Pradosha Kalam

Pradosha Kaalam is that period of time during which Lord Shiva is known to have evolved out of His unsteady state (due to the effect of the poison he had consumed) and performing Ananda Thandava on top of his Rishabha Vahana (Sacred Nandi Bull). During this pradosha time, Lord Shiva is known to be in the most ecstatic of moods as he has been successful in saving mankind from the ill effects of the Poison 'hala'. His Ananda Thandava blesses all the three worlds and the Devathas in turn pray to him.
Lord Shiva is known to be very generous giving away Vardhan (boons), although, he would test his devotees to the core. To those devotees who pray to him during the Pradosha Kaalam, duly observing fast, performing puja, chanting of Rudram, visiting sacred places of interest, He brings prosperity and happiness in life.
Pradosha Kalam falls on the 13th lunar day of Trayodashee during the shukla and krishna pakshas, waxing and waning fortnights in the Hindu calendar months. If, the period between sunset to next sunrise is divided into 5 equal parts, the first part is called Pradosha Kalam and it denotes the end of day time and the beginning of night. This is also called the period of Asuras (Raaksha Neram). It is believed that each day of the week has different benefits during Pradosh time:

Sunday (Bhaanu Vaara Pradosha)

Peace to all (Mangalam to all)

Monday (Indu Vaara Pradosha)

Positive (perception) thinking

Tuesday (Bhauma Vaara Pradosha)

No Poverty (Prosperity to all)

Wednesday (Saumya Vaara Pradosha)

Blessings with progeny, Knowledge and education

Thursday (Guru Vaara Pradosha)

Divine blessings through the Pitru's, all dangers will be eliminated

Friday (Bhrgu Vaara Pradosha)

Nullifying (negativeness) opposition

Saturday (Sthira Vaara Pradosha)

Elevation (promotion) getting back the lost wealth

Mahaa Pradosh Kalam comes yearly during the month of Maagh/Maashi (U’ma’ +’Shi’Va) before Mahaa Shiv Raatri. If the Mahaa Pradosha comes on Saturday, it is called Shani Mahaa Pradosha. Saturday is the day when Lord Shiva swallowed poison and this is called Shani (Sthira in Samskritam) Pradosha. It is categorized into three categories of importance depending upon the month on which Pradosha falls:

1. Uttama Sthira Pradosha - Maximum power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Chaitra, Vaishaakh, Aashaadh and Kaartik during the Growing Lunar Cycle (Shukla Paksha), i.e from New to Full moon period.

1. Madhyama Sthira Pradosha - Normal power - The Sthira Pradosha that comes during the months of Chaitra, Vaishaakh, Aashaadh and Kaartik during Diminishing Lunar Cycle (Krishn Paksha), ie Full to New moon period.

1. Adhama Sthira Pradosha - Minimum power - All the other Sthira Pradosha. The Pradosh that falls on any Saturday is called MahaA Pradosha (Sthira Pradosh).

Soma-sUtra-pradakshiNam

During Pradosha Kala, Lord Shiva is supposed to be very powerful and happy. Unlike normal days/times during Pradosha kalam, a special type of circumambulation called Soma-sUtra-pradakshiNam is practiced in Shiva temples. The importance of Soma-sUtra-pradakshiNam is that the gomukhi (place where the water after anointing - abhiSheka tIrtam- would be flowing northwards out) is never crossed during circumambulation of the Lord. By doing this way of pradakshiNam, one does not step over this holy water. The following order of Circumambulation is practiced for a single turn:
1)RiShabham-ChaNdIchar-RiShabham-Gomukhi 2)RiShabham-ChaNdIchar-Gomukhi 3)RiShabham-ChaNdIchar-RiShabham- RiShabham

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first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings

Shree Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India.

Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with release of Chandra (Moon God) from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favoured Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Bhagvan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Bhagvan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.

The research based on ancient Indian classical texts show that first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was done on the auspicious third day of brighter half of Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar. Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji, Chairman of Shrimad Aadhya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vedic Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi suggested that the said first temple was built 7,99,25,105 years ago as derived from the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran. Thus, this temple is a perennial source of inspiration for millions of Hindus since time immemorial.

The later sources of history account for several desecrations by Muslims invaders during eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13 1947. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.

Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night during 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean. Ahalyabai temple is also close by, which was built by the queen mother Shri Ahalyabai Holker during 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Bhagvan Shiva during the hostile political conditions.

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Somnath temple HISTORY

TEMPLE HISTORY

The legend associated with this temple is that when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were arguing regarding their supremacy, Lord Shiva intervened in between and to reach to a reasonable conclusion, he assigned them the task of finding the end of the light of the pillar he had pierced through the three spheres. While Brahma tried to lie that he had reached to the end of the light, Vishnu acknowledged his defeat. This led Shiva to curse Brahma that he would not be worshiped in any religious ceremonies, whereas Vishnu will be worshiped by the mankind till the end of time.

The column of light is now symbolic to Lord Shiva, commonly known as Jyotirlinga. Such structures were erected in 64 locations, out of which one is the Somnath Temple.

Another legend associated with this temple is that there were three different temples built by Soma or the Moon God, Ravana and Shri Krishna. While Soma had built the temple of gold, Ravana’s temple was made of silver, while that of Shri Krishna was made of wood. Soma was known to have cursed by none other than his father-in-law because Soma was known to love only one of the many daughters of Daksha whom he was married with. The curse was that the glow of Soma or the moon will decline. Soma then built the temple and prayed to Shiva. One of his wives whom he used to love the most then pleaded to Shiva to remove the curse. Shiva then removed the curse, partially though, which is said to be the reason why the intensity of moon decreases.

