Srisailam Temple, also known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, is a famous Hindu temple located in Srisailam, Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh.
This famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Bhramaramba (Parvathi).
The temple is located on the banks of the Krishna River amidst the Nalmala Hills, which is part of the Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary.
This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) and is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Lord Shiva devotees in India.
A notable feature of Srisailam Temple is the presence of a Jyotirlinga along with Shakti Peetha.
The Jyotirlinga symbolizes Lord Shiva, and the Shakti Peetha represents the divine feminine energy of Goddess Bhramaramba. This unique combination attracts devotees from different parts of the country.
The architecture of the temple is a blend of various dynasties that ruled the region over centuries. The Chalukyas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara kings have made significant contributions to the temple's construction and development.
The temple complex is vast and comprises various structures, including several halls, shrines, and courtyards. It holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is associated with several legends and stories.
History of Srisailam Temple:
The history of Srisailam Temple dates back centuries and is steeped in mythology and religious significance. Here is a glimpse of the ancient history associated with the temple:
Mythological References:
Srisailam finds mention in various Hindu mythological texts. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared before the sage Rishyasringa to bless him.
It is also said that Lord Rama, the central figure in the epic Ramayana, visited Srisailam during his exile.
Chalukya Dynasty:
The Chalukya dynasty, particularly the Western Chalukyas, played a significant role in the development of the Srisailam Temple. They contributed to the construction of several structures and made generous endowments to the temple.
Vijayanagara Empire:
During the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Srisailam Temple saw significant patronage and development. The rulers of this empire made substantial contributions to the temple's architecture, expanding its premises and enhancing its grandeur.
Shakti Peetha Legend:
Srisailam Temple is associated with the legend of the Shakti Peethas.
It is believed that when Lord Shiva's consort, Goddess Sati (an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi), self-immolated, her body parts fell at different locations across the Indian subcontinent.
The upper lip of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen at Srisailam, making it a revered Shakti Peetha.
What to See:
When visiting Srisailam Temple, there are several notable attractions and areas of interest within the temple complex.
Here are some headings that highlight what you can see and experience:
Mallikarjuna Swamy Jyotirlinga Temple:
Pay homage to the Jyotirlinga, the divine representation of Lord Shiva. This sacred symbol holds immense significance for Shiva devotees and is believed to possess powerful spiritual energy.
Bhramaramba Devi Shakti Peetha Temple:
Visit the Shakti Peetha within the temple complex, which represents the divine feminine energy of Goddess Bhramaramba. It is considered one of the important Shakti Peethas in India.
Pathala Ganga:
Take a visit to the Pathala Ganga, a sacred stream located near the temple. It is believed that taking a dip in these holy backwaters of river Krishna can cleanse sins and bestow blessings before visiting the deity of Srisailam Temple.
Patala Ganga can be reached through ropeway and also through steps. Both these routes to reach the holy river are very exciting and interesting.
There are roughly 750 steps which are little steep and broad to climb down to reach the Pathala Ganga.
A rope way is also operated to reach Pathala Ganga that offers a unique experience with breathtaking views of the backwaters of Srisailam Dam and the magnificent mountains spread with the lush green Nallamala Forest.
It is geographically located behind Srisailam Dam, opened in 1981, and the flood gates can be seen from here. Pathala Ganga is also the boating center for pleasure rides and trips to Akkamahadevi Caves.
Sakshi Ganapathi Temple:
Sakshi Ganapati Temple is present at a distance of just 3 km from Srisailam Temple. This temple is present between the Srisailam Temple and Dam. He acts as a witness (sakshi) to all devotee’s visiting this Kshetram and so named as Sakshi Ganapathi. It is a must visit place in Srisailam.
The deity is elegantly sculptured to hold a book in the left hand and a pen in the right hand and he seems to be busy writing down the details of all the devotees.
Shikaresvara Temple:
Shikaresvara Temple is popularly known as Shikaram and is about 8 kms from main Srisailam temple. This is the highest peak situated at a height of about 2811 feet.
A tough climb of more than 150 steps brings you to the summit where you find a small nandi and a Shiva temple that houses a Shivalingam. The stunning view of the temple town, valley, forests and hills from Shikriswara Temple is breathtaking.
In ancient times pilgrims used to have a darshan of the main Srisalam temple through the small space between horns of the Nandi idol here from this peak. It is a popular belief that, one can see the Dhwaja of Srisailam from here, will get the Moksha (liberation/mukti).
Phaladhara-Panchadhara:
This is the famous waterfalls spot where Adi Sankara is said to have meditated in ancient times. This 2 waterfalls that are said to taste sweet is visited regularly by pilgrims.
Mallela Theertham:
Mallela Theertham is a famous waterfalls present in the midle of dense forest at a distance of around 58 kms from Srisailam. Mallela Theertham is open fro vistors from morning 8 AM to evening 5 PM.
