Your e - Acharya on Indian Tradition

Srisailam

Lord Mallikarjuna

Goddess Bhramaramba

Srisailam is one of the ancient pilgrim centres in the country located in Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Shiva and Parvathi are main deities in this temple and are known as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba Devi. Pilgrims come from all over the country to worship Lord Shiva here. The temple is situated in the Nallamala forest range at 1500 feet above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Srisailam is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country and is the only jyotirlinga in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The presence of Bhramaramba Devi makes Srisailam one of the 18 shakti peethaas in the country. The running streams of river Krishnaveni give a grandeur look to the place and nourish the greenery in the Nallamala range.

The temple has great historical importance in addition to the spiritual. The great sage Vyasa, who wrote Maha Bharata, classified the Veda into four, compiled 18 puranas. Skandhapurana is one of these puranas. In Srisailakhanda of Sanatkumara Samhita of Skandhapurana, Vyasa described about the greatness of this holy temple. It is mentioned in Skandhapurana that lord Shiva narrated the greatness of Srisailam in detail to goddess Parvati.
Lord Rama, after killing Ravana, circumbulated (made Pradakshina) Srisailam to get liberated from the Brahmahatya dosha, attributed to him owing to the killing of Ravana.

Daksha performed Yagna here at Sangameshwara Teertha.
Srisailakhanda says, this mountain was earlier known as Mantharaparvata. Later, a woman called Vasumathi, performed a penance on this mountain for Lord Brahma. The lord, who was happy with her penance, gave her boon and after that she came to be known as Sri Devata. Only after this, the mountain is known as Srisaila.

Temples to visit at Srisailam
Arthanaareeshwara Temple
Parvathi Temple
Vridha Mallikarjuna Temple
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Bhramaramba Temple

Mahashivaratri brings a great festive season at the temple. In addition to the shivaratri day, the whole month is celebrated at the holy mountain.

How to go
There is regular Road Transport Corporation's bus service from Hyderabad, the state capital. However, all the parts of the state well connected to the temple. Those who can afford can also hire private four wheelers for reaching the place.

Top