The temple has been destroyed not just once or twice, but for six times. Every time, it was rebuilt and thus it got the name “The Shrine Eternal”.

It is said that the very first temple was present at the site even before the common people existed, while the second temple is believed to be built by the rulers of Yadava Dynasty in the sixth century.

In the seventh century, the temple was destroyed by the armies sent by the governor of Sindh. The third temple, however, was built in the eight century by a ruler of the Pratihara Empire, Nagabhata II.

The temple was destroyed and rebuilt again for the coming centuries, as it was always under the radar of the conquerors of the state.

Another interesting incident related to this ancient temple is the “Proclamation of The Gates” incident. It is said that Mahadaji Shinde, a ruler of the Maratha Dynasty, brought along Three Silver Gates after he won the war against the ruler of Lahore, Muhammad Shah. He wanted these gates to be installed in the Somnath Temple, but was unable to do so as the pundits and the ruler of the state refused to do so. These gates were later placed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Gopal Temple of Ujjain city in Madhya Pradesh.

Around a century later, the 1st Earl of Ellenborough issued an order to reclaim these gates, which are said to have been taken by the Mahmud of Ghazni to be installed in his tomb. A lot of efforts were put to bring back the gates; however, the gates that were brought back to India were just replicas. The authorities sent these replicas to the Agra Fort, where they are still lying in the store-room.

The last restoration of the temple was done by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the Deputy Prime Minister of India after independence. The initiative of merging Junagarh state into the newly established Union of India and reconstruction of Somnath Temple in a simultaneous order was administered by Vallabhbhai. Unfortunately, he died before the reconstruction of the temple was over, which was then supervised by K.M. Munshi.

The temple is consisting of Garbhgruh, Sabhamandap and Nrityamandap with a 150 feet high Shikhar.

The Kalash at the top of the Shikhar weighs 10 tons and the Dhwajdand is 27 feet tall and 1 foot in circumference. The Abadhit Samudra Marg, Tirsthambh (Arrow) indicates the unobstructed sea route to the South Pole. The nearest land towards South Pole is about 9936 km. away. This is a wonderful indicator of the ancient Indian wisdom of geography and strategic location of the Jyotirling. The temple renovated by Maharani Ahalyabai is adjacent to the main temple complex.

Hari Har Tirthdham is here in Somnath. This is the holy place of Bhagvan Shri Krishna's Neejdham Prasthan Leela. The place where Bhagvan Shri Krishna was hit by an arrow of a poacher is known as Bhalka Tirtha. After being hit by the arrow, Bhagvan Shri Krishna arrived at the holy confluence of Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati and their Sangam with the ocean. He performed his divine Neejdham Prasthan Leela at the sacred and peaceful banks of river Hiran.

The Geetamandir is built here where the divine message of Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta is carved on eighteen marble pillars. Shri Lakshminarayan Mandir is close by. The Balramjiki Gufa is the place from where Bhagvan Shrikrishna's elder brother Balaramji took journey to his nijdham-patal.

Here is the Parshuram Tapobhumi, where Bhagvan Parshuramji carried out penance and he was relieved from the sin of Kshatriya killings. The Pandavas have said to have visited this place and taken holy bath in the Jalprabhas and built five Shiv temples.

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PHOTO GALLERY

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Contact: Srisaila-devasthanam

Contact: Srisaila-devasthanam

Executive Officer

Srisaila Devasthanam
Srisailam 518101,
Phone: 08524 - 288883,288885,288886,288887,288888.
E-mail: eo@srisailamtemple.com

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SCHEMES

Annadanam Scheme

The Devasthanam has launched Saswatha Annadanam Scheme aimed at providing free food to the devotees visiting Srisailam. There is a good response from philanthropists for this scheme. Most of the pilgrims are utilizing the scheme.
The minimum donation for this scheme is of Rs.1, 116/- and the Annadanam will be performed on the name and gotram of the donor once in a year permanently to his choice.

Kalyanosthavam Scheme

The Devasthanam has launched Saswatha Kalyanam Scheme. There is a good response from philanthropists for this scheme. Most of the pilgrims are utilizing the scheme.
The minimum donation for this scheme is of Rs.10000/- and the Kalyanam will be performed on the name and gotra of the donor once in a year permanently to his choice.

Cottage Donation Scheme

Independent Cottages are already in vogue on the Hill Top in tune with the Devasthanam Standers. We invite the donors to participate in the Valley view Cottages in above 25 acres abutting the Srisailam Dam Reservoir at Pathalaganga valley.
A minimum of Rs.10 Lakhs is the amount required for this Scheme.
The Devasthanam will allot site of above said place and the donor has to make his own arrangements for construction of cottage or guest house. After completion of construction they have to hand over the cottage to the devasthanam .the following facilities are being given to the donor.
The said guest house or the equivalent devasthanam cottage will be given to the donor and his family members during their visit to Srisailam on free for a period of 60 days per calendar year. The servicing charges will be collected to the persons other than the donors family.

Sri SriSaila Pushkarini Jaladhara Scheme

Every day hundreds of pilgrims give their hair (Keshadanam) and have a bath under existing Natural Water fall. Since this place is congested there is a need to modernize and expand the waterfall. The Devasthanam is planning to improve the Waterfall by launching Pushkarini Jaladhara Project. It is an artificial waterfall project consisting of a huge pond from where the water spills down the valley in the form of a waterfall. Here the head-shoven devotees shall have a bath. All along the valley there shall be landscaping and footpaths. The project is located close to the temple at the Pathalaganga valley; it is unique Project of its kind in A.P.

