Wonderful History of SriSailam Jyotirlinga

SriSailam Jyotirlingam:

Main Lingam

This sthalam is situated in Andhra Pradesh. It has been constructed in the traditional Dravidian style. This sthalam, along with Thiruppudaimarudur near Ambasamudram and Thiruvidaimarudur is considered an Arjuna Shetram. The three Saivaite saints Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar have sung in praise of this Lord. Adi Sankarar is said to have composed the Sivananda Lahari at this sthalam. The presiding deities are Mallikarjuna Swamy and Brahmaramba. Lord Nandikeswar in the form of a mountain is considered to be holding up Lord Siva. 

Sthala Puranam: 

Main Statues in Temple

When Siva and Parvathi decided to find suitable brides for their sons, Ganesha and Muruga argued as to who is to get wedded first. Lord Siva bade that the one who goes round the world in Pradakshinam could get married first. By the time Lord Muruga could go round the world on his vahana, Lord Ganesha went round his parents 7 times (for according to Sastras, going in pradakshinam round one's parents is equivalent to going once round the world (Boopradakshinam). 

Lord Siva got Siddhi & Buddhi, the daughters of Viswaroopan married to Lord Ganesha. Muruga on his return was enraged and went away to stay alone on Mount Kravunja in the name of Kumarabrahmachari. On seeing his father coming over to pacfy him, he tried to move to another place, but on the request of the Devas, stayed closeby. The place where Lord Siva and Parvathi stayed came to be known as Sri Sailam. Lord Siva visits Lord Muruga on Amavasai day & Parvathi Devi on Pournami. The temple is situated facing East. The centre mandapam has several pillars, with a huge idol of Nadikeswarar. Ambal's sannadhi is to the west of Iswaran Sannadhi. River Krishna runs along the foothills. Since it runs underground during parts of its journey, it is known as Patala Ganga. Devotees believe in a darshan of the the Sri Saila Sikaram (Peak of the Temple) from the Sikareswarar temple situated six miles from Sri Sailam

New Srisailm Temple

Architecture of Mallikarjun Temple

The architecture of the ancient Mallikarjun Temple is very beautiful and intricate. The temple has fort like walls, towers and a rich endowment of sculptural work. The huge temple is built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards and is considered to be one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagar architecture. Temple of Tripurantakam, Siddavatam, Alampura and Umamaheswaram located in the vicinity of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga are considered to be the four gateways to Sri Sailam.

Travel Guide to Srisailam

Old Srisailam Temple

Srisailam is situated in the Nallamalai Hills of Kurnool district. Srisailam is a popular weekend getaway owing to the presence of a forest sanctuary and a Shiva shrine. Srisailam is well connected to all the major cities and it is located at a distance of about 220 km from Hyderabad, 230 km from Vijayawada and 175 km from Kurnool.

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Mallikarjuna swamy Temple

The popular Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is situated on the southern bank of Krishna River, at a height of about 457 metres. The temple was built by King Harihara Raya of Vijayanagar, some six centuries ago. It is built in typical Vijaynagar architectural style and houses one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ in India. The sanctum is a shell like structure that enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna.

Bhramaramba Devi Temple

Bhrarambika Temple

The holy town of Srisailam is referred as Sri Parvata or the blessed hill in the Mahabharata epic and is even mentioned in the ancient Hindu Puranas. One of the most renowned temples in Srisailam is the Bhramaramba Devi Temple. It is situated on the southern bank of River Krishna, on the Nallamala hills, at a height of 457 metres, above sea level. It is dedicated to the consort of Lord Mallikarjuna, Devi Bhramaramba or Goddess Parvati.

Sakshi Ganapati Temple

Sakshi Ganapati Temple

The Sakshi Ganapati Temple is located in Srisailam, amidst natural settings. A black idol of Lord Ganapati or Ganesha is enshrined in this temple. The temple derived its name from the legend that the idol is the witness or ‘Sakshi’ for the devotees visiting this place.

Timing: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Hathakesvara Temple

The Hatkesvaram Temple or Hathakesvara Temple is situated at a popular spot in Srisailam, where the most revered saint, Sri Sankaracharya wrote one of his philosophical treaties. This small temple enshrines a Shiva Linga and is revered by people from all parts of the country.

Timing: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Shikareswara Temple

The Shikareswara Swamy Temple is situated in Sikharam, the highest point of Srisailam. The temple offers good view of the town and Krishna River. According to legends, the deity of this temple, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, has the power to eradicate the sins of the devotees.

Timing: 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

            5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Srisailam Dam

Srisailam Dam

One of the major attractions of Srisailam is the Srisailam Dam constructed across River Krishna and placed in a deep canyon, in the thickly wooded Nallamala hill range. The dam has a length of 512 metres and an elevation of around 300 metres. It comprises of 12 radial crest gates and is considered to be one of the twelve largest hydroelectric power projects in India.