Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple - Srisailam

Place: -                        Srisailam

Hotel Booked:-       Srisailam Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Guest

  Booked through https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/en-in/home

         Can be booked for 1 day by 1 mobile number

         Booked for 1 more day by another mobile number

         (14/09/24 Saturday12.00 to 16/09/24 Monday11.00)

          Ensured that hotel is booked if you have decided to stay in Srisailam

How to Reach:

• By Air- The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, from where one can travel by road to Srisailam.

• By Train-  There is no direct train connectivity to Srisailam. However, you can take trains to the nearest railway stations of Srisailam to visit the place

You can travel to Markapur Road Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Srisailam. Markapur Road Railway Station is about 90 kilometers from Srisailam. Another option is Kurnool City railway station which is 180 kilometre from Srisailam. Afterward, you can take a road ride to reach Srisailam

   ·  By Road- Srisailam is well-connected by road. The nearest major city is Hyderabad, which is about 213 kilometers away. There are regular buses and taxis available from Hyderabad, making the journey to Srisailam quite convenient for pilgrims.

We have reached Hyderabad around 2 pm and hired taxi for 2 days to visit Srisailam. It took around 5 hrs to cover the distance from Hyderabad to Srisailam as we are exploring the hilly area and enjoying the trip. We have reached Srisailam around 7 pm.

Note : Once can enter/exit from Srisailam between 6am to 6pm as one have cross Tiger Reserve Forest in the journey.

Place to Visit:

Srisailam, nestled amidst the scenic hills of the Eastern Ghats, is not just a serene getaway for nature lovers but also a revered pilgrimage destination. Located on the banks of the river Krishna, Srisailam is home to the famous Srisailam Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As proven in Puranas, Srisailam has great ancient significance. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the 2nd is the Mallikarjuna Swamy Lingam; among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the 6th is Sri Bhramaramba Devi temple. This town is a hub of spiritual energy, offering a blend of divine history, mythological significance, and architectural marvels

Saturday around 9.00pm

Srisailam Temple

At the heart of Srisailam lies the Srisailam Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sri Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati as Bharamaramba.

Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva and holds immense religious importance in the Shaiva tradition. Here Malika is name of Parwati and Arjuna is name of Shiva. Put together, it is called Malikarjuna.

Mythology states that Karthikeya the younger son of the Lord Shiva and Parvati got angry and came to the Kronch Hills from Kailash. Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva came here and stayed as Arjun and Mallika so this temple is called Mallikarjuna. As they both were confused between Ganesh and Karthikeya that whom should get married first so they gave them a activity to do Pradakshina around the world by seven times. Karthikeya went to the Pradakshina with his vehicle while the Ganesh went round his parents seven times. Shiva got Buddhi, Siddhi and Riddhi married to Ganesha. So Karthikeya on his return from Pradakshina was in anger and went to stay alone on Mount Kraunja in the name of Kumarabrahmachari. The place where Shiva and Parvati stayed came to be known as Shrishailam

Another mythology states that Once upon a time, Silada Maharshi, the son of Soma Muni performed an intense Tapasya in the name of Lord Shiva. Pleased with the Tapasya performed by Silada Maharshi, Lord Bhola Shankara granted him his wish of 'sons who would carry forward worshipping Lord Shiva. Silada Maharshi named his sons as Nandi-Parvat. As the granted wish goes, Nandi-Parvat learnt all the knowledge about Lord Shiva and became great devotees of the Lord. With his father's permission, Parvat performs a Tapasya and pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva asks him what his wish was. To which, Parvat says: "Just how all holy things reside in Kailasa, I would want to be a similar mountain filled with gods who reside as one family, holy 9 rivers, holy water bodies, many peaks, animals, birds, all eight Bhairavas, munis and rishis, fruit-bearing and medicinal plants and trees. While I take the form of a Mountain, you shall reside atop me on the highest peak in the form of a prime Jyotirlinga." To which Lord Shiva said, "You were the only devotee to have asked for such a lovely wish! You shall now reside as a mountain that shall be known as Sriparvatam, Srinagam, Srisailam, Shrigiri. My devotees shall walk across you while reciting their prayers and you shall mark your place in history." This is how Lord Shiva took the form of Jyotirlinga in Srisailam.