Jeernodharana Scheme

While the Master plan focuses on the main temple there is an attempt to renovate the Ancient Temples and Mathas Jeernodharana Scheme is a special scheme involved by this Devasthanam to renovate various ancient temples, which played a dominant role in the history and culture of Srisailam. Devasthanam is now taking up the renovation of Temple of Istakameswari,, Pancha Mathas..

The Pancha Matas

Srisailam became a powerful Shivate Center because of the presence of Mathas Centers of Educational and Spiritual learning Whose origin dates back to 7th Century A.D. Over the years these centers were neglected and not patronized. Today the Devasthanam has taken the Initiative to renovate these Matas, Which are in a dilapidated condition with help of donors. The Pancha Matas are popularly called as Ghantamatam, Vibhoothimatam ,Rudrakshamatam ,Sarangadharamatam & Nandikeswaramatam.

Haritha Project

To beautify the Temple Surroundings and Srisailam Township, Gardens with beautiful landscaping, fountains and footpaths at few places are planned, we are introducing Vedic Plantation. According to the Vedic Sciences every tree/plant is associated with the birth star of Man. We plan to fill up the parks with all the Vedic Plants that will cover all the birth stars so that all the visitors will have opportunity to worship trees associated with their Birth Star. This is a Unique Practice on which we want to create Public Awareness.

Sri Srisaila Jalanidhi Scheme

Sri Srisaila Jalanidhi Scheme is a solo water supply scheme evolved by the Devasthanam to provide adequate water to all the households and Choultries in the township.
The Devasthanam is currently spending 1 crore on annual maintenance and electrical charges for supplying 7 lakh gallons of water per day. It also spends a sizeable part of its income to improve water resources.
The aim of the scheme is to utilize the donations for providing drinking water to the pilgrims. These funds will also be utilized for the construction of water tanks and raise the available water resources. The donations will be accepted in kind also like pipes, motors, cement, etc.

Srisaila Dormitory Rooms Donation Schemes

At present there is no Free or Nominal rent accommodation to the poor pilgrims who visit this temple. To provide accommodation on nominal charges in the dormitory rooms it is proposed to construct dormitory rooms under the Master plan. The Devasthanam is planning to construct a dormitory halls by arranging clock rooms bed sheets and pillows on nominal rent i.e. at Rs. 10/- or 15/- with toilets.

Suvarna Kavacha Pathakam

The Devasthanam is proposed to take up gold coating and Copper plate to Sri Swamy Vari Gharbalayam with an estimated cost of Rs1.25 crores and to Sri Ammavari Gharbalayam with an estimate amount of Rs.1 crore.
To invite the Donor to Donate liberally to the said huge work a Donation scheme is introduce.

Gosala Samrakshana Nidhi

The devasthanam is maintaining a Gosala at present above 230 cows , calves and breeding bulls are existing about an amount of 9 to 10 lakhs is being spent for it maintenance. The devasthanam has newly introduced Gosala Samrakshana Nidhi for the maintenance of Gosala.

Hospital Welfare Fund

The Devasthanam is maintaining an Allopathic Hospital. At present about 200 patients are being given treatment per day in the Devasthanam hospital. About an amount of Rs. 4.00 lakhs is being spent for purchase of medicines per annum .In addition to that about Rs. 2.00 lakhs worth of medicines per year are being received from the donors. The Devasthanam has newly introduced Hospital Welfare Fund for the maintenance of Hospital.

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Visiting Places near by Srisaila Devasthanam

Visiting Places near by Srisaila Devasthanam

• THE PANCHAMATHAMS
• SIKHARAM
• HATAKESWARAM
• PHALADHARA PANCHADHARA
• SAKSHI GANAPATHI
• KAILASADWARAM
• BHEEMUNI KOLANU

• THE TEMPLE OF ISTAKAMESWARI
• AKKAMAHADEVI CAVES
• KADALIVANAM
• NAGALOOTY
• BHRAMARAMBA CHERUVU
• SARVESWARAM
• GUPTHA MALLIKARJUNAM

THE PANCHAMATHAMS

These are popular as the Panchamathas namely Ghantha Matham, Bheemasankara Matham, Vibhoothi Matham, Rudraksha Matham and Sarangadhara Matham.
The Mathas played an important role in the History and Cult of Srisailam. They are well associated with the religious and social activities of the temple in the medieval times. These Mathas acted as educational institutions dedicated to higher learing in various branches and catered to the intellectual and spiritual needs of the society. Srisailam became a powerful saivate centre because of the existence and activities both spiritual and profane of these Mathas. The origin of the Mathas seems to be as early as 7th Century A.D. The historical inscriptions related to Srisailam speak about eleven Mathas in Srisailam. But only 5 Mathas are still in existence and all of them are in dilapidated condition. These Mathas are rich in sculptural and architectural wealth, where several Sivalingas were installed and worshipped since centuries.
These Mathas also looked after the administration of the temple and its rituals along with the revenue accured from more than 70 Villages in various parts of Andhra which were donated to the temples by various rulers in the medieval period. The existing Mathas are located with in a distance of 1 Km to the west of the main temple.
The Devasthanam is planning to renovate all these Mathas.

 Sikharam

This most sacred spot is located at about 8 Km from the main temple at a height of 2830 feet above the mean sea level. It is the highest peak of Srisailam Hills.
The Skanda Purana proclains that a mere glance of this Sikharam frees the human soul from the fitters of rebirth. (Srisaila Sikharam Drustva Punarjanma Na Vidyathe).
In ancient days people used to come to Srisailam on foot and those who unable to reach the shrine returned back by seeing this peak.
The Sikhareswaram temple is an ancient stone structure consisting of Garbhagriha, Antaralaya and 16 pillered Mukhamanda. The deity here is named as Veera Sankara Swamy and locally popularized as Sikhareswara Swamy.
Historically the Reddy Kings have constructed a flight of steps to this temple in the year 1398 A.D. and also a tank (Pushkarini) at this place.


