Now this place is called as Srisailam. This is the 268th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 1st sthalam of Vada Nadu. This place was called as Thiruparupatha, Srisailam, Mallikarjuna Puram and Sriparpatham. This is one of the Three Jyotirlinga temple, on which Thevara hymns was sung by Moovar and also one of the Sakthi peetam.
In PeriyaPuranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after visiting Gokarna. But Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Kalahasti.
கூற்று உதைத்தார் மகிழ்ந்த கோகரணம் பாடிக்குலவு திருப்பருப்பதத்தின் கொள்கைபாடிஏற்றின்மிசை வருவார் இந்திரன் தன்நீலபருப்பதமும் பாடிமற்று இறைவர் தானம்போற்றியசொல் மலர்மாலை பிறவும் பாடிப்புகலியார் பெருந்தகையார் புனிதம் ஆகும்நீற்றில் அணிகோலத்துத் தொண்டர்சூழநெடிது மகிழ்ந்து அப்பதியில் நிலவுகின்றார்..... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்மான விஞ்சையர் வானநாடர்கள் வான் இயக்கர்கள் சித்தர்கள்கான கின்னரர் பன்ன காதியர்காமசாரிகளே முதல்ஞான மோனிகள் நாளும் நம்பரை வந்து இறைஞ்சி நலம் பெறும்தானம் ஆன திருச்சிலம்பை வணங்கி வன் தமிழ் சாத்தினார்.... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் புராணம்Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this Temple. Thirunavukkarasar worshiped Lord Shiva while returning from Kailash. Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Sri Mahabaleshwar of Gokarna and Sundarar has sung hymns on this temple from Kalahasti, without visiting the temples directly. Sundarar alone mentions this temple as Sriparpatham in Sanskrit.சுடுமணி யுமிழ்நாகம் சூழ்தர அரைக்கசைத்தான்இடுமணி எழிலானை ஏறலன் எருதேறி விடமணி மிடறுடையான் மேவிய நெடுங்கோட்டுப்படுமணி விடுசுடரார் பருப்பதம் பரவுதுமே.... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் கன்றினார் புரங்கள் மூன்றும் கனலெரி யாகச் சீறிநின்றதோர் உருவம் தன்னால் நீர்மையும் நிறையும் கொண்டு ஒன்றியாங்கு உமையும் தாமும் ஊர்பலி தேர்ந்து பின்னும்பன்றிப்பின் வேட ராகிப் பருப்பத நோக்கி னாரே.... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்மானும்மரை இனமும்மயில் இனமும் கலந்து எங்கும்தாமேமிக மேய்ந்துதடம் சுனைநீர்களைப் பருகிப்பூமாமரம் உரிச்சிப்பொழில் ஊடேசென்று புக்குத்தேமாம்பொழில் நீழல்துயில் சீபர்பத மலையே.........சுந்தரர்பாகியற்சொன் மங்கையொடும் பாங்கார் பருப்பததில்போகியர்கள் ஏத்திட வாழ் ஒப்புரவே...... திரு அருட்பாMoolavar : Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy.Consort : Sri Bramarambika Devi
Some of the salient features of this temple are....The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram on the banks of river Krishna also called as Patala ganga. The other three directions also has similar Rajagopurams built in dravidian architecture. This is one of the 12 JyotirLinga temples. A big Stone Nandi is in a mandapa on the east side. Moolavar is just about 3 inches tall.
On the west prakara there are 6 sannidhis called Ashta Lingas, believed to be installed by Pandavas. In prakaram Annapoorani, Shanmugar, Sanagala Basavanna, Ratnagarbha Ganapathi, Mallikarjuna Swamy, Sudarshana Veerabhadra Swamy, Pancha Pandava worshiped Lingas, Jwala Veerabhadra Swamy, Kumara Swamy, Uma maheswara Swamy, Vrudha Mallikeshwara Swamy, Rama installed Sahasra Linga and Rajarajeswara Swamy.
Ambal is in a separate temple, a level above Shiva’s Temple with steps to climb. In Ambal temple sannidhis for Ardhanareeswara Devi ( Ardhanareeswara is in a separate temple in sitting posture on a lotus pedestal. The right upper hand holds Trishula and lower hand in abhaya hastam. The left upper hand holds lotus and lower hand in varada hastam. Lord Shiva’s head is shown as jatabara and Parvati’s side is shown with crown. Lord Shiva is wearing Yagnopaveetha and necklace, Parvati is wearing anklets and bangles ). Rajarajeswari, Saptamatrikas ( Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi ), Sahasra Linga installed by Sita, Bramarambika Devi and Lopamudra Devi.
