Srisailam temple is situated in the thick and inaccessible forests of the
Nallamalai hills, in the northeastern portion of the Nandikotkur Taluk
of Kurnool District. Sreesailam temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most ancient and sacred places in
South India, and this important religious shrine stands on the
Rishabhagiri hill, on the southern bank of the sacred river Krishna.
Srisailam is referred to as "Sri Giri", "Sriparvata",
"Rudra Parvata" and "Seshachalam" in several texts
and Puranas.
The presiding deity at the place is Sri MallikarjunaSwami in the form
of a lingam, which is one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingams' existing in the
country. Another important temple at the place is that of 'Bhramaramba',
the consort of Lord 'Mallikarjunaswami'.
Historical Significance
Sreesailam temple abounds in sculptural beauty and there are about 116
inscriptions in and around it. It is associated historically with such
great rulers as the Chalukyan kings, Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara and
Chatrapati Shivaji. Adi Shankara is also said to have worshipped the
deity at the temple.
The Buddhist pilgrims, Fahiyan and Hieun t`sang have made references to
the Sriparvata hill, which is in the Nagarjunakonda valley of the same
river Krishna. The sanctity of this place is claimed both by the Hindus
as well as by the Buddhists.
The Legend
It is said the 'Vrishabha', the sacred bull of Lord Shiva performed
penance here. Lord Shiva appeared before him, with his consort Parvati
in the forms of Mallikarjuna and Bharamaramba. Other shrines within the
temple include the 'Sahasra Linga' 'Panchapandava Temples' and 'Vata
Vriksha'.
A Unique Ritual
The most appealing feature of Srisailam temple is that anyone of any cast
and creed, can touch the deity and worship here, a custom not found
anywhere in Andhra Pradesh. The river Pathalaganga (In Srisailam the
Krishna river is known as Pathalaganga, and is regarded as a very sacred
river for pilgrims) is about two miles from the temple, with a flight of
stone steps leading to it. People bathe in this river before going for
the darshan of the Lord. There are several "Teppalu" (small
boats in circular shape) and one can enjoy riding on the Pathalaganga.
Festivals of Sreesailam Temple in Srisailam
Maha Shivaratri festival, celebrated at Srisailam temple, is of all-India
importance. This festival usually falls in the month of February-March
and is a time to solemnly invoke Lord Shiva through fasts and chants.
Lakhs of pilgrims throng to worship the deity and have a holy dip in the
river Krishna known as the Pathala Ganga.
Goddess Bhramaramba whose festivals come a month or two after
Shivarathri attracts even larger crowds consisting of 'Lingayats'.
Goddess Bhramarambika is said to be one of the eighteen leading
'Shaktis' of India.
A Scenic Spot
Apart from its religious importance, Srisailam is also a place of
scenic beauty and one of the most important tourist spot in the country.
At 'Sikharam', the highest of the Srisailam hills, is 'Sikhareswara
Swami', a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Another beautiful temple is Sri Ganapathi temple, dedicated to Lord
Ganesh. The 512m long Srisailam Dam and the Paladhara and Panchadhara
waterfalls located here are surrounded by natural beauty. Srisailam
wildlife sanctuary, which covers areas in five adjoining districts, has
tigers, panthers, spotted deer, giant squirrels, great lizards,
pangolins, crocodiles, civets and a varieties of snakes.
Conducted Tours to Sreesailam Temple
The Andhra Pradesh Travel & Tourism Development Corporation
operates package tours from Hyderabad to Srisailam every week. The tour
begins at 11:30 am on Saturdays and ends at 9:00 pm on Sundays.
Places to stay in Kurnool
There are excellent choultries built by the Temple Devasthanam, in
which poor pilgrims can stay free of cost. Cottages and guesthouses,
with all amenities are also available over here.
