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.

Sravana Masam Festivals & Vratas

 Sravana Masam:-

- On the eve of 'Sravana Sudda Vidiya' we celebrate 'Mangala Gouri Vratam'
- On the eve of 'Sravana Purnima' with 'Sravana Nakshatram' is the 'Haigreeva Jayanti', also is the ending of 'Krutayugam' and 'Jandhyala purnima' or 'Rakhi Purnima'
- On the eve of 'Sravana Bahula Astami' we celebrate 'Sri Krishna Janmastami' or 'Sri Krishnastami'
- On the eve of 'Sravana amavasya' is the ending of 'Rudrasaavarnika Manvantaram'.

 Shravan Masam  Importance for Hindus:-

 Shravana Masam is the fifth month according to the lunar calendar or Hindu calendar. This is one of the most important and holiest months along with Karthika Month. It is dedicated to lord Shiva. This month has many Hindu festivals becuase there are many auspicious times or Muhurats in this month. Shravan Mondays are completely dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many Hindus and staunch devotees of lord Shiva fast on this and pray the whole day with devotion. This year’s Shravan month is from 7 August 2013 to 6sep 2013. Shravana Masam or also called Shravan in north is equally important for North Indians and South Indians.
Shravan month also marks the beginning of the auspicious Chaturmas (4 months). All the spiritual leaders start their austere journey by following Chaturmasya Deeksha in these 4 months. Many religious leaders of all the regions like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu follow this Deekhsa. It is considered as a next level in their spiritual journey.

Some of the parayanas that will be done include Aruna  prashna prayana, Rudra parayana, Veda parayana and taittreya upanishad.
These will be during the day. In addition every evening there will be a group chanting of vishnu sahasranama.

In Shravana Masam every monday dedicated to lord shiva. Every tuesday dedicated to Mangala gowri, every friday dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and every satarday dedicated to shani and balaji. In Shravana Masam every second friday will be varalakshmi vratam. Weddings are more in Shravana Masam.

About a Legend:-

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati has once asked Lord Siva about a vratam, performing which would render the women on the earth blessed with all kinds of wealth. Then did Lord Siva preach of "Vara Laksmi Vratam" to be performed on a Friday that comes just before the full moon day in the month of Sravanam. Illustrating the sanctity of the vratam, Lord Siva narrated the story of Charumati of Maratha desa, which runs like this -

Once upon a time, there lived a gracious and wise Brahmin lady called Charumati in the Maratha Desa, a town that had golden houses and golden walls. Charumathi was a Maha Pativrata, indulged in a whole-hearted worship of her husband and looked after her in laws with utmost respect. Pleased with her good nature, Goddess Lakshmi happens to appear in her dream and advises her to perform the Varalakshmi vratam on Sravana sukla sukravaram preceding the full moon day. Charumathi prostrates in devotion to the Goddess in the dream itself and the next morning illustrates the dream to her husband and in-laws. With their consent, she tells the same to a few more women folk of the town and they together wait the day.

The much-awaited day finally comes and they set stage to worship the Goddess Vara Lakshmi at one corner of the house, which is cleaned up with cow dung. All of them perform the puja to the Kalasam with all devotion and piety, tie the toram to their wrists and offer prasadam to the Goddess. Then does the miracle start as they go about to take the Pradakshinas after the puja. They see themselves bedecked with various ornaments one at a time as - anklets on feet for the first, bracelets for the second and various other ornaments for the final pradakshina. Excited about the blessing of Vara Lakshmi, they once again prostrate to the Goddess and honour the Pundit with due Dakshina and conclude the vratam by taking the prasadam.

As the women folk stepped out of the house do they see their houses decked with all riches and golden chariots awaiting them outside Charumati’s house. Extremely happy about what all had happened, the women thank Charumati for having shared her luck with them. Ever since then is the Vara Lakshmi Vratam performed in every household on this auspicious day.

Legend also say that the vratam was later also preached by sage Suta to Sounaka and other sages. Another legend is that Chitranemi who was one cursed by Parvati for having made a partial judgement in favour of Shiva when asked to play the referee for their game, got relieved from the curse by having watched this vratam performed by some pious women. Such is the sanctity of the Vrata.

Vara Lakshmi Vratam: -

It is the worship of goddess of wealth. It is celebrated on the last Friday of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashada, corresponding to the English month of July-August. The worship of Maha Lakshmi is performed by married ladies to obtain good progeny, and for the long life of the husband.

Sri Lakshmi or Mahalaxmi :-

Goddess of Wealth, Light, Wisdom, the lotus.flower and fortune, and secondarily of luck, beauty, courage and fertility. Due to Her Motherly feelings and being the consort of Narayan (Supreme Being), She is believed as the Mother of the Universe. She is the consort of Vishnu and married Him in His incarnations Rama (in her incarnation as Sita), Krishna (as Rukmini) and Venkateshwara (as Alamelu). In Vaishnava traditions, She is believed to be the Mother Goddess and the Shakti of Narayan

Primarily eight kinds of wealth are established, associated with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. They are:

) Ādi Lakṣmī
[The main goddess]
2) Dhānya Lakṣmī
[Granary wealth]
3) Dhairya Lakṣmī
[Wealth of courage]
4) Gaja Lakṣmī
[Elephants, symbols of wealth]
5) Santāna Lakṣmī
[Wealth of progeny]
 6) Vijaya Lakṣmī
[Wealth of victory]
7) Vidyā Lakṣmī
[Wealth of knowledge]
8) Dhana Lakṣmī
[Monetary wealth]


Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi is worshipped by those who wish to acquire or to preserve wealth. It is believed that Sri Mahalakshmi (wealth) dwells in those houses which are clean and where the people are hardworking.

Story of Vara Lakshmi Vratam:-

In a town called Kundina, there lived a humble and kind natured Brahmin woman named Charumathi. She loved her husband and family very much. Impressed by her sincere devotion towards her family, Laxmi Devi came into her dreams one night. She asked her to perform the Vara Laxmi pooja and also explained her the details, procedure and when to do the pooja. She told her that the Friday just befor ethe Shravana Purnima is a completely apt day for the puja.

Charumati woke up and told about the dream to her family, who took the news in a supportive manner and enchoraged her to proceed with the pooja.Charumati told about the pooja to her friends and neighborhood and the word spread out in the town. Thus on that year, all the women from the town worshiped varalakshmi devi with their sincere dedication. They all chanted
"Padmaasane Padmakare sarva lokaika poojithe
Narayana priyadevi supreethaa bhava sarvada"

The story says that impressed by their dedicated pooja Laksmi Devi appeared in front of them and blessed them with everything they ever wanted in life. Their houses did not have any lack of food ,lack of jewellery. The families in the town lived happily ever after doing this pooja every year. Since then the new spread and now the whole South India performs this pooja.

 Samkalpam   of   Vara Lakshmi Vratam :-

Mