About Srisailam Temple
Srisailam Temple has a location in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The temple’s place is very divine, on the top of the Nallamala hills beside the river Krishna. The temple is also known as Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple. The idol worshiped here is of the deity Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, Who is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The vast compound area of the temple has divisions into two parts. One is for Lord Mallikarjuna, and another is for Goddess Bhramaramba.
(Image Credit: srisaila devasthanam)
History of Srisailam Temple
The history of Srisailam Temple has evident during the time of the Chalukyas (AD 624-848) and The Kakatiyas (AD 953-1323), who contributed much to building the temple. After that, this holy temple took several years to be built brick by brick. During the reign of the Reddi Kings (AD 1325-1448), almost all the rulers contributed to building this large temple. Anavemareddi designed Veerasiro Mandapam, where Veerasaiva worshippers chopped off their hands, tongues, and limbs out of devotion.
After that, during the reign of Vijayanagara (AD 1336-1678), Chhatrapati Shivaji, and Mughal Emperors, it took a long time to engrave this temple. Finally, in AD 1929, a committee was formed to take control of the temple.
Significance of Srisailam Temple
The Jyotirlinga inside the temple symbolizes holiness because people worship it as Swayambhu. According to legend, one of Sati’s limbs fell at this location when her body was dissect. Lord Rama is said to have initiated the Sahasralinga within the temple. The Linga is divided into 25 facets, corresponding to 40 Lingas. Additionally, it is a broad belief that the Pandavas placed Pancha Pandava Lingas in the temple, each bearing the names of Sadyojatha, Aghora, Vamadeva, Tatpurush, and Eesana.
Decorums to Maintain Inside the Temple
Inside the temple, taking gadgets like mobile phones, cameras, recorders, etc., is completely prohibited. Keep personal belongings in designated safety lockers within the temple premises.
The devotees also have to maintain particular dress codes before entering the temple. It is strictly prohibited to wear Western clothing within the temple premises. Women must wear sarees or ethnic clothes by covering their heads with a dupatta. Men also must wear traditional dresses like Kurta Pyjamas, Veshti, and a shirt and trousers.
The cultural etiquette inside the temple is mandatory to follow for everyone.
(Image Credit: srisaila devasthanam)
Festivals Celebrated at the Srisailam Temple
#1 Makar Sankranti
From January 12th to January 18th, Makar Sankranti Utsavams are the celebrations inside the Srisailam Temple. This festival is of seven days, initiated by Panchahnika Deeksha in the Telugu month of Pushya. Some special rituals celebrated in this auspicious festival are Mandaparadhanalu, Mulamantra Japanushtanalu, Rudrahomam, Pushpotsavam, Sayanotsavam, and Panchavaranarchanalu.
#2 Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavam
Maha Shivaratri begins a seven-day festival in February or March in this temple. This celebration is around the 29th day of Magham (according to the Bengali calendar). Some essential rituals celebrated during these festivals are Ankurarpana, Dhwajarohana, Vahana Seva, and Lingodbhava Maha Rudrabhishekam.
#3 Ugadi
Ugadi is the beginning of the Telugu new year. This celebration starts three days before Ugadi in March or April. Over lakhs of people gather in the temple to witness this festival. Some important festival rituals are Vahana Seva, Alankaras, Veerachara Vinyasalu, and Rath Yatra.
#4 Shravan Mahotsav
In August & September (Shravan), a great festival begins with a one-month celebration. The devotees worshiped the lord by organizing Akhanda Sivanama Sankeerthana around the clock.
#5 Karthika Mahotsavam
In the month of Karthika, devotees celebrate this auspicious festival by lightning for several days inside the temple premises. This festival is a big celebration on the full moon day of the month. The devotees also perform a ritual named Jwala Thoranam.
Best ways to Reach Srisailam Temple
Srisailam Temple has three ways to reach. Devotees visit the temple in the best ways possible for them.
- By Road: Srisailam Temple has a location near the Srisailam bus stand. It is only one kilometer away from the holy temple.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is Markapur, which is 80 kilometers away from the temple.
- By Air: The devotees who like to travel by air can reach the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. From the Srisailam Temple, it is almost 202 kilometers away.
Way to Reach the Idol
Visiting the temple is entirely free for the devotees, but variable rates are available for Seeghra Darshan. It is available from ₹100 to ₹500 based on the faster visiting time. A ticket costing ₹500 (Break Darshan) helps the devotees to visit the actual idol of Mallikarjuna Swamy. The devotees can touch and worship the idol by availing of this benefit.
Timing for Break Darshan is from 4 a.m to 5 a.m, 1 p.m to 2 p.m, and 7 p.m to 8 p.m.
Where to Stay Near the Temple?
There are several numbers of hotels and cottages available for the flooding and lodging of the devotees. Besides, the temple management also launched and accommodated several room cottages and suites for the pilgrims.
Other Places Worth Visit Nearby
Some other places devotees can be near the temple are Akkamahadevi Caves, Hatakeswaram, Sikhareswaram, Phaladhara Panchadhara, and Sakshi Ganapathi.
