Jyothilingam-Srisailam Mallikarjunaswamy

Srisailam:-

Sree Sailam near Kurnool enshrines Mallikarjuna in an ancient temple rich in architectural and sculptural wealth. Adi Sankaracharya composed his Sivanandalahiri here.
It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is said that Vrishabha, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva performed penance here. Lord Shiva appeared before him, with his consort Goddess Parvati in the form of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba. A massive fort, with 6 metre high walls encloses the temple. Maha shivaratri festival is famous in Srisailam. According to the legend Throat of the sati fell here and top of the hill is aboded by Brahmarambha.

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 main Linga is divided into 25 facets, each of them again representing 40 Lingas, making a total of 1,000 Lingas. A three-hooded cobra is carved as entwined round the Linga. Another Linga of Mallikarjuna under a Vata vriksha (tree) is considered the original Linga.
This whole area is full of forests of Kadali, Bilva trees, mountain ranges and Patalaganga (Krishnaveni river). All of them echo from these joyous voices of devotees.

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.
Nallama forest range with dense vegetation and rich flora and fauna lies close to Srisailam hills. Such luscious greenforests are considered ideal for trekking, hill climbing and nature walk.

Srisaila Mallikarjuna Jyotirlingam:-

The devout believe that one can attain mukti by taking birth at Srisailam. The sanctity of the hill is extolled in Mahabharatha, Skanda Purana and many other religious scriptures. The name of Srisailam kshetra is chanted with reverence in the sankalpa mantra during ritual bath in holy places. The hills are also sacred to the Buddhists. Saint Nagarjuna lived here in the first century AD. Chinese

travellers Fahian and Hieun Tsang have described this pilgrim centre as Sri Parvatam and a Bhuddhist centre.
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.

History of Srisailam:-

It is one of the 274 Shiva temples[Paadal petra sthalam](Tamil), sung in Thevaram by Thirugnangasampandar, Thriunavukkarasar and Sundarar. It is addressed as 'Tiruparupatam' in Tevaram hymns in Tamil.
When Kumar Kartikeya returned to Kailash after completing his trip around the earth, he heard about Ganesha’s marriage from Narada. This angered him. In spite of being restrained by his parents, he touched their feet in obeisance and left for Krounch Mountain. Parvati was very distraught at having to be away from her son, implored Lord Shiva to look for their son. Together, they went to Kumara.

But, Kumara went away a further three Yojanas, after learning about his parents coming after him to Krouncha Mountain. Before embarking on a further search for their son on each mountain, they decided to leave a light on every mountain they visited. From that day, that place came to be known as JyotirLinga Mallikarjuna. It is believed that Shiva and Parvati visit this palce on Amavasya (No moon day) and (full Moon day) Pournami, respectively. Visiting this JyotirLinag not only blesses one with innumerable wealth, but also name and fame and fulfils all the desires.

According to Legend:-

Once, a princess named Chandravati decided to go to the Jungles to do penance and meditation. She chose Kadali Vana for this purpose. One day, she witnessed a miracle. A Kapila cow was standing under a Bilwa tree and milk was flowing from all of its four udders, sinking into the ground. The cow kept doing this as a routine chore everyday. Chandravati dug up that area and was dumb founded at what she saw. There was a self-raising Swyambhu SivaLinga. It was bright and shining like the sun

rays, and looked like it was burning, throwing flames in all directions. Chandravati prayed to Siva in this JyotirLinga. She built a huge Shiva Temple there. Lord Shankara was very pleased with her. Chandravati went to Kailash wind borne. She received salvation and Mukti. On one of the stone-inscriptions of the temple, Chandravati’s story can be seen carved out.
According to anther legend, Lord Shiva once came to the Srisailam forest for hunting. There He met a beautiful girl of the Chenchu tribe, fell in love with her and decided to stay with her in the forest. The girl was none other than Parvati Herself. In the temple, there is a bass relief depicting this story. It is significant to note that even today, people of the local Chenchu tribe are allowed into the sanctum. On the night of Maha Shivaratri, they are permitted to perform abhisheka and puja to the deity. Another interesting feature is that devotees irrespective of caste, creed or sex can go into the sanctum and perform abhisheka and puja.
Earlier, this part of the Shaila mountains was an unreachable tough terrain and fraught with danger. Even then, devotees, with their sheer will power, used to reach there in large numbers. Hiranyakashipa, Narada, Pandavas, Sri Ram are some of the great mythological personalities who have visited this holy shrine. shankara bhagavatpAda, renukhaachrya(2), akka mahAdevi, hemareddy mallamma are some of the great devotees who worshipped Lord mallikArjuna here.

