Full Details Of Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

 

Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, also known as Srisailam Temple, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. It is located in Srisailam, a town in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. It is also one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, which are believed to be the places where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself in the yajna of her father Daksha Prajapati.

History

The history of Srisailam Temple dates back to the Satavahana period. The temple was renovated by various rulers, including the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Nizams of Hyderabad. The temple was built in the Dravidian style of architecture.

The temple has two shrines, one for Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and the other for goddess Bhramaramba. According to legend, the temple was originally built by Lord Agni (the god of fire) on the request of Lord Shiva. The temple was later renovated by various rulers.

The temple has a long history of patronage by various rulers. The Chalukyas of Badami were the first rulers to patronize the temple. The Kakatiyas of Warangal also patronized the temple and renovated it extensively. The temple was further renovated by the Vijayanagara Empire, which also built several new structures around the temple.

The temple was also patronized by the Nizams of Hyderabad, who made significant contributions to the temple’s upkeep. The temple has also been visited by several saints and spiritual leaders, including Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, and Madhvacharya.

Architecture

Srisailam Temple is known for its magnificent architecture, which is a blend of the Chalukyan and Vijayanagara styles. The temple is built on a flat plateau at the top of the Nallamala Hills. The temple complex covers an area of about 2 hectares and is surrounded by a wall.

The main entrance to the temple is through a tall and imposing gopuram (tower) that is about 20 meters high. The gopuram is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and stories from Hindu mythology. The temple has several other smaller gopurams and entrances.

The temple has two main shrines, one for Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and the other for goddess Bhramaramba. The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is located on the western side of the temple complex, while the shrine of goddess Bhramaramba is located on the eastern side.

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is a rectangular structure with a pyramidal roof. The walls of the shrine are decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and stories from Hindu mythology. The sanctum sanctorum of the shrine houses the lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva).

The shrine of goddess Bhramaramba is also a rectangular structure with a pyramidal roof. The walls of the shrine are decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and stories from Hindu mythology. The sanctum sanctorum of the shrine houses the idol of the goddess Bhramaramba.

The temple complex also has several other structures, including a kalyana mandapam (marriage hall), a dining hall, and several smaller shrines. The kalyana mandapam is a grand structure with several pillars and intricate carvings.

 

Full Details Of Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

 

Festivals and Celebrations

Srisailam Temple is a place of great religious significance for Hindus, and it attracts millions of devotees from all over India every year. The temple celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year, some of which are:

Mahashivaratri: This is the most important festival celebrated at Srisailam Temple. It falls on the 13th or 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February/March). On this day, devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva and fast throughout the day. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and special pujas are performed.

Brahmotsavam: This is a ten-day festival that is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashada (June/July). During this festival, the deities of the temple are taken out in a grand procession around the town. The festival also includes cultural programs, music concerts, and other events.

Karthika Masam: This is a month-long festival that is celebrated in the Hindu month of Karthika (October/November). During this festival, devotees offer special pujas and prayers to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. The temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and cultural programs and music concerts are organized.

Dussehra: This is a ten-day festival that is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September/October). On the tenth day of the festival, called Vijayadashami, a grand procession is taken out with the deities of the temple. The festival marks the victory of good over evil.

Ugadi: This is the New Year’s Day in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March/April). The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and special pujas are offered to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati.

Apart from these festivals, the temple also celebrates several other events throughout the year, such as Diwali, Navratri, and Hanuman Jayanti.

 

Full Details Of Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

 

Significance

Srisailam Temple is a place of great significance for Hindus, and it is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is also one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, which are believed to be the places where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself in the yajna of her father Daksha Prajapati.

According to legend, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati appeared before sage Rishyasringa at this place and blessed him. It is also believed that Adi Shankara visited this temple and composed the Sivananda Lahari, a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva.

The temple is also known for its association with the great saint and philosopher, Sripada Srivallabha. It is believed that he meditated at the temple and attained enlightenment.

