Temples In India

Andhra Pradesh Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple Srisailam

Location	Srisailam, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Built by	Pulomavi of Satvahana dynasty
Managed by	Srisailam temple management
Primary deity	Srisailam Swami
Architectural styles	Dravidian style
Must See	Srisailam dam, Srisailam sanctuary, Akka Mahadevi caves

One among the most worshipped Jyotirling Mallikarjunswami is situated in Srisailam in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is placed between the beautiful hills of Nallamalai and gives a beautiful view from hilltop. This sacred pilgrimage of Lord Shiv lies near the River Krishna of Kurnool. Mallikarjun swami or lord Shiv is worshipped here in form of Ling by Hindu devotees. The mountain of Nallamalai is named Siridhan, Srigiri or Srinagam. This place is also a home to Goddess Bhramaramba Devi which considered among the 18 Mahashaktis. The couple of Shiv and Shakti who are self-manifested make this place unique and sacred.

Architecture And History

Srisailam has deep roots in Indian culture and mythology. Mallikarjun Swami was among the presiding deity of various Kings who ruled in Southern India. Satvahanas, Pallavas, Chalukiyas, Kakatiyas Vishnukundis and Chatrapati Shivaji were the prominent rulers among them. It was found that Pulumavis Nasik inscription of 1st century A.D. has traces of writings about Mallikarjun Swami and Srisailam Mountain.

Most of reconstruction and renovation work of temple had been done by Prataprudra of Kakatiya dynasty and Ganpatideva who spent a lot on it. Reddy kings also contributed a lot to the construction of temple. Prolaya Reddy constructed path towards the temple on the Hilltop. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj constructed Gopuram to the northern side of the temple known as Gopuram in year 1667 A.D. Mukhmantapam and Gopuram of Southern side of temple constructed by Harihararaya of Vijayanagar empire and the Eastern side Rajgopuram  by Srikrishnadevraya in 15th century.

According to epigraphically sources it is believed that Srisailam has four Gateways in four cardinal directions having religious significance of each of the gate. These gates are named respectively as Tripuranthakam (Prakasam district), Siddhavatam (Kadapa district), Alampur (Mehboob nagar district), and Umamaheshwar of Mehboob nagar district. Gangasadan and Gourisadan are 2 modern complexes of 112 suites.

Many mythological legends of Mallikarjun Swami are famous and grown here. Son of Silada Maharishi sacrament here in order to please Shiv live on his body. Thus Parvata got the shape of Hill Sriparvata. Chandragupta Patana’s daughter Chandravati ran away from his father settled near Krishna River. One day she saw a cow standing above natural rock which resemble to Shivling and cow is pouring her milk upon it and same day she saw the dream that piece of stones on hill is nothing but the Shivling of Mallikarjun.

How To Reach

Srisailam can be reached by all three means of Air, road and rail. By road destinations near to Srisailam are Anantpur (325 km), Hyderabad (232 Km), Nandyal (158 km) and Banglore (538 km) which are connected through APSRTC and AP tourism buses  Markapur is nearest railhead on Guntoor– Hubli line. Another rail tracks are Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Kurnool and Nandayal. Nearest airport is Hyderabad well connected to Banglore, Bhuvneshwar, Mumbai and Chennai?

Weather And Time To Visit

Temperature: Mean Max. Mean Min.
 Summer: Max 38, Min 30
 Winter: Max 26, Min 20
Rainfall: Seasonal.
Season: September to February

Timings

MORNING: 6.30 am to 1pm
EVENING: 6:20 am to 10pm

Contact

Administrative Office: 08524- 288881
Temple Office: 08524- 288887
Accommodation: 08524-287351, 08524-28889

Places Of Intrest

Akka Mahadevi Caves

Famous lyricist, philosopher and ascetic of 12TH century A.D. of Karnataka did penance in this caves. She worshipped the self-manifested Shivling in dark end of cave. Motor boats are available to visit the place where cave is located.

Srisailam Dam

Srisailam dam is located between scenic beauties of dense forests and Ghats. The dam is about 512 m long and built on Krishna River. The dam is multipurpose and used for hydropower generation, water supply and irrigational purposes. It has 12 crest gates to hold maximum water level of 885 ft and has a live storage of 274 thousand million cubic feet.

Srisailam Sanctuary

Srisailam is the largest tiger reserve spreaded in area of 3568 km2. Dry deciduous and bamboo trees are prevalent in this sanctuary. Sanctuary is home to species other then tiger like leopard, deer, sloth bear, and bonnet macaque.

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