During the medieval times this spot was the centre for many secret sects of Saivisam who performed their rituals in the cave like chambers which can be seen even today.
This place give a panoramic view of the entire temple complex of Srisailam including the meandering river Krishna.

About  Hatakeswaram

This picturesque spot is on the way to Srisailam of about 5 Km away in a serine atmosphere.
Tradition hopes that at this place God Siva appeared to a potter devotee in Atika (Piece of Pot) and hence named as Atikeswaram and later it became as Hatakeswaram.
Another tradition gives the name to this place from a particular yogic school known as Hatayoga, one of the form of Astangayogas (the eight yogas).
Some historians located a laboratory of Akhemy (Rasayoga) at this place during medieval times. The present temple dedicated to Hatakeswara Swamy is stone structure datable to 11th � 13th century A.D. and is consists of a Garbhagriha and opened pillered Mukhamandapa.
During the medieval times this spot was the centre for many secret sects of Saivisam who performed their rituals in the cave like chambers which can be seen even today.
This place give a panoramic view of the entire temple complex of Srisailam including the meandering river Krishna.

About  - Phaladhara Panchadhara

This most beautiful scene spot in surroundings of Srisailam is located about 4 Km from the main temple. Tradition records that Bhagavan Adisankara performed penance at this place and composed the famous Sivanandalahari here. His Holiness Kanchi Paramacharya confirmed this and marble statues of Sarada Devi and Sankaracharya installed there and daily regular Poojas are being offered also.
This spot is located in a narrow valley approachable by a flight of steps where subterranean streams of pure water with musical sound reverberating the surroundings. According to local folk these streams are known as Phaladhara Panchadhara and these two signify their origin from the fore head of God Siva the Phaladhara (Phala = fore head, dhara = Stream) and denote the five aspects of Siva, the Panchadhara (Pancha = five, dhara = Stream). The water from this stream flows in interrupted at all seasons. The Skanda Purana describes the flow as �Bhogavathi� and it joins in the river Krishna.

About  - Sakshi Ganapathi

 This small shrine located about 3 Kms from Srisailam and is one of the sacred spots frequented by pilgrims since times immemorial. The traditional belief is that the Ganapathi in this temple keeps regular account of all the pilgrims to tender Sakshyam (evidence) of their visit to this Kshetram and so named as Sakshi Ganapathi. The sculpture of this deity is exquisitely made holding a book in the left hand and a pen in the right hand in such a way as noting down the names of devotees. It is in practice that devotees during their return had the darshan of this Ganapathi and informed their name and gotra to him. Srinatha the renowed poet of 14th Century A.D. in his Kasikhandam states that this Sakshi Ganapathi is visualized by sage Agasthya during his pilgrimage to Srisailam.

 Kailasadwaram

Kailasadwaram is about 5 K.M from Srisailam to the South-West of Hatakeswaram which is the dwaram (entrance) of path-way leading to Srisailam. In present days also people of Karnataka and Maharastra and Sivadeeksha Devotees are reached Srisailam on foot through this Kailasadwaram.
Devasthanam is arranging various facilities and Annadanam at this place during Mahasivarathri and Ugadi Festival days.

About  - Bheemuni Kolanu

This is one of the most important and historical spot through which the ancient foot path of Srisailam from the southern and western sides pass. Located between two steep hills this rock ledge endowed with spectacular water falls, particularly in rainy. It is at an attitude of 585 meters above the Sea level at attitude of 16⁰0³¹ north and longitude of 78⁰5¹¹ east.
Traditionally this place is said to have acquired its name through an epic episode. During the exile of Pandavas, Bheema while passing through this place was said to have broken the sheet rock with his mace and brought this spring water, and hence its name Bheemunikolanu (Kolanu = Pond). Pleased by this flow of water Bheema is said to have consecrated a Sivalinga at this place which was later referred to the Srisaila Khanda of Skanda Purana as Bheema Linga and the Spring as Bheema Kunda.
The pathway of Srisailam with excellently laid steps of solid stone, slabs can be seen even today which are beginning from Nagalooty, a temple spot in Nallamala Hills. These steps were constructed by the Reddy Kings in 14th Century.
At the top of the hill ascending nearly 850 steps from Bheemunikolanu, there is another place called Kailasadwaram where remains of once magnificent gate way can be seen even today. The pilgrims after excruciating sojourn through step hills and valley, when finally reaches the planty surface, they get the feeling of Kailasa i.e., Srisailam and hence named as Kailasadwaram. It is 5 Kms road and there on steps.

At Bheemunikolanu there are two dilapidated temples which are locally known as Bheemeswara and Bheemunikolanu temples and both are datable to 8th - 10th Centuries A.D.

About  - The Temple of Istakameswari

The ancient temple of Istakameswari is located in a dense and picturesque forest environment about 21 Km to the east of Srisailam. Datable to the 8th � 9th Centuries A.D, this small shrine appears to have wide popular significance during medieval times. The sculpture of the deity is very unique and have no parallel anywhere in India. The Goddess has a serene and beautiful smiling face which at once captures the attention of one and all.
Not only from the religious angle but also from the spiritual point of view the place has got its own importance from the ancient times. The perennial stream encircling the temple adds additional attraction to the shrine.

A visit to this temple is a rewarding experience both to a believer and a non believer.
This shrine is now in a bad state of existence and needs to be renovated to revive its past glory.
The Devasthanam has now taken up the renovation of this temple.
It is said that by having the Darshanam of Istakameswari, one can fulfill all his desires.