Bharamaramba Temple Situated adjacent to the Mallikarjuna Temple in the same temple complex. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bharamaramba and is also one of the Shakti Peethas. It is believed that neck of Ma Parvati has fallen here. Here Ma Parvati used to be pray as Maha Laxmi. Devotee should also see the Sri Yantra and pray with Sindoor. Devotees visit this temple seeking blessings for strength, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Another mythology as per Skanda Puranam and Srisaila Khandam beautifully describe the origin and divine form of Parvati Devi which is known as Bhramaramba Devi. Once upon a time, a Raakshas called Arunasura performed an Upasana in the name of Gayatri Devi. He wished for immortality to which Gayatri Devi said she would not be able to grant such a wish and only Lord Brahma would be able to do it. Taking the advice, Arunasura started his intense Tapasya to please Lord Brahma by reciting 'Om Brahmadevaya Namaha'. His prayers reached all the worlds and the troubled gods met with Lord Brahma and requested him to do something about it. Lord Brahma appears before Arunasura and asks him what his wish was. Upon hearing about immortality, Lord Brahma says that such a wish is against the principles of the universe and asks him to request another wish instead. Arunasura after deep thought says he shall never face death because of 2 legged or 4 legged living beings. Brahma grants his wish. Arunasura who considered himself immortal and unbeatable proceeds to trouble people and doesn't spare the gods too. The gods who were fed up with his antics share their concerns with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Parvathi Devi takes the incarnation of a thousand bees(Bhramara) and kills the cruel Arunasura. The happy gods request the goddess to take the form of Bhramaramba in her favourite place so that they can worship her for eternity. Parvati Devi chooses Srisailam to reside as Bhramaramba Devi as Srisailam is also dear to Lord Shiva. Since then, Bhramaramba Devi resides here to bless all her devotees.

The temple’s architecture and intricate carvings reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. The temple's intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and sacred ambiance make it a must-visit. The temple’s history spans several centuries, with contributions from various dynasties such as the Chalukyas and the Vijayanagar Empire 

Kindly book for Sparsha Darshan ticket 1 or 2 months advance through https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/en-in/home. This will enable you touch the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Shiv lingam and pray. Always wear formal dress dhoti and shirt or saree or salwar kamiz.

While entering, you should do the Nandi Darshan first

Sunday 7.00am

Kindly book for Adbishekam Darshan ticket 1 or 2 months advance through https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/en-in/home. This will enable you do Jal Abhishek to the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Shiv lingam and pray.

Seeghra Darshan/ Athiseeghra Darshan tickets are also available for devotee over the counter/online for darshan. 

Sunday 10.00am

Patalganga by Ropeway: The Patalganga is another important religious site located at the foothills of Srisailam. Pilgrims often take a holy dip here for purification and blessings. It is believed that all skin problem resolved by a dip in river. You can also enjoy the beauty in and around the bank of river Krishna (Patalganga) while going through ropeway. Patalganga is said as patalganga as it flows from deep valey.

Remember there is big queue for going/coming for ropeway so act accordingly.

Take Anna Prasadam by Srisailam Trust after Patalganga between 11 – 2 pm

Sunday 2.00pm

Hatkeshwaram Temple: It is the place where Sri Sankarcharya has written his one treatise. (skipped)

Chenchulakshmi Tribal Museum (Skipped)

PaldharaPanchdhara: It is very beautiful waterfall. If you are coming in monsoon season, then must visit. (Skipped)

Sakshi Ganpati Mandir: Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy is incomplete without the darshan of Sakshi Ganpati who maintain the record the vistors who has worshipped Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and inform the same to Lord Shiva

Srisailam Dam and Reservoir: A visit to the Srisailam Dam is an essential part of the pilgrimage. It is one of the biggest 12 hydraulic power station of India made in Narmla hills in Krishna River. Apart from its importance for irrigation and water supply, the dam is surrounded by scenic views that inspire a sense of divine awe. The dam area is ideal for a serene boat ride, where you can connect with nature in a spiritually uplifting environment. 

Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: The Srisailam Tiger Reserve is a perfect blend of nature and spirituality. It offers a chance to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, including tigers, leopards, and other exotic species. The serene ambiance of the reserve makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection and meditation. (skipped)

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Place to Stay: - Srisailam Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Guest House

Best Time to Visit:- The best time to visit Srisailam is between October and March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. The temple can get crowded during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi, and Navaratri, so it’s advisable to plan your visit accordingly if you wish to avoid large crowds.

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Next :- Start from Srisailam by max 4.00 pm to reach Hyderabad by 9.00pm . Check in your hotel, get fresh up and go to Charminar. Charminar charms is in night shopping. Never miss the famous Hyderabadi Biryani. Next day go to your destination.