Srisailam Temple, also known as the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deities Shiva and Parvati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is significant to the Hindu sects of Shaivism and Shaktism because it is one of Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the Hindu Goddess’s eighteen Shakti Peethas .Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna, and the lingam represents him. Bhramaramba represents his consort Parvati.
When Shiva and Parvati made the decision to find suitable brides for their sons. Buddhi (intellect), Siddhi (spiritual power), and Riddhi (prosperity) were married to Ganesha by Shiva. Kartikeya was enraged upon his return and went to live alone on Mount Kraunja under the name Kumarabrahmachari. When he saw his father approaching to comfort him, he attempted to flee, but the Devas persuaded him to stay. The location where Shiva and Parvati stayed became known as Shrishailam.
According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity in the form of Linga (an iconic form of Shiva) was worshipped with jasmine (locally known in Telugu as Mallika), giving rise to the name Mallikarjuna. The main festival celebrated at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy temple is Mahashivaratri.
srisailam temple history
There is inscriptional evidence from the Satavahana dynasty that places the temple in the 2nd century. The majority of modern additions were made during the reign of King Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire. During the Reddi Kingdom, the veerasheromandapam and paathalaganga steps were built.
Architecture In Srisailam
The temple complex is 2 hectares in size and contains four gateway towers known as gopurams. The shrines of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba are the most prominent in the temple.The Mukha Mandapa, built during the Vijayanagar period, is the most notable hall in the temple complex. The temple is oriented eastward. The central mandapam is surrounded by pillars and houses a massive idol of Nadikeshwara. The temple is surrounded by tall walls that measure 183 m (600 ft) by 152 m (499 ft) and 8.5 m (28 ft) in height. There are several sculptures in the precinct, each one rising above the others. The pillars in the Mukamandapa, the hall leading to the sanctum, are intricately sculpted.The shrine where Mallikarjuna is housed is the temple’s oldest, dating back to the 7th century. There is a Sahasra linga (1000 linga) that Rama is said to have commissioned, as well as five other lingams that the Pandavas are said to have commissioned. Nataraja is depicted in a mirror hall in the first precinct.
Srisailam Temple
Srisailam is a census town in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal district. In the Atmakur revenue division, it is the mandal headquarters of Srisailam Mandal. It is about 160 kilometres (99 miles) from the district headquarters in Nandyal, 180 kilometres (112 miles) from Kurnool, and 264 kilometres (164 miles) from Vijayawada. The town is well-known for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, which is a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus of the Saivism and Shaktism sects. The town is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha.
Populations In Srisailam
Srisailam had a population of 23,257 people according to the 2001 India census. Males made up 54% of the population, while females made up 46%. The literacy rate in Srisailam Project (RFC) Township is 75.62%, which is higher than the state average of 67.02%. Male literacy is approximately 85.68%, while female literacy is 63.24%. One-third of the population is under the age of six.
Education In Srisailam
The state’s School Education Department oversees primary and secondary school education in government, aided, and private schools.
Srisailam is a popular tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh and one of Lord Shiva’s most important pilgrimage sites.
- Srisailam Dam, built over the Krishna River, is one of the largest in South India.
- The 3500-square kilometer NagarjunagarSrisailam Tiger Reserve is India’s largest tiger reserve. This Sanctuary is a natural habitat for a variety of flora and fauna species. The lush and dense Nallamala Forest range is a popular trekking, hill climbing, forest exploration, and research destination, with Srisailam serving as a base camp.
- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is an ancient temple in Dravidian style that enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna and contains specimens of Vijayanagara architecture.
- Other attractions in this area include the Akka Mahadevi Caves, Pathalaganga, and Shikareshwara Temple.
- Siddi Ramappa Kolanu waterfalls are located in Srisailam, half a kilometre from the main temple.