Home > Indian History > Temples of India > Temples in Srisailam
Temples in Srisailam
Speckled with temples this is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga Sthalas of India.

Share this Article:

Srisailam templeThis is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga Sthalas of our sacred land. The shrine is dedicated to Sri Mallikarjunaswamy and His consort Bhramarambika. The Devi is revered as Brahmani Shakti. The devout believe that one can attain mukti by taking birth at Srisailam.

Srisailam is so ancient that references have been found in Mahabharata and Puranas. Sri Adi Sankara had visited the shrine and sung in praise of Lord Mallikarjuna and His consort in Sivananda Lahari and Bhramaramba Ashtakam.

A special feature in the Srisailam temple is that anybody can go inside the sanctum and perform abhisheka and pujas. The tribals of this region (Chenchus) have the privilege of worshipping the Lord in the sanctum, for Siva as a hunter came to this place and married a Chenchu girl, who was none other than Parvati Herself.

Long ago, a princess by name Chandravathi of Chandragupta dynasty was residing on the hills worshipping Lord Siva. One day she noticed a cow showering milk on a Lingam in a desolate spot. Later the Lord appeared in her dream and asked her to construct a temple there. As the Lingam was entangled in jasmine plants, it was named Mallikarjuna. The temple, which shines like a jewel on the Neelamalai range, is known by different names like Srigiri, Srimala and Srinagara.

Pilgrims bound for the hills first worship Sakshi Ganapathy nearly two km away. There are sub-shrines for Chandramamba, Rajarajeshwari, Veerabhadra and Annapoorni around the main temple. A mandapam with Sahasra Lingam and a shrine of Pancha Nandeeswara are worth visiting. The Mukha Mandapam in front of the sanctum was erected by Vijayanagar rulers.

Pathala Ganga is the holy Theertham, where pilgrims bathe and carry the sacred water uphill for the Lord`s abhisheka.

Access: Srisailam is 232 km from Hyderabad and 158 km from Nandyal. The hill shrine can be approached from Guntakal, Kurnool, Mahanandi and other places.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Temples of India


Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are known the world over for their beauty and architectural construction. This group of temples is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Temples In Hampi
Temples in Hampi are the manifestations of rich religious beliefs and architectural and sculptural abundance.
Dilwara Temples
Dilwara Temples located at Mount Abu date back from the 11th to 13th century and rank among the popular tourist destinations of Rajasthan.
Chola Temples
Chola Temples of South India comprises of the three great temples that were constructed in the 11th and 12th century and is declared as a World Heritage Site.
Badami Cave Temples
The Badami Cave Temples, an exemplary production of Indian architecture, are situated in the town of Badami.
Temples in Guwahati
Known to be the temple town of Assam, the temples in Guwahati are a reflection of the Assamese style of culture and architecture.
West India Temples
West India Temples are worth a visit for their beautifully designed masterpieces on stone.
North Indian Temples
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage because of its temples and pilgrimage sites. The North Indian Temples are in plenty and cater to people of all religion.
South Indian Temples
South Indian Temples lavishly built and aesthetically designed, in true sense are the symbol of architectural brilliance.
East India Temples
East India temples are really fascinating and enthralling and visit to these places can mesmerize a person very easily.
Northeastern Temples of India
Religious fervor and spiritual passion enlaces the northeastern temples of India.
Central India Temples
Central Indian temples amidst their religious fervour reverberates the true spirit of Hinduism.
Temple Architecture During Rajput Period
Temple architecture during the Rajput period was inclined to the aspect of Bhakti. Rajput kings encouraged this art which is reflected in the grandeur style of the temples.
Architecture of Mata Vaishnodevi Temple
Architecture at Vaishnodevi has been the source of artistic enjoyment for many, reinstating the vitality of the Indian religiosity and cultural fervour.
History of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple
Steeped in glorious history this is indeed a legendary temple.
Temples in Munnar
Munnar houses myriad temples that are visited by many people. The temples of Munnar are especially known for their festivals that are celebrated with great grandeur.
History of Indian Temples
The history of Indian temples dates back to the ancient ages and variant dynasties that have ruled throughout the ages. Every temple of every region has a story attached to it that reflects the cultures of the specific dynasty.
Kalyaneshwari Temple
Kalyaneshwari Temple is one of the well known Shakti peeth of India. Located at a distance of 20 kms from Asansol this age old temple is known for its miracles and a number of legends that attract the devotees and tourists as well.
Kalika Temple in Udhampur
Also known as Maha Kali Temple, the Kalika Temple located at the Reasi town is a holy shrine.
Medieval Temples of India
Medieval temples of India vary from each other due to the style and architecture. The impact of the prevalent kingdom is prominent in the style of building.
Temples of Ramanathapuram District
Temples of Ramanathapuram district have special significance in the state, owing to its architectural attributes.
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple
Architecture of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur reflects the Dravidian style architecture. Lord Shiva is the primary deity of this temple.