There is no sannidhis for Nayanmars, Chandran, Suryan and Navagrahas.
The 15th century Saint Arunagirinathar has hymns on Murugan of this temple. And he mentions this Srisailam as Thirumalai.பரிவுடனழகிய பழமொடு கடலைகள் பயறொடு சிலவகை பணியாரம் பருகிடு பெருவயி றுடையவர் பழமொழி எழுதிய கணபதி யிளையோனேபெருமலை யுருவிட அடியவ ருருகிட பிணிகெட அருள்தரு குமரேசா பிடியொடு களிறுகள் நடையிட கலைதிறள் பிணையமர் திருமலை பெருமாளே
The hill has 8 peaks called 1. Vaidurya Sikara ( வைடூரிய சிகரம் – Vitriol), 2. Manikka sikaram ( மாணிக்க சிகரம் – Diamond ), 3. Paravali Sikaram ( பரவாளி சிகரம் - ), 4.Brahma sikaram (பிரம்ம சிகரம்- ), 5 Raupiya Sikaram ( ரௌப்ய சிகரம்- ), 6. S. Shema Sikaram ( க்ஷேமா சிகரம் - ), 7. Maragatha Sikaram ( மரகத சிகரம் – Emerald ), and 8. Vajara Sikaram ( வஜ்ரசிகரம் ). There are 9 Nandis in this temple. They are Presiding Nandi, Naga Nandi, Vinayaka Nandi, Garuda Nandi, Shiva Nandi, Maha Nandi, Suriya Nandi, Vishnu Nandi and Soma Nandi. Similarly there are 9 Temples in the premises. They are Brahmeswaram, Varuneshwaram, Indrareshwaram, Janardaneshwaram, Saptakoteshwar, Kukudeshwaram, Hemeshwaram, Agneshwaram and Mosheshwaram.
The Temples around SriSailam are Sakshi Ganapati Temple, Sikaram Temple, Bailu Veerabhadra Swamy temple, Arama Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Jata Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Angalamma temple, Pathaleshwara Temple, Kala Bhairava Temple, Nagalooty Veerabhadra Temple and Ishtakameshwari Temple. In addition to the above some more are Hatakeswaram ( Atikeswara ), Sikhareswaram, Hemareddy Mallamma, Gupta Mallikarjunam, Gogharbamu and Kadali Vanam.
ARCHITECTURE
Jyotishcha Lakshitejascha Chaturdvareshu ShobhitamTripurasthaka siddesha brahmamaheshwarah vatyehi Srisailasya Purvadvarei Tu Devo Tripurantakaha
There is a Trishul on the top of the moolavar Vimana instead of kalasam. The prahara pillars are tooooo big. The temple is very big with beautiful sculptures / reliefs on the high stone outer walls. The sculptures includes the Various temples sthala purana like, Kalahasthi, Kanchipuram, Thirukadaiyur, etc,.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSIt is not known the antiquity of the temple and it is believed to be 3000 years old. The temple history had connection with Gokarna Temple history.
As per Temple’s website Satavahanas are South India’s first dynasty, ruled this area Srisailam. Satakarni also known as Mallanna was the third King of Satavahana Dynasty, who was an ardent devotee of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy.
Sri Sattakarni’s 3rd CE, inscriptions elsewhere, describes this place Srisailam as Chakora Shetagiri. After satavahanas, Ikshvaku Dynasty ruled Andhra Pradesh. They might have considers Srisailam as a holy destination. In the 6th CE Kadamba Dynasty king Mayura sharma addressed Srisailam as Sri Parvatham ( It is believed that Kokarna Sri Mahabaleshwar temple was constructed by Mayura Sharma ).
A King called Bruhaddhana with the help of Kadamba’s won the then Rulers Pallavas. They unified Sri Parvatham with the land they won over. In the dynasty of Badami Chalukyas, the ruler Pulikeshi constructed many temples and Known as the King of Temples. He was known to be the first Kshatriya king to receive the Shiva Deeksha.