About  - Akkamahadevi Caves

The Nallamalai Hill ranges are studded with innumerable natural caves and caverns which were known to human beings since the prehistoric times, some of them became more famous and played a role in the significance of Srisailam. One such among them is the Akkamahadevi Caves. This naturally formed cave just above the flow of the river Krishna upstream is of about at a distance of 10 Km from Srisailam.
This cave is endowed with a geological marvel of natural Rock Arch measuring nearly 200 x 16 x 4 feet which stands majestically without any support.
The wind weathered rock in and around the cave keeps the visitor spellbound.
The surrounding of the cave and its journey through the river Krishna from Srisailam provides a wonderful experience to one and all. Exploring the meandering cave to 150 meters deep is also very adventurous.

This cave was the seat of many violent and secret Saiva sects such as the Kapalikas which fact in ancient medieval literature.
During 12th Century A.D. this cave appears to have attained its present name Akkamahadevi caves after the famous ascetic, lyricist and philosopher, Akkamahadevi who hailed from Karnataka. It is known that Akkamahadevi did penance in this cave and worshipped the Sivalinga naturally existed in the deep and dark end of the cave.

The A.P. Tourism Department has arranged Motor Boat to see the said caves.

About  - Kadalivanam

This spiritually and historically famous sacred spot is endowed with many exclusive and interesting features. There is a huge cave like natural rock shelter which can accommodate nearly 500 persons comfortably at a time. Near the rock shelter flows a perennial stream close to which evidences of prehistoric man in the form of stone tools were discovered.
The place derived its name dell to wild plantain grooves. This excellent spot is considered to be extremely sacred by devotees. The people of Karnataka and Maharastra make it a point of visit in their pilgrimage of Srisailam.
It is said that Bhagavan Dattatreya and his other incarnations is believed to have dwelling at this place. Akkamahadevi is said to have breathend her last at this place. After reaching to Akkamaha Devi caves through A.P. Tourism Motor Boat and there on there is a foot path to reach the said place.

About  - Nagalooty

Nagalooty, where a complex of temples are located is of about 28 Km from Srisailam. In historical inscriptions of medieval period, this place is referred as Longalooty. It is the place from which the ancient foot path to Srisailam begins and is the most popular route to Srisailam as it connects the region of Karnataka, the strong hold of Veerasaiva Cult. Pilgrims from south and western sides to Srisailam, particularly Kannada people use this pathway even today.
Located in a dense forest setting Nagalooty stands as a testimony to the ravages of time and man. Many dilapidated temples, Gopuras, Pushkarinis, and broken idols speaks about it�s once glorious past. On architectural grounds and iconographical features the temple and sculpture of this place can be dated to a period between 13thand 15th Centuries.

The sculpture of this place include Veerabhadra, Bhadrakali and Utchista Ganapathi.

About  - Brahmaramba Cheruvu

This place is of about 70 Km from Srisailam and located in the ancient northern pathway to Srisailam from Umamaheswaram. It is at attitude of 16091 north and longitude of 78041 east. This place houses one of the most beautiful man made huge water storage tank amidst wild and beautiful forest environment. The tank appears to have been enlarged and renovated in 16th Century A.D. the historical remains at this place consist of a temple dedicated to Siva, Devi Shrine, and a hero stone. The temples of this place have a huge compound wall probably constructed in 16th and 17th Centuries A.D. Those who are interested in observing the ethnographic present can not miss the place where a small group of Chenchus, the local tribal still leading a primitive way of life.

About  - Sarveswaram

Variously known as Saleswaram and Saileswaram this place is one of the sacret spots of Nallamalais, nearly of about 90 Km from Srisailam. Located in the beautiful forest environment it is at an attitude of 395 feet above the Sea level, at an attitude of 780481 north and longitude of 160061 east. This place is popular not only in folk tradition but also in the puranic lore also. The Sriparvatha Purana, a celebrated literary work of Seshanatha in 16th Century about Srisailam speaks glorifyingly with regard to this place. It is endowed with a cave temple dedicated to God Siva and two ponds named as Sarvesa theertham and Pushkara theertham. This temple seems to be datable to 6th and 7th Centuries A.D., and constructed within the shallow cave with bricks and mortor. Infront of the temple there is a huge water fall from a height of about 200 meters cascade down the hill holding the visitor spellbound with its raw beauty. This place is the most beautiful one which has natural picturesque locales and it is a sight to be seen.

About  - Guptha Mallikarjunam

This place is one of the most beautiful picturesque and treacherous spot which gives immorable pleasant and happiness at the sight of tremendous water fall located there. It is of about 36 Km from Srisailam.
The sacred complex of Srisailam during medieval times provided shelter to many secret saivaite sects who performed their ritual acts in such inaccessible spots such as this. Hence such places derived the name such as Guptha meaning secret.

This place contain a small shrine of Siva in a shallow cave along with a broken idol of Ganapathi.
The Srisaila Khanda of Skanda Purana speaks about this place and named it as Guptha Mallikarjunam. It is said that by mere seeing this place one can get free off from his sins.

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HOW TO REACH

HOW TO REACH

Tradition, literature as well as epigraphical sources states that the sacred Hill of Srisailam has four GATE WAYS in the four cardinal directions
Tripuranthakam in Prakasam District in the East where God Tripuranthakeswara Swamy and Goddess Tripurasundari Devi are Presiding Deities.
Siddhavatam on the bank of the river Penna in Kadapa District in the south where Jyothisideswara Swamy and Goddess Kamakshi Devi are the presiding Deities.
Alampur on the bank of the river Tungabhadra in Mahaboobnagar District in the west where Navabrahma Alayas,A group of nine temples of Chalukya period are situated. This Kshetram is also the seat of Goddess Jogulamba, the one of the Eighteen Mahasakthis.
Umamaheswaram of Mahaboobnagar District in the North where God Umamaheswara Swamy and Goddess Umamaheswari Devi are the presiding deities.

