The Brahmaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam is nestled deep within the dense forests of the Nallamala Hills. The town has the distinction of being the only pilgrima part from varanasi, Where a ancient Jyothirlingam and a Shaktipeetham exist in the same place.

Overview

This temple receives a huge number of pilgrims and is one of the few that allow devotees to touch the linga with their hand or forehead.The existing temple complex contains the Mallikarjuna and Brahmaramba shrines, several sub shrines, mandapas, etc. The boundary wall has four dwaras (doors) surmounted by towering gupurams. The Nandi mandapa, veerasiro mandapa, Mallikarjuna shrine and Brahmaramba temple are aligned in a row from east to west in the inner courtyard. The vimana on the main sanctum sanctorum is constructed in the pyramidal style of Chalukyan architecture with nine tiers.

Significance

Srisailam finds mention in many ancient hindu texts. According to Agni Purana this place was the prayer hall ot the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who prayed for penance to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy here in the Satya Yuga. Skanda Purana mentons that Lord Rama and Sita consecrated sahasra Lingas or 1000 lingas in Srisailam in the treta Yuga. The pandavas are believed part of their exile here during dwapara yuga, during their exile and worshipped the lingas. Srisailam is also said to be the seat of prayer and meditation for luminaries such as philosophers Adi Shankara and Nagarjuna, Allama Prabhu, the patron saint of Lingayata, and Sivasarani Akka Mahadevi, one of the earliest female Kannada poets.

History

According to one legend, Parva tha, the son of Silada Maharishi, performed penance, which pleased Shiva. As a reward, Shiva agreed to live on his body. Parvatha further prayed to Shiva for the gods and holy water from the theerthams to remain on his body. In addition, he asked for all visiting pilgrims to be granted moksha without discrimination. Shiva granted him these wishes and Parvatha assumed the shape of a hill, on the top of which lived Shiva. Thus, Parvatha came to be known as Sriparvatha Swamy. The place gained prominence as a Shaktipeetham due to the belief that this is where Sati's neck fell after she immolated herself during the Daksha Yagna. The local Chenchu tribals refer to Shiva as Chenchu Mallaya based on the legend that he fell in love with and married a Chenchu girl when he descended upon Srisailam in the form of a hunter. This story is also depicted on the compound wall of the temple. 

Photos

How to Reach

The closest airport near this temple is in Hyderabad. 

Markapur  is the nearest Train Station.

This temple is well connected by Srisailam.

Best time to visit

Highlights

Panchamathas: Srisailam came into prominence as a Shaivite centre with the rise of mutts.

Srisailam Dam: Constructed across the Krishna River, the Srisailam Dam is one of the largest dams and second largest working hydroelectric power station in the country.

Sikhareswaram: The highest point of Srisailam is home to a temple dedicated to Sikhareswara Swamy.

Pathala Ganga: About 1km from the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is Pathala Ganga the sacred spot where devotees can take a dip in the Krishna River.

Sakshi Ganapathi (3km): It is believed that Lord Ganesha in this temple maintains an account of all the pilgrims that visit him.

Paladhara Panchadhara (4km): Two natural springs that are believed to have originated from Shiva's forehead form a waterfall here. It is said that Adi Shankara composed the famous devotional poem Sivanandalahari at the very spot.