During 735- 755 CE., Dantidurga, the ruler of Rashtrakuta Empire ruled in and around Sri Parvatam. During 980- 1058 CE, Kalyana Chalukyaraja Trayalikamalya Deva constructed the Vimana over the sanctum Sanctorum. In 1069 CE, his grandson donated a Village to this temple for Chatras and Dharamshalas. By the end of 11th Century, Srisailam has earned the reputation of Maha Shiva Temple and the home to the Vedas.
Rulers of the Hoysala Dynasty collected Crystal Shiva Lingas from Patalganga near Krishna river in Srisailam and constructed many Shiva temples. Since then Maharashtrians called Srisailam as Southern Kasi. Prataparudra who hails from Kakatiya Dynasty Visited this temple with his Queen and wife, performed Tulabhara seva and got blessings of Lord Shiva and Ambal Bramarambika.
The temple was renovated / expanded by the Reddy Rulers in 13th Century. The great Devotee of Prolaya Vema Reddy, had donated a Village called Ramatheertham to this temple for the development. His son Anavema Reddy laid the steps for devotees who come from Patalganga. The Veerasrio Mandapa was constructed by him in memory of his ancestors. It is said that the great devotees used to offer their body parts to Lord Shiva to show their devotion. In 1405 CE, Katyavema Reddy laid steps to Srisailam and Pedakomati Vema Reddy laid steps to Patalganga.
Patalganga
In 14th Century Vijayanagara Dynasty ruled this area. The Vijayanagara King Virupaksha Salupa Parvatayya donated many Villages to this temple. The Queen and wife of Hariharaya-II, Vitamba laid steps that leads to Patalganga. On one of the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri, Haritharaya-II, directed the construction of Main hall / maha mandapa. Sri Krishnadevaraya treated this Srisailam as a separate Kingdom and appointed his loyal Minister Chandrasekara as an administrator of Srisailam.
The Krishnadevaraya’s minister Chandrasekara, has constructed a mandapas in the name of Krishnadevaraya and his uncle Dhemarasu. The South, East and west side Rajagopuras were constructed during Krishnadevaraya period. Northern Rajagopuram was constructed by Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was ardent devotee of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bramarambika.
LEGENDSAs per the legend Silada, Maharishi did a penance on Lord Shiva for Child boon. Satisfied with the penance Lord Shiva blessed him with two Sons. Silada Maharishi named them as Nandi and Parvat. Even at the young age Silada Maharishi taught all Vedas and they had become the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. After attained certain age Parvat did a Penance on Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva with Parvati appeared and blessed him. When Lord Shiva asked what he wants, Parvat requested Lord Shiva to convert him as a Hill ( Parvat ) similar to Mount Kailash, with all the Devas, holy water bodies, 9 holy Rivers, munis, Rishis, plants, trees and on the top a temple where Lord Shiva with Parvati to reside. Lord Shiva appreciated his boon and told that nobody had asked such a boon and granted him as he wished. Since then this hill was called as Sri Parvatham, Srinagam, Srisailam, Srigiri etc,. Finally Lord Shiva agreed to stay with Parvati. From then onwards this temple is considered as one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples to bless his devotees who climbed on this Parvat chanting the mantra “om Namah Shivaya”.
This legend is associated with ma Parvati as Sri Bramarambika Devi. The Skanda Purana describes origin of this temple in Srisaila Kandam. Once the Demon Arunasura did a penance on ma Gayatri Devi fo getting a boon of immortality. Appreciating his penance ma Gayatri told that, she cannot give such boon, but directed him to Brahma. So the Demon Arunasura did a penance of Brahma. Satisfied with his devotion, Brahma asked Arunasura, what he wants?. When he asked the boon of immortality, Brahma said he cannot give such a boon, since it was against the principles of this universe, so he was asked for another boon. Now after a deep thought Arunasura asked Brahma that he should not be killed by a living things with 2 or 4 legs. Brahma gave this boon. After getting the boon Arunasura thought he cannot be killed by anybody and started terrorising the Devas. Unbearable Devas, requested Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati to save them from the Demon. For their request Ma Parvati took the form of Bee and Killed him. The Devas requested ma to chose a place to stay bless all her Devotees. Ma Parvati as Bramarambika had chosen this Srisailam and Stayed here itself.
Once ma Parvati asked Lord Shiva, about the most desired place apart from Kailash, in the universe that he created. Lord Shiva had chosen Srisailam with picturesque nature, avatar of Sri Chakra, Srisailam on this earth. Srisailam is the 2nd of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples and 6th of the 18 Shakti peethas of ma Bramarambika. This is the only temple on the earth with Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple and Sakthi peedam together. Srisailam was called in different names like, Srigiri, Sri Parvatham and Srinagam.