Miracle:-

The hill temple looks like a large fort and is known for its wealth of sculptures. There are rows of sculptures on the walls, giving one the impression of a gallery. Then there are a large number of bass reliefs, which are a symbolic representation of the various legends. A sculpture of sage Bringi standing on three legs is noteworthy. The sage was cursed by Goddess Parvathi to become a skeleton because he was worshipping only Shiva. The Lord pacified Parvathi and gave the sage one more leg to stand.

About Temple:-

It was constructed about six centuries ago, during the reign of King Harihara Raya from the Vijayanagar Dynasty. The temple is built in the typical Vijayanagar architecture and what makes it special is that it is home to one of the twelve Jyothirlingas found in India. The sanctum sanctorum is shaped like a shell and enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna.

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.
RajagopuramThe 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.
chatrapathi-sivajiThe last Hindu King who strove hard for the improvement of the temple is Chatrapathi Shivaji who constructed a Gopuram on northern side in the year 1667 A.D.

 Temple of Tripurantakam, Siddavatam, Alampura and Umamaheswaram located in the vicinity of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlina are considered to be the four gateways to Sri Sailam.
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.

Main Four Gateways:-

Tradition, literature as well as epigraphical sources state that the sacred hill of Srisailam has four gateways in the four cardinal directions namely,

Tripurantakam:-

Tripurantakam is in Prakasam District in the east where God Tripurantakeshwara Swamy and Goddess Tripurasundari Devi are presiding deities.

Siddhavatam:-

Siddhavatam is located 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 :-


Alampur is on the bank of the river Tungabhadra in Mahaboobnagar District in the west where Navabrahma Alayas, a group of nine temples of the Chalukya period, are. This Kshetram is also the seat of Goddess Jogulamba, one of the eighteen Mahasakthis.

Umamaheshwaram :-

Umamaheshwaram is located in Rangapur, Achampeta Mandal, Mahaboobnagar District in the North where God Umamaheswara Swamy and Goddess Umamaheswari Devi are the presiding deities.

Secondary  Four Gateways:-

Besides the main gateways, there are four Secondary Gateways in the four corner directions.

Eleshwaram:-

 Located in Mahaboobnagar District now submerged in the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in the northeast with Eleswara Swamy and Katyani as presiding deities.

Somashila:-

 Located on the bank of the river Penna in the southeast with Skanda Someswara as the presiding deity.

Pushpagiri:-

 Located in Kadapa District in the southwest with Santhana Malleswara as presiding deity.

Sangameswaram:-

 Located at the confluence of the River Krishna and Tungabhadra in Kurnool District in the northwest and submerged at Srisailam Dam with Sangameswara as presiding deity. This temple has been re-built at Alampur.

Natures Beaty:-

Surrounded by the Nallamalai Hills and dense forests, the Plateau of Srisailam is 476 m. above the Sea level. The word Nalla means beautiful and malai means hill. The river Krishna flow in the

narrow gorge of 100m. Wide and at a depth of nearly 1000 m. from the top of the hill. The river continues to flow through the narrow gorge till it reaches Nagarjuna Sagar carrying on both the banks intractable forests dotted here and there by small tribal settlements, forming into natural sanctuaries of wild animals

Sevas & Pujas:-

SpecialAbhishekam (Sri Swamyvari Garbhalayam)
Abhishekam (Sri Vrudhamallikarjuna swami)
Ganapathi Abhishekam
Ganapathi Homam
Rudrayagam
Kumkumarchana to Sri Bhramaramba Devi before Goddess
Kumkumarchana to Sri Bhramaramba Devi in the Mandapam
Gowri Vratham
Chandiyagam
Navavarana Pooja
Kalyanothsavam
Sarvaseva Pathakam (All sevas will be performed in this Seva)
Laksha Bilwarchana (at Swamivari Temple Garbhalayam)
Bilwarchana ( Sri Vrudhamallikarjuna swami)
Laksha kunkumarchana (at Sri Chakram)
Mahanyasa Purvaka Rudrabhishekam
Maha Mrutyanjaya Homam (At Vrudhamallikarjuna Swamy)
Navagraha Homam (At Vrudhamallikarjuna Swamy)
Chandralingabhishekam (At Chandralingam)
Balarista Pooja (At Kumara Swamy)
Sarpa Dosa Nivarana Pooja (At Kumara Swamy)
Maha Mruthyanjayabhishekam (At Vrudhamallikarjuna Swamy)
Shasralingabhishekam (At Shasralingeswara Swamy)
Suryalingabhishekam (At Suryalingam)
Go Pooja
Godanamu
Nagaprathishta
Suvarnapushparchana
Namakaranam
Annaprasana
Akshrabhyasam
Radhotsavam (Only Monday)
SuprabathaSeva
VahanaSeva
Pallaki Seva
Ekantha Seva.


