare, peace, health, prosperity and spiritual progress, and seek the blessings of Goddess Bhramaramba for courage, protection and family happiness.

How to Reach Srisailam During Karthika Masam 2026

Srisailam is in Andhra Pradesh's Nandyal district, in the Nallamala Hills.

By road

Srisailam is connected by road with Hyderabad, Kurnool, Vijayawada and other cities. From Hyderabad, the usual route is via Dindi and the Nallamala ghat road, subject to forest checkpost timings and traffic. APSRTC and TGSRTC run buses on major routes, with extra services likely on festival days.

By train

There is no railway station in Srisailam. Markapur Road and Nandyal are the usual railheads; arrange onward road transport from there.

By air

Hyderabad and Vijayawada airports are the main options, followed by road travel.

Accommodation and Annadanam

Karthika Masam brings large crowds, particularly on Mondays and Pournami, so reserve rooms in advance. Options include Devasthanam guest houses, temple-managed choultries, private lodges and hotels, and stays in nearby towns. The temple also provides Annadanam for devotees; serving arrangements may change with the crowd.

Travel Tips for Srisailam Karthika Masam 2026

• Choose your date carefully: Mondays, weekends and Karthika Pournami are the busiest days.
• Book in advance: Use only authorised booking channels.
• Carry identification: Keep valid ID and booking confirmations.
• Plan the ghat road: Travel through the Nallamala forest needs careful planning in peak periods.
• Dress traditionally: Wear modest, traditional clothing for darshan.
• Carry warm clothing: Early mornings and evenings in the hills can be cool.
• Be careful at Pathala Ganga: Use designated bathing areas only.
• Keep it clean: Do not litter the temple, forest or riverbanks.
• Follow queue arrangements: Cooperate with temple staff, volunteers and police.
• Check updates: Rituals, timings and ticket availability can change.

Official Ticket Booking and Temple Information

According to the announced booking arrangements:

• 80% of the notified quota is available through the Andhra Pradesh government's Mana Mitra WhatsApp service, 95523 00009.
• 20% is available through the official temple booking portal.
• Bookings stay open until about one hour before darshan, subject to availability.

For updates, visit the official Srisailam Devasthanam website, srisailamonline.com. Do not rely on unofficial agents or unauthorised ticket sellers.

A Month of Devotion at Srisailam

From early-morning prayers and Rudrabhishekam to the lighting of thousands of lamps, every observance at Srisailam this month reflects the devotion of pilgrims to Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba. Whether you visit for Karthika Somavaram, Karthika Pournami, the Deepotsavam or a quiet darshan of the divine couple, Srisailam offers a deeply memorable pilgrimage.

Planning a wider Shiva pilgrimage? See our Jyotirlinga yatra from Hyderabad guide.

Om Namah Shivaya! Har Har Mahadev! Jai Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Karthika Masam start and end at Srisailam in 2026?

The Karthika Masotsavam at Srisailam runs from November 10 to December 9, 2026.

When is Karthika Pournami in 2026?

Karthika Pournami falls on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

Is there a Koti Deepotsavam at Srisailam in 2026?

Karthika Pournami on November 24 is the main Deepotsavam day at Srisailam, with Jwala Thoranam. Check the Devasthanam's announcements for any separate Koti Deepotsavam programme.

What are the Karthika Somavaram dates in 2026?

November 16, November 23, November 30 and December 7.

Is Sparsha Darshan available during Karthika Masam?

According to reports, it is not available on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and major festival days. Check the official booking portal for permitted dates and slots.

What is the Pancha Matha Abhishekam ticket price?

₹216. It is the alternative while the ₹5,000 Garbhalaya and ₹1,500 Samuhika abhishekams are suspended on crowded days.

Where can devotees take a holy dip at Srisailam?

At Pathala Ganga on the Krishna River, using the designated bathing areas.

How can devotees book Srisailam darshan tickets?

Through the Mana Mitra WhatsApp service at 95523 00009 or the official Devasthanam portal, srisailamonline.com.

Is accommodation available at Srisailam during Karthika Masam?

Yes, in Devasthanam guest houses, choultries and private lodges, subject to availability. Book early.

Why is Srisailam important during Karthika Masam?

It is home to both the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and the Bhramaramba Devi Shakti Peetha, making it one of the most sacred places to worship Shiva in this month.