A must visit place for best refreshing and weekend spot in the beautiful srisailam nallamala forest region located just 190 km away from Hyderabad.
Akka Mahadevi Caves:
Explore the Akkamahadevi Caves located nearby. These caves are associated with the legendary devotee Akkamahadevi and offer a serene and picturesque environment for meditation.
Hatakeswaram:
Hatakeshwaram is another famous lord Shiva temple located very near to Paladhara Panchadara streams at a distance of about 5 km from Srisailam temple.
The sacred lingam was originally believed to be made of gold and holds exceptional powers to cure various kinds of illnesses. The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 am – 9:00 pm daily.
Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum:
At a distance of about 1 km from Srisailam Temple, the Tribal Museum present at the entrance of Srisailam town is a wonderful place to experience the culture and lifestyle of the tribal living in the Nallamala Hills.
One of the prominent tribes in the Nallamala Hills is the Chenchus, a Dravidian tribe. This museum of two floors provide a glimpse into the lives of the various local tribes that inhabit the forests of Srisailam.
A statue of Chanchu Lakshmi can also be seen in this museum. With a large collection of tribal artefacts, weapons and various sections depicting the lifestyle of the native inhabitants, this is a must-visit place in Srisailam.
This museum complex is open for visitors from 8.30 AM to 8 PM and it also has a beautiful kids play area.
Other tourist attractions in Srisailam includes:
- 👉 The Guptha Mallikarjunam temple
- 👉 Panchmathams
- 👉 Istkameswari temple
- 👉 Bheemuni Kolanu
- 👉 Sarveswaram
- 👉 Kadalivanam
Festivals:
The temple sees a high influx of pilgrims throughout the year, especially during festivals like Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam, Navaratri Dasara, Deepavali (Diwali), Tholi Ekadashi, Karthika Masam and Ugadi (Telugu New Year).
The temple comes alive with decorations, processions, and devotional fervor during these times. During these occasions, the temple premises are beautifully decorated, and various rituals and ceremonies take place.
Temple Distance
Here are the approximate distances, in kilometers, of Srisailam Temple from some nearby cities:
1. Hyderabad, Telangana: 217 km
2. Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: 180 km
3. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: 262 km
4. Guntur, Andhra Pradesh: 217 km
5. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: 288 km
6. Chennai, Tamil Nadu: 477 km
7. Bengaluru, Karnataka: 533 km
8. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: 606 km
9. Pune, Maharashtra: 762 km
10. Mumbai, Maharashtra: 908 km
Please note that these distances are approximate and can vary based on the specific route and mode of transportation.
How to Reach:
Srisailam Temple is located in Srisailam town in the Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Earlier it was under Kurnool district.
Here are the common modes of transportation to reach the temple:
By Road: 🚌
Srisailam is approximately 217 kilometers away from Hyderabad. From nearby cities like Vijayawada, Guntur, Kurnool and Tirupati, you can find buses and taxis to reach Srisailam. The travel time may vary depending on the starting location.
By Train: 🚂
There is direct train available to reach Srisailam. So, the nearest railway station to Srisailam is Markapur Road Railway Station, located about 84 kilometers away.
From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Srisailam.
Alternatively, you can also take a train to Cumbum Railway Station or Kurnool and then proceed to Srisailam by road.
By Air: ✈️
The nearest airport to Srisailam is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad.
Once you reach Srisailam town, the temple is easily accessible by local transportation, such as auto-rickshaws and taxis.
It's advisable to plan your travel in advance, check for any updates or changes in transportation options, and consider the weather and road conditions while traveling to Srisailam Temple.
Accommodation
Srisailam offers various accommodation options for devotees visiting the temple. Here are some of the common types of accommodations available:
Temple Guesthouses:
The temple administration operates several guesthouses for pilgrims. These guesthouses are budget-friendly and offer basic amenities. They are usually located in the temple premises or nearby areas.
Private Hotels and Lodges:
There are several private hotels and lodges available in Srisailam, catering to different budgets. These establishments offer a range of facilities and amenities.
It is advisable to plan your visit and book accommodation in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons or festival times, as the availability of rooms can be limited.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on accommodation options at Srisailam Temple, it is recommended to contact the temple administration or visit the
Official Website: https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/
Author Notes:
Apart from its religious significance, Srisailam is also known for its scenic beauty and the presence of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, which is one of the largest dams in India.
The region surrounding the temple is rich in biodiversity and offers opportunities for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Throughout its history, Srisailam Temple has undergone renovations, reconstructions, and additions by various rulers and devotees.
It has withstood the test of time and remains a significant pilgrimage site for Lord Shiva devotees, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Overall, Srisailam Temple is a revered pilgrimage site, combining religious and natural elements, making it a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike.
Note: Remember to check the specific timings and any guidelines or restrictions in place before visiting the Srisailam Temple.
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