The temple’s main sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, while the shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Bhramaramba.
Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple:
The Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a highly esteemed Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, situated in the Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh(AP). It is recognized as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and it is also considered as one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in India.
History of the temple:
The temple’s history dates back to the 2nd century BCE, during the Satavahana dynasty. The Satavahanas were the pioneering empire builders in South India and the earliest sovereigns of Andhradesa. However, the current structure of the temple was built during Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century CE. According to historians, the temple was built by the Vijayanagara king, Harihara Raya, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. The king had a dream in which Lord Shiva instructed him to build a temple at Srisailam, which was then a dense forest. The king built the temple, and it soon became a major pilgrimage center.
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The Architecture of the temple was built in the Dravidian style, with a large complex of shrines, mandapams, and gopurams. The temple’s main sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, while the shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Bhramaramba. The temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures, flowers and other offerings by showcasing the artistic prowess of the ancient craftsmen, with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards. The temple also features a variety of shrines, with the most significant ones which are dedicated to Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Devi. The temple complex features multiple halls, with the most notable being the Mukha Mandapa, constructed during the Vijayanagar era. It is considered as one of the jewels of Vijayanagar architecture.
Significance Of The Temple:
Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in India. It is thought that visiting this temple can lead to a spiritual awakening, wealth, and good fortune. The temple hosts numerous festivals annually, yet Maha Shivaratri stands out to be more than just a celebration as it is a visual feast for millions of devotees. Additionally, the temple serves as a significant hub for Shaivites, attracting millions of devotees every year.
How to Reach:
The temple is located in the town of Srisailam, a town within the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The closest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, approximately 200 kilometers away from Srisailam. You can also reach the temple Via both roadways and railways, with frequent services from the major cities of Ap and Telangana.
Temples Near By:
Sakshi Ganapati Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati, known for its unique idol. It is believed that the Ganapathi serves as the witness for the devotees who visit Srisailam for Lord Shiva in Kailasa, and the Ganapati idol is called as Sakshi Ganapati. The Sakshi Ganapati Temple in Srisailam has a rich history and significance. It is said that, Sakshi Ganapathi witnesses everything, and holds the proof of their acts and delivers good and bad that they deserve. Such a god who holds the power of many destinies is Sakshi Ganapathi. The temple is located about 3 kilometers from the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, this small shrine is believed to be a critical stop for devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple: The Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a highly esteemed Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, situated in the Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh(AP). It is recognized as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and it is also considered as one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in India. The temple’s main sanctum houses the Jyotirlinga of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, while the shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Bhramaramba.
Bhramaramba Devi Temple: The Bhramaramba Devi Temple is a significant shrine located within the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Complex in Srisailam. It is believed that the temple was built during the 14th century by the Vijayanagara Empire. However, Bhramaramba Devi is the one who killed demon Arunasara and freed the people from his terror. Here the Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is worshiped in Brahmani Shakti form. The Goddess idol in the temple has eight arms, and she wears a silk sari.
Shikaresvara Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Veera Sankara Swamy (Lord Shiva), with intricate carvings and unique architecture. Numerous legends are linked to this sacred site. It is believed that Lord Shiva is pleased by the prayers of his devotees, he marked himself as Veera Sankara Swamy, commonly referred to as Sikhareswara Swamy, in front of his devotees.
Ista Kameswari Temple: The Ista Kameswari Temple, also known as Yellamma Temple, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. It is said that, if the devotees place a drop of water on the goddess’s forehead while making a wish, that wish is bound to be fulfilled. Notably, the goddess’s forehead is remarkably soft, resembling that of a human. The temple is Located in the village of Yellammagutta, near Adilabad, Telangana.
Locations and Natural Wonders:
Srisailam Dam: One of the largest dams in South India, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and reservoir. The Srisailam dam was begun in 1960 as a power project. After several delays, the primary dam was ultimately finished two decades later, on July 26, 1980. The second phase of construction was undertaken in 1987 to transform the site into a multipurpose project, aimed to generate an additional 770MW of power. The Srisailam reservoir is experiencing a consistent inflow of water from the River Krishna.
Srisailam Tiger Reserve: The Srisailam Tiger Reserve, also known as the Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), is the largest tiger reserve in India. It is situated in the Nallamala hill ranges, which are a part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. A vast tiger reserve home to diverse flora and fauna, including tigers by covering a total area of 3,727.82 sq km. The Tiger reserve is situated across five districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and organized into four divisions: Markapur, Atmakur, Nandyal, and Giddalur.
Pathala Ganga: Pathala Ganga is a sacred bathing ghat located in Srisailam. Srisailam is a revered pilgrimage site, especially for Shaivites. A sacred spot on the backwaters of River Krishna, believed to have medicinal properties. The Pathala Ganga is a stunning destination in Srisailam, where devotees often immerse themselves in the sacred waters of River Krishna.
Paladhara Panchadara: Natural springs located near the Srisailam Dam, known for their crystal-clear water. A group of five waterfalls offering a refreshing escape and stunning natural scenery. Paladhara Panchadara is a breathtaking spot which is rich in historical significance and spiritual essence. Situated approximately 4 km from Srisailam, it’s a natural wonder that showcases the stunning beauty of nature. It is believed that “Sri Adi Shankaracharya” resided in this location during the 8th century while engaged in meditation. And it was the place where he composed his famous work “Sivanandalahari” in which he extols Lord Mallikarjuna through its verses. Additionally, he authored another text “Bhramaramba Ashtaka” in which he offers his praises to Goddess Bhramaramba.
Shri Shivaji Spoorthy Kendram: Shri Shivaji Spoorthy Kendram is a significant monument situated in Srisailam, commemorating Shivaji, the Maratha king who visited the area in 1677 AD. He visited Srisailam during his campaign against the Golconda Sultanate. He stayed at Srisailam for a few days and offered prayers at the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple. During his visit, he constructed the northern tower of the Srisailam temple. According to local legends, the goddess manifested before him and presented him with a sword to combat evil, while another account suggests that the sword was a gift from Tuljapur Bhavani.
Akka Mahadevi Caves: The caves formed naturally over a millions of years ago through erosion which hold a significant religious meaning. This Ancient rock-cut caves located on the banks of River Krishna, amidst picturesque environs. They are named after Kannada philosopher “Akka Mahadevi”, a notable from 12th-century, and she is a key figure in the Veerashaiva Bhakti movement. It is said that she utilized these caves for her penance. The Akka Mahadevi Caves represent a remarkable intersection of natural beauty, spiritual relevance, and historical significance. Visitors have the opportunity to appreciate the serene atmosphere and grandeur of the caves while gaining insights into the life and contributions of Akka Mahadevi.
Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum: A museum showcasing the lifestyle and traditions of the Chenchu tribe. The Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum, situated in Srisailam, serves as a repository for the culture, traditions, and history of the Chenchu tribe, an indigenous community that has inhabited the Nallamala Forests for centuries. This museum was established to promote the rich cultural legacy of the Chenchu tribe. Their distinct culture, language, and way of life are intricately linked to the forest ecosystem, reflecting a harmonious existence with the nature that has persisted for generations. The traditional knowledge and practices of the Chenchu tribe contribute significantly to the cultural diversity of India. Visitors to the museum can explore the lives of various indigenous tribes residing in the Srisailam forests. The museum is named after Chenchu Lakshmi, the consort of Narasimha Swamy, and features a statue of Chenchu Lakshmi on display.
