Location:
Kurnool District Of Andhra Pradesh
Presiding Deities: Sri MallikarjunaSwami And Goddess Bhramaramba
Significance: One Of The Twelve Jyotirlingas In The Country
Appealing Feature: In This Temple Anyone Of Any Cast And Creed,
Can Touch The Deity And Worship The Lord.
Srisailam
is situated in the thick and inaccessible forests of the Nallamalai
hills, in the northeastern portion of the Nandikotkur Taluk of Kurnool
District. It 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'.
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'.
Historical Significance
The 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.
A Unique Ritual
The most appealing feature of this 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.
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.
FESTIVALS
Maha Shivaratri festival, celebrated at Srisailam, 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.
