Srisailam Temple, Srisailam Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Srisailam Temple, Srisailam Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, history, importance, festivals, Shivaratri, Srisailam Shiva Temple, Srisailam Bhramaramba Temple, Navaratri, Sankranti festival.

The ancient and sacred temple of Srisailam is of great historical and religious significance. Situated on the south bank of the river Krishna, in the Nallamala forest (Kurnool district), on a 457 meter high hill is the Bhramaramba Mallikharjunaswamy temple, one of the 12 Jyothirlingas in the country. One of the state’s three famous Linga Kshetrams (Draksharamam and Nagarjunamo are the other two), it is also known as “Sri Mallikharjunam” and “Sri Parvatham”.

Religious History

Srisailam played a dominant role in our religious, cultural and social history from ancient times. The history of Srisailam begins with the Sathavahanas who were the first empire builders in South India. The earliest known historical mention of the Hill – Srisailam, can be traced in Pulumavis Nasik inscription of 1st Century A.D.

Significance of the Temple

Srisailam plays a dominant role in our religious, cultural and social history from ancient times. The prominence of Srisailam is highlighted by the fact that in the sankalpa mantra of our today’s homams we specify the location of our place with reference to Srisailam only. The epigraphical evidence reveals that the history of Srisailam begins with the Sathavahanas who were the first empire builders in South India.  The earliest known historical mention of the Hill – Srisailam, can be traced in Pulumavi’s Nasik inscription of 1^st Century A.D.

The presiding deities are Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi one of the Eighteen Mahasakthis and both are self-manifested. The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Maha Shakthi Peetham in one campus, which is only one of its kinds.

The Dwadasa Jyotirlinga shrines or the 12 shrines enshrining Shiva in the form of a Jyotirlingam, have been held in reverence since time immemorial in the Indian system of beliefs. These temples are closely linked with legends from the puranas and are rich in history and tradition. They are more ancient than Chidambaram, Thiruvannamalai etc., Vedas say that the dharshan of SriSailam will wash away all the sins of the previous births and brings salvation.

Srisailam is the only place where Jyothirlingam and Mahashakti Peetham are located in one single spot. Only one of the Jyothirlingams, Rameswaram and only one of the Mahasakthi peetams, Kanchipuram are in Tamilnadu.

It is said that Shiva told Paravathi that He considers SriSailam as his most favorite place, more than Kailasam, and the place reflects His full power. 

Other Temples in Srisailam Temple Premises

1. Vruddha Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
2. Ardhanarishwara Temple
3. Pandava Prathishtitha Lingam (Shivalinga installed by Pandavas)
4. Veerabhadra Swamy Temple
5. Sanagala Basavanna
6. Addala Mandapam
7. Triphala Vruksham
8. Sahasralingeshwara Swamy Temple
9. Sri Rama and Sita Devi Pratishtitha Sahasralingams
10. Lopamudra 

Other Temples Nearby…

1. Bhramaramba Devi Temple
2. Hathakesvara Temple
3. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
4. Sakshi Ganapati Temple
5. Shikaresvara Temple
6. Mahanandi Mahanandishwara Swamy Temple

Important festivals celebrated at the temple..

1. Mahasivaratri Brahmothsavams
2. Ugadi Celebrations
3. Dasara Celebrations (Durga Navaratri Puja)
4. Kumbhosthavams
5. Sankranthi Uthsavam (Sankranti Brahmotsavam)
6. Arudrothsavam (Arudra Mahotsavam)
7. Karthika Maasa uthsavams
8. Sravana Maasa uthsavams

Srisailam Temples will remain closed during Chandra Grahanam (Lunar Eclipse) and Surya Grahanam (Solar Eclipse).