The temple is considered a sacred place for performing ancestral rituals and offerings. Devotees believe that performing these rituals at the temple can bring peace and prosperity to their families.

Tourism

Apart from its religious significance, Srisailam Temple is also a popular tourist destination. The temple is located in the scenic Nallamala Hills, and the surrounding forests are home to several wildlife species such as tigers, leopards, and bears.

The temple also has several other attractions nearby, such as the Akkamahadevi Caves, the Srisailam Dam, and the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

The Akkamahadevi Caves are located about 10 km from the temple and are known for their natural beauty. The caves are named after the famous Kannada saint, Akkamahadevi, who is said to have meditated in these caves. The caves are also known for their natural formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, and they offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

The Srisailam Dam is located about 12 km from the temple and is a popular spot for boating and sightseeing. The dam is built across the Krishna River and provides irrigation water to the surrounding areas.

The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is located about 130 km  from the temple and is home to several endangered species, including tigers, leopards, and Indian giant squirrels. The reserve is also known for its scenic beauty and offers several trekking and camping opportunities.

Apart from these attractions, the town of Srisailam also offers several shopping opportunities for tourists. The town is known for its handicrafts and souvenirs, such as wood carvings, stone sculptures, and metal crafts. The town also has several restaurants and food stalls that offer local delicacies such as spicy biryani, kebabs, and sweets.

Full Details Of Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

 

Administration

Srisailam Temple is managed by the Endowments Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is governed by a board of trustees, which is appointed by the government.

The board of trustees is responsible for the administration and management of the temple, and they oversee the day-to-day operations of the temple. They are also responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the temple complex, as well as for the welfare of the temple staff and the devotees.

The temple receives a large number of visitors every year, and the board of trustees has put in place several measures to ensure their safety and comfort. The temple complex is equipped with modern amenities such as restrooms, drinking water facilities, and first-aid centers.

The temple also has a large number of priests and staff members who are responsible for the upkeep of the temple complex and the performance of various rituals and ceremonies. The priests and staff members are trained in the traditional methods of temple worship and are dedicated to the service of the Lord.

The temple also has a number of charitable activities, such as the provision of free meals to the devotees, the distribution of clothes and blankets to the poor, and the support of various social welfare programs.

 

How to reach Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple 

Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located in the town of Srisailam in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple can be reached by road, rail, and air.

By Road:
The town of Srisailam is well-connected to major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through a network of well-maintained roads. Regular buses and taxis are available from major cities such as Hyderabad, Kurnool, and Vijayawada. Private taxis and self-drive cars can also be hired for the journey.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Srisailam is located in the town of Markapur Road, which is about 85 km from the temple. Trains from major cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore stop at this station. From Markapur Road, taxis and buses are available for the onward journey to Srisailam.

By Air:
The nearest airport to Srisailam is located in Hyderabad, which is about 232 km from the temple. The Hyderabad airport is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, taxis and buses can be hired for the onward journey to Srisailam.

Once you reach Srisailam, the temple can be easily accessed by foot, as it is located in the heart of the town. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also available for local transportation.

It is advisable to plan your travel well in advance, especially during the peak season, which is between October and February. During this time, the temple receives a large number of visitors, and accommodation may be difficult to find. Therefore, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Overall, reaching Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is quite easy and convenient, with multiple transportation options available. The journey to the temple, through the picturesque landscape of Andhra Pradesh, is an experience in itself and is sure to leave you mesmerized.

Conclusion

Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the most revered and ancient temples of South India. The temple complex, with its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and serene surroundings, is a testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The temple is not just a place of worship, but also a center of learning, art,and culture. It is a place where devotees can experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for peace, prosperity, and well-being.

The temple complex is also a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. The town of Srisailam, with its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, offers a unique travel experience for those who want to explore the beauty and diversity of South India.

Srisailam Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a sacred place that holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people. It is a place where people come to seek solace, find peace, and connect with the divine. It is a place where tradition, culture, and spirituality come together, creating a unique experience that is truly unforgettable.

 

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