ANOTHER WAY

Beside the main gateways four more Secondary Gateways in the four corner directions are also popularly known.

They are:

Eleswaram in Mahaboobnagar District now submerged in the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in the North East with Eleswara Swamy and Katyani as presiding Deities.
Somasila on the bank of the river Penna in South East with Skanda Someswara as the presiding Deity.
Pushpagiri in Kadapa District in the South-West with Santhana Malleswara as Presiding Deity.
Sangameswaram at the confluence of the River Krishna and Tungabhadra in Kurnool District on the North-West and submerged at Srisailam Dam with Sangameswara as presiding Deity. This temple has been re-built at Alampur.

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ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation

The Devasthanam is having 25 individual cottages, Pathaleswara Sadan with 23 Deluxe Suites, Sivasadanam guest house with 100 rooms, T.T.D Guest House with 10 rooms,Chandeswara Sadanam with 22 rooms and a dormitory Choultry consisting of 7 Halls.
Devasthanam has also constructed a modern complex with 112 suites named as Gangasadan and Gowrisadan.

Tariff

S.No Cottages & Rooms Rent Per Day 1 Sivasadanam 100 2 Pathaleswara Sadanam(A/C  ) 800 3 Chandeeswara Sadan (A/C) 400   Chandeeswara Sadan ( Non A/C) 250   Chandeeswara Sadan (One A/C, One Non A/C) 600 4 T.T.D (A/C) 300   T.T.D Non A/C 100 5 Aditya Cottage 2000 6 Soma Enterprises 1200 7 Eswaramma Cottage 1000 8 Siddeswara Cottage 1200 9 Ramanaidu Cottage 600 10 Cottage (2 A/C & 1 Non A/C ) 1000 11 Cottage (2 A/C ) 800 12 Cottage (1 A/C & 1 Non A/C) 600 13 Bramari Sadanam Hall 200 14 Ganga & Gouri Sadan (A/C) 650 Ganga & Gouri Sadan (Non A/C) 400 Ganga & Gouri Sadan (Hall 20 Beds) 2000 15 Pilgrim Sheds (No Beds) 450 Pilgrim Sheds (No Beds) 350

Besides this there are 40 private choultries consisting of about 1200 rooms and they are also providing accommodation to the pilgrim.
The Department of Tourism is maintaining Punnami Guest Houses consisting about 50 suites.

Free Accomodation

The Devasthanam has constructed pilgrim sheds at Pathalaganga Road and at Filter Bed with number of toilets and with drinking water facilities. They are being given to the pilgrims who came through Tourist Buses.

(a). Abstract of Devasthanam Accommodation available :

Sl.No	Description	A.Cs	Non A.Cs	Halls
1	Cottages	27	2	Nil
2	Sivasadanam	Nil	83	Nil
3	T.T.D. Choultry	8	4	Nil
4	Pathaleswara Sadan	24	Nil	Nil
5	* Ganga Gouri Sadanams	35	85	6
6	Chandeeswara Sadan	4	23	Nil
7	Bhramarisadan	Nil	Nil	3
	Total :	98	197	9

Grand Total : 304
In addition to the above Devasthanam accommodation, 1553 Rooms are available in various private choultries. A statement showing the above details is annexed.

Sl.No	Name of the Choultry	Total Rooms
1	Lingayat Choultry	42
2	Srungeri Sankar Mutt	14
3	Vasavi Satram	150
4	Kambam Satram	110
5	Kshetraya Satram  (Rajula Satram)	60
6	Saranabasaveswara Satram	22
7	Karivena Satram	150
8	Karnataka Guest House	25
9	Padmasaleeya Satram	65
10	Arya Gowda Anna Satram	60
11	Kakateeya Kmma Satram	72
12	Akhila Bharata Redla Satram	159
13	Telaga, Kapu, Balija Satram	90
14	Karna Bhakta Satram	16
15	Sarangadhara Satram	20
16	Devanga Satram	50
17	Sholapur Anna Satram	21
18	Velama Satram	35
19	Togata veera Kshetriya Satram	36
20	Viswabrahmna Satram	33
21	Warangal Satram	14
22	Jagadguru Anna Satram	73
23	Yadava Anna Satram	66
24	Salivahana Anna Satram	28
25	Tourisam Guest House	37
26	Manikyeswari Matha Asramam	16
27	Mudi Rajula Anna Satram	11
28	Rajaka Anna Satram	10
29	Sridevi Veda Vidyalayam	24
30	Gurukula Patasala	6
31	Nayee Brahmana Anna Satram	8
32	Zilla Parishad Guest House	6
33	Vadiyala Rajula Satram	10
34	R & B Guest House	6
35	Mallikarjuna Anna Satram	8
	Total :	1553

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Srisailam Mallikarjuna swami Temple

Srisailam Mallikarjuna swami Temple

History

Srisailam played a dominant role in our religious, cultural and social history from ancient times.

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 Pulumavis Nasik inscription of 1st Century A.D.

The Sathavahanas, the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas, the Vishnukundis, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Reedy Kings, the Vijayanagara Emperors and Chatrapathi Shivaji are among the famous emperors who worshipped God Mallikarjuna Swamy.

Prataparudra of Kakatiya Dynasty strived a lot for the improvements of this Kshetram and granted Paraganas for its maintenance. Ganapathideva has spent 12000 Golden Nanyas for the maintenance of the temple.