Lord Shiva and Ambal of this temple was worshiped by Narasimhaswamy in Satya yuga, Rama with Sita worshiped in Treta Yuga, All 5 Pandavas worshiped in Dwapara Yuga and Yogis, Rishis, Maharishis, Preachers, Spiritual teachers, Kings, Poets worshiped in this kaliyuga.
It is believed by the Locals that long ago Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy went for hunting in the forest. A Local Girl fell in love with God and latter married in presence of the Locals. Ever since the locals considers Lord Shiva Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy as their own Son-in-law and called as Chenchu Mallanna and Chenchu Mallayya.
The combination of three trees Methi, Ravi and Juvi are called as a Thiripala. Thathathreyar did a penance under this tree, hence this tree is called as Thathathreya Vruksham. This is near the Vrutha Mallikeshwara Swamy temple ( also there is an old tree called kara Veeram )
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas special poojas Abhishekams and Homas are conducted and the various tariffs are mentioned in the Web site. The Devotees can perform Abhishekam to Lord mallikarjuna by their hands. The various abhishek and homas are, Abhishekam in the sanctum sanctorum, Vrudha Mallikarjuna Swamy abhishekam, Laksha Bilvarchana, Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhishekam, Kumkuma pooja ( Sri Chakram ) Kumkuma pooja ar Ashirvachanam mandapam, Laksha kumkumarchana, Rudra Homam, Chandi Homam, Kalyanotsavam, Ekanta seva, Ganapati Homam, Valli Devasena Subramanya Swamy Kalyanam and RudrabhishekamMaha Shivaratri is celebrated in a grand manner.
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 15.30 hrs and 18.00 hrs to 22 Hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS Temple web site https://www.srisailadevasthanam.org/en-in/homeThe Mobile numbers +918333901351, +918333901352, +918333901353, +918333901354, +918333901355 and +918333901356 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH Andhra Pradesh Transport buses available from major cities of Andhra Pradesh. On the Train Route from Chennai to Kolkata, get down at Ongole and reach Srisailam by bus. From Ongole to Srisailam by bus via Markapur also possible. The temple is about 174 KM from Ongole, 181 KM from Kurnool, 213 KM from Hyderabad, 476 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway Station is Ongole.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Kalahasti Sthala Purana
Kalahasti Sthala Purana
Kanchipuram Sri Ekambareswarar Temple Sthala Purana
Thirukadaiyur Sthala purana
Sarabam 
Mahishamardini
Gandaberunda
Pasupatheeswarar
இடுமணி எழிலானை ஏறலன் எருதேறி
நின்றதோர் உருவம் தன்னால் நீர்மையும் நிறையும் கொண்டு
There is no sannidhis for Nayanmars, Chandran, Suryan and Navagrahas.
ARCHITECTURE
Tripurasthaka siddesha brahmamaheshwarah vatyehi
Rulers of the Hoysala Dynasty collected Crystal Shiva Lingas from Patalganga near Krishna river in Srisailam and constructed many Shiva temples. Since then Maharashtrians called Srisailam as Southern Kasi. Prataparudra who hails from Kakatiya Dynasty Visited this temple with his Queen and wife, performed Tulabhara seva and got blessings of Lord Shiva and Ambal Bramarambika.
Patalganga
Once ma Parvati asked Lord Shiva, about the most desired place apart from Kailash, in the universe that he created. Lord Shiva had chosen Srisailam with picturesque nature, avatar of Sri Chakra, Srisailam on this earth. Srisailam is the 2nd of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples and 6th of the 18 Shakti peethas of ma Bramarambika. This is the only temple on the earth with Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple and Sakthi peedam together. Srisailam was called in different names like, Srigiri, Sri Parvatham and Srinagam.
The Mobile numbers +918333901351, +918333901352, +918333901353, +918333901354, +918333901355 and +918333901356 may be contacted for further details.
On the Train Route from Chennai to Kolkata, get down at Ongole and reach Srisailam by bus. From Ongole to Srisailam by bus via Markapur also possible.
Kalahasti Sthala Purana
Kanchipuram Sri Ekambareswarar Temple Sthala Purana
Thirukadaiyur Sthala purana
Sarabam
Mahishamardini
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Very informative, thanks for posting such informative content. Expecting more from you.
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