Mallikarjun Temple

There's a temple in Mahmoorganj that sits at the highest point in Varanasi — not geographically, but spiritually. Mallikarjun Temple is the city's replica of the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and also one of the 18 Maha Shakta Peethas (where Sati's neck is believed to have fallen). The original temple's legend is familial and divine. When Shiva and Parvati decided to find brides for their sons, Ganesha married Riddhi and Siddhi. Kartikeya (Murugan), furious at being left out, went to Mount Krauncha to sulk. Shiva and Parvati followed, and the place where they stayed to pacify him became Srisailam — Sri (Parvati) + Shailam (mountain). The deity is called Mallikarjuna because he was worshipped with jasmine (mallika) flowers. The Varanasi replica at Sampoornanand Nagar Colony, Mahmoorganj carries this dual energy — both Jyotirlinga and Shakta Peetha. Devotees believe that worshipping here grants the combined blessings of Shiva and Shakti — the masculine and feminine divine in perfect balance. The temple is particularly popular among South Indian devotees who can't make the journey to Andhra Pradesh but still want to complete their Mallikarjuna darshan as part of their Kashi pilgrimage. Local legends say devotees offer their tongues here — a symbolic sacrifice representing control over speech and ego — and receive liberation from the 84 lakh yonis (cycle of rebirths). Whether literal or metaphorical, the temple's reputation for granting moksha draws seekers from across the city.