The period of Reddi Kings is the Golden Age of Srisailam that almost all rulers of the dynasty did celebrated service for this temple. In 14th Century Prolaya Vema Reddi of Reddy Dynasty constructed stepped path-way to Srisailam and Pathalaganga (Here the river Krishna is called as Pathalaganga) and Anavema Reddi constructed Veera Siromandapam in which the Veerasaiva devotees cut off their hands, tongue, limbs with devotion to attain the realisation of the God. This practice is known as Veeracharam.

The Second Harihararaya of Vijayanagara Empire constructed the Mukhamantapam of Swamy shrine and also a Gopuram on Southern Side of the temple.

In the 15th Century Sri Krishnadevaraya Constructed the Rajagopuram on Eastern side and Salumantapas on both sides of the temple.

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DARSHAN TIMEING

The timings of the temple is as follow:

From	To
4.30 AM	5.00 AM	Mangalavadyams.
5.00 AM	5.15 AM	Suprabhatam.
5.15 AM	6.30 AM	Pratahkalapuja, Gopuja and Maha Mangala Harathi.
6.30 AM	1.00 PM	Darshanam, Abhishekam and Archanas by the devotees.
1.00 PM	3.30 PM	Alankara Darshanam.
4.30 PM	4.50 PM	Mangalavadyams.
4.50 PM	5.20 PM	Pradoshakalapuja.
5.20 PM	6.00 PM	Susandhyam and Maha Mangala Harathi.
5.50 PM	6.20 PM	Rajopachara puja (Parakulu) to Bhramaramba Devi.
6.20 PM	9.00 PM	Darshanam, Abhishekam and Archanas.
9.00 PM	10.00 PM	Dharma Darshanam.
9.30 PM	10.00 PM	Ekantha Seva.
10.00 PM		Closure of the temple.

Darshanams

Name of the Darshanams Time Amount Entry for Suprabhatha Darshanam 5.00 AM 300.00 Couple or Single person Mahamangala Harathi 5.50 AM 200.00 One Person Athiseegra Darshanam 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM 100.00 Couple or Single person Special Queue Line  Darshanam 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM 50.00 One Person Free Darshanam in general Queue 6.00 AM to 3.30 PM & 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM     Mahamangala Harathi (Evening) 5.00 PM 200.00 One Person Quick Darshanam 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM 100.00

Note: The Suprabhatam ,Harathi,Darshnam and Abhishekams will be advanced during monday's i.e they will be start from suprabhatam 4.00Am,Harathi 5.00Am,Abhishekam 5.30Am and Darshnam 5.30Am

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ABOUT TEMPLE

The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna picturesquely situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is reputed to be one of the most ancient kshetras in India. It is on the right side of the River Krishna in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This celebrated mountain is also named as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha and Srinagam. It has been a popular centre of Saivite pilgrimage for centuries.
The prominence of this Divya Kshetram is highlighted by the fact that while performing our daily household rituals we specify place of location of our existence with reference to Srisailam.

The presiding Deities of this kshetram Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is one of the eighteen Mahasakthis and both are self-manifested. The unique feature of this kshetram is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind.
There is a common belief in vogue that this Holy Kshetram exists from times immemorial. The antiquity and origin of God Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is not known.
The Mallikarjuna Linga is accessible to each and every devotee and anybody can go into the sanctum sanctorum of Mallikarjuna, touch him and perform Abhishekam and Archana himself to recitation of Mantras by Archakas without caste or creed or religion. This clearly reveals that socialistic pattern of society started from this place and it is still in existence.

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Jyothirlingamulu

DWADASA Jyothirlingamulu

• Somnath / Gujarat / Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra
• Mallikarjuna / Andhra Pradesh / Srisailam
• Mahakaleshwar / Madhya Pradesh / Mahakal, Ujjain
• Omkareshwar / Madhya Pradesh / Narmada River, Omkareshwar
• Kedarnath / Uttarakhand / Kedarnath
• Bhimashankar / Maharashtra / Bhimashankar
• Kashi Vishwanath / Uttar Pradesh / Varanasi
• Trimbakeshwar / Maharashtra / Trimbakeshwar
• Vaijyanath / Jharkhand / Vaidyanath
• Nageshvara / Gujarat / Jageshwar
• Rameshwar / Tamil Nadu / Rameswaram
• Grishneshwar / Maharashtra / Near Ellora, Aurangabad district

ASTADHASA Shakthi Peetamulu

• Bhramaramba /Srisailam (Andhra pradesh)
• Jogulamba /Alampur (Andhra pradesh)
• Manikyamba (Andhra pradesh)
• Puruhutika /Pithapuram (Andhra pradesh)
• Kama rupini /Gauhati (Assam)
• Mangala gauri /Gaya (Bihar)
• Vaishnavi /Jwalamukhi (Himachal pradesh)
• Saraswati /Sarika /Srinagar (Jammu&Kashmir)
• Chamundeswari /Mysore (Karnataka)
• Mahakali /Ujjain (Madhya pradesh)
• Ekaveera /Mahur (Maharashtra)
• Maha lakshmi /Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
• Girija /Biraja (Orissa)
• Sankari (Sri lanka)
• Kamakshi /Kanchi(Tamil nadu)
• Shrinkhala(West bengal)
• Madhaveswari /Lalitha /Prayaga /Allahabad (Uttar pradesh)
• Visalakshi /Kasi /Varanasi (Uttar pradesh)

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SRISAILAM DEVASTHANAM-SEVAS&POOJAS

Darshanams

S.No	Name of the Darshanams	Time	Amount	Entry for
1	Suprabhatha Darshanam	5.00AM	Rs.300.00	Couple or Single Person
2	Mahamangala Harathi	5.50AM	Rs.200.00	One Person
3	Athiseegra Darshanam	6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM	Rs.100.00	One Person
4	Special Queue Line Darshanam	6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM	Rs.50.00	One Person
5	Free Darshanam in general Queue	6.00 AM to 3.30 PM & 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM
6	Mahamangala Harathi (Evening)	5.00 PM	Rs.200.00	One Person

Sevas & Poojas

S.No	Name of the Sevas & Poojas	Timings	Cost of ticket	Pooja Articals and Prasadams	No. of Pilgrims allowed
1	Special Abhishekam to Sri Swamy Varu in Garbhalayam	6.00AM to 1.00 PM & 6.00PM to 8.30PM	Rs.600.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
2	Abhishekam to Sri Vurdha Mallikarjuna Swamy	6.00AM to 1.00 PM & 6.00PM to 8.30PM	Rs.250.00	-	Couple  or Single
3	Ganapathi Abhishekam	7.00AM	Rs.720.00	-	Couple  or Single
4	Ganapathi Homam	7.00AM to 7.30AM	Rs.720.00	-	Couple  or Single
5	Rudra Homam	7.30AM 8.30AM	Rs.1500.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
6	Kumkuma Puja to Ammavaru (At Srichakram)	6.00AM to 1.00PM & 6.00PM to 8.30PM	Rs.500.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
7	Kumkumarchana to Sri Bhramaramba Devi in the Mandapam	6.00AM to 1.00PM & 6.00PM to 8.30PM	Rs.350.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
8	Gouri Vratham	7.30AM	Rs.720.00	-	Couple  or Single
9	Chandi Homam	9.30AM	Rs.1500.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
10	Navavarana Pooja	6.30AM	Rs.1516.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
11	Kalyanotsavam	7.15PM	Rs.1100.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
12	Sarvaseva Pathakam (All sevas will be performed in this Seva)	4.30AM	Rs.5000.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single
13	Laksha Bilwarchana (at Swamivari Temple Garbhalayam)	6.00 AM to 12.30 PM	Rs.5116.00	Who Performed the Seva they have to contact the temple authorities two days advance and they have to get the bilwam leaves.	Couple  or Single
14	Bilwarchana ( Sri Vrudhamallikarjuna swami)	6.00 AM to 12.30 PM	Rs.3116.00	Who Performed the Seva they have to contact the temple authorities two days advance and they have to get the bilwam leaves.	Couple  or Single
15	Laksha kunkumarchana (at Sri Chakram)	6.00 AM to 12.30 PM	Rs.5116.00	Who Performed the Seva they have to contact the temple authorities two days advance.	Couple  or Single
16	Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhishekam	6.30 AM to 9.00 AM	Rs.2116.00	Who Performed the Seva they have to contact the temple authorities two days advance.	Couple  or Single
17	MAHA MRUTYANJAYA HOMAM (AT VRUDHAMALLIKARJUN SWAMY)	8.30AM TO  9.30AM	Rs.1516.00	Provided By The Temple	Couple or single
18	NAVAGRAHA HOMAM  (AT  VRUDHAMALLIKARJUN SWAMY)	9.30 AM  TO  10.00AM	Rs.508.00	Provided By The Temple	Couple or single
19	CHANDRALINGABHISHEKAM  (AT CHANDRALINGAM)	6.30 AM to  1.00 PM & 6.00 PM to 8.30 PM	Rs.108.00	-	Couple or single
20	BALARISTA POOJA (AT KUMARA SWAMY )	9.30AM TO  10.30AM	Rs.316.00	-	Couple or single
21	SARPA DOSA NIVARANA POOJA  (AT KUMARA SWAMY)	10.30AM TO  11.30AM	Rs.316.00	-	Couple or single
22	MAHA MRUTHYANJAYABHISHEKAM (AT  VRUDHAMALLIKARJUN SWAMY)	11.30AM TO  1.30AM	Rs.2116/-	Provided By The Temple	Couple or single
23	SHASRALINGABHISHEKAM (AT SHASRALINGESWARA SWAMY)	6.30AM TO  1.00PM & 6.00PM TO  8.30PM	Rs.250/-	Provided By The Temple	Couple or single
24	SURYALINGABHISHEKAM (AT SURYALINGAM)	6.30AM TO  1.00PM & 6.00PM TO  8.30PM	Rs.250/-	Provided By The Temple	Couple or single
25	Go Pooja		Rs.120.00
26	Godanamu		Rs. 2516.00
27	Nagaprathishta		Rs. 5116.00
28	Suvarnapushparchana		Rs. 1000.00	Provided by the Temple	Couple or Single
29	Preparation of Ammavari Bogam Prasadam (Per Kg)		Rs. 216.00
30	Namakaranam		Rs. 51.00
31	Annaprasana		Rs. 51.00
32	Akshrabhyasam		Rs. 51.00
33	Radhotsavam (Only Monday)	7.00 PM to 7.30 PM	Rs.520.00		Couple  or Single
34	VahanaSeva	7.00 PM to 7.30 PM	Rs. 520.00		Couple  or Single
35	Pallaki Seva	7.00PM to 7.30 PM	Rs. 220.00		Couple  or Single
36	Ekantha Seva	9.30 PM to 10.00 PM	Rs.120.00	Prasadams Provided by the Temple	Couple  or Single

Note:- Special Fare Special Abhishekam in Garbalayam Rs.1000.00 .

All ticket poojas/sevas will be canceled during Mahasivaratri & Ugadi Festivals

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