Temple Timings:-

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.

Festivals in Srisailam:-
The important annual festivals celebrated in the temple are

Mahasivaratri Brahmothsavams:-

The Mahasivarathri Utsavams are being celebrated as Brahmothsavams in the month of Magham (the 11th month of Indian Lunar Calendar) which falls usually in the month of February/March. This is a festival of seven days with Panchahnika Deeksha. The Mahasivarathri day (29th day of Magham) is

the most important day of the festival. The important events of the celebrations are Ankurarpana, Dhwajarohana, Vahana Sevas to God and Goddess, Lingodhbhavakala Maharudrabhishekam to God, Pagalankarana, Kalyanothsavam, Radhothsavam and Dhwajavarohana.

Here Pagalankarna is very importance . The cloth is weaved by Padma Salis in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh by same family from so many years with certain Rules and Regulations. At that time the wieved man has to climb top to the temple with no clothes atleast a pinch  and he must keep the cloth with one Nandi to another Nandi all over four Nandis in four sides.

Ugadi Celebrations:-

UgadiThe Ugadi celebrations performed for a period of five days. The festival begins three days before the Ugadi day i.e., Telugu New Years day (Chaitra Suddha Padyami) which generally falls in
March � April. More than Three Lakhs of pilgrims particularly from Karnataka and Maharastra States are visiting the temple during these utsavams.

Dasara Celebrations:-

Devi Sarannavaratrulu is a festival of nine days beginning from the first day of Asweejam month (the 7th month of Indian Lunar Calendar) which generally falls in September or October. The important events of this utsavam are performing of Chandiyagam, Rudrayagam, Navadurga alankaras to Goddess and Vahana Sevas to God and Goddess besides several special poojas. Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is mainly worshiped in these utsavams.

Kumbhothsavams:-

Kumbhothsavam is the most significant festival of the temple of Srisailam in which various offerings are made to Goddess Bhramaramba Devi. This festival celebrates on the first Tuesday or Friday (which ever first comes) after full moon day of Chaitram, the beginning month of Indian Calendar.

Sankranthi Uthsavams:-

sravanamUtsavams are also performed on the occasion of Makara Sankramanam. These utsavams are celebrated for a period of seven days with Panchahnika Deeksha in the month of Pushyam (the 10th month of Indian Calendar) which falls in the month of January.

Arudrothsavam:-

sravanamArudra is the birth Star of God Siva. In Dhanurmasam on the day of Arudra Nakshatram Special Poojas like Lingodhbhavakala Rudrabhishekam, Annabhishekam and Vahana Seve are offered to God Mallikarjuna Swamy

Kartheeka Masothsavams:-

sravanamKarthikam, the 8th month of Indian Calendar is said to be the most auspicious month. On the important days of this month like Mondays, full moon day etc., Deepothsavam in which a large number of lamps are lighted in the temple premises. On the full moon day of the month Jvalathoranam (bonfire) performed in the temple. It is said that by mere seeing the said Jvalathoranam one can get clear of from sins.

Sravananamosothsvams:-

sravanamThese Utsavams are performed in Sravanam (August � September) the 5th month of Indian Calendar. In this month several special poojas are offered to God and Goddess. The special

feature of this utsavam is of that Akhanda Sivanama Sankeerthana (Bhajana) performed round the clock continuously throughout the month.

Monthly Festivals:-

monthlly festivalsThese Utsavams are performed in Sravanam (August � September) the 5th month of Indian Calendar. In this month several special poojas are offered to God and Goddess. The special

feature of this utsavam is of that Akhanda Sivanama Sankeerthana (Bhajana) performed round the clock continuously throughout the month.


Some of Temples in Srisailam:-

A cluster of minor shrines within the temple enclosure include the Sahasra Linga, Panchapandava temples and Vata Vriksha. The most appealing feature of this temple is that anyone of any caste and creed can touch the deity and worship here. At Sikharam, the highest of the Srisailam hills, is Sikhareswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also a beautiful Sri Ganapathi temple.



PatalaGanga:-

Tower, Portico and a pond. Ahelyadevi Holkar, a great devotee of Siva built a strong bathing . consisting of 852 steps on the banks of the Patalganga.

Bhramaramba Devi Temple:-

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.
Bhramarambha Devi Temple is an extremely famous temple of this town and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Mallikarjunawhich is supposed to be one of the Jyotirlinga forms of Lord Shiva. As per the legends, Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a bee as Bhramara literally means bee.


HathakeswaraTemple:-

Hathakeswara Temple is a small aesthetic temple located on the downhill of Srisailam in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple embodies a Shiva Lingam and is considered very powerful in the cure of ailments.


Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple:-

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a popular temple located at a height of 452 m on the southern bank of River Krishna and is touted asa major pilgrim spot owing to it being one of the Jyotirlingas in the country. The sanctum resembles a shell shaped structure and it embodies Lord Mallikarjuna in an exquisite form. It is renowned for beautiful sculptural carvings. The temple depictsVijaynagar style of architecture and was built by Harihar Raje. Another prime attraction is Sage Bhringi standing on three legs. He was believed to have been cursed by Goddess Parvati for worshipping only Lord Shiva

Veera Bhadra Swamy Temple:-

It is Located  1/4 km to the Main  temple exact Right side . It is infront of Vadiayar Satram. The statue is 6 feet . And it is very Beautiful and Brave. the temple consists of Nalugukala Mandam(4 legs) There will be no top for this temple it is like a statue .There will be huge trees that was worship by devoters.
Mainly the statue is made with eka sila(only one stone).It is on the Madapam.And the Deepam is lighted every time.

Akkamma Thali Temple:-

It is on the main road of the temple main gate. It is also Right to the temple. Here the goddess Ankamma thali is a Gramma Devatha i.e; Village goddess. Here there will a Mari tree which is from so many years. Here any body can do their pujas with out any restrictions.



Sakshi Ganapati Temple:-

Sakshi Ganpati Temple is located in an exotic setting and enshrines a black idol of Lord Ganesha. The temple is located among dense vegetationand atmosphere is highly calm and serene.
Sikhareswara temple is located at the highest point in Srisailam and is situated among picturesque locales. The temple is dedicated toSikhareswara Swamy, one of the forms of Lord Shiva.



Akka Mahadevi caves:-

During the 12th century A.D. this cave appeared to have attained its present name after the famous ascetic, lyricist and philosopher, Akka Mahadevi who hailed from Karnataka. It is believed that Akka Mahadevi did penance in this cave and worshiped the Sivalinga that naturally existed in the deep and dark end of the cave.







Hemareddy Mallamma Temple at Srisailam:-

Hemareddy Mallamma Temple at Srisailam was inaugurated on 26 May 2010. It was built at Srisailam by Karnataka Veerashaiva Reddy Samaj. In the adjoining ashram, one can see the place where she lived with cattle. The place is visited by lakhs of pilgrims who offer prayers at this temple. The temple is situated about a half kilometer on the western side of the Mallikarjuna Temple.

Panchamathas:-

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
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.

 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.

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.
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.

Istakameswari Temple:-

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.The Fore head of goddess is like human being. While keeping KumKum in Ista Kameswari face there will be smooth. It is very Pleasure to touch .

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.
It is said that by having the Darshanam of Istakameswari, one can fulfill all his desires.


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.

 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.
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.



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.




Guptha Mallikarjunam:-

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 . 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.

Bheemunikolanu:-

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.






Shivaji Memorial:-

Chatrapathi Shivaji statue is very attraction.it is as a fort with beautiful garden and having artificial water mountains.it just right to the main temple.In that fort the history of sivajis life will explained with the pictures.





Srisailam Dam:-

Srisailam Dam is one of the prime attractions in the hilly region of Srisailam and is believed to be one
of the twelve hydro electric projects in India. The backdrop includes Nallama Forests and the majestic flow of Krishna River.






Mallella Theertham:-

 Mallella Theertham is another important place from point of view of religion. It is actually a waterfall and it is believed that bathing in the waters of this theertham can wash away the sins of a person.



Transport to Srisailam:-

Srisailam can be reached by road from Hyderabad. There is frequent bus service from Hyderabad to Srisailam every half an hour and also from Guntur.

By Road:-

Srisailam is very well connected by state-run bus service APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation). KSRTC from major cities/towns include Hyderabad, kakinada, Guntur, Tenali, Narsaraopet, Gulbarga, Davangare, Shivamogga, Addanki, Hospet, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Avanigadda, Cuddapah, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Devarakonda, Vinukonda, Kurnool, Ongole, Nellore, Mahanandi, Mantralayam, Anantapur, Tirupati, Chirala, Chitradurga, Bangalore, Markapur, Vishakapatnam Warangal, Podili,Bijapur and Hubli. The nearest major towns are Narsaraopet and Kurnool.

By Rail:-

The nearest railway stations are Markapur (62 km), Vinukonda (120 km) and Kurnool (190 km) on the Guntur–Hubli section. The nearest major railway stations are Narsaraopet, Kurnool and Nandyal.

By Air:-

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport serving Hyderabad and located 195 km from Srisailam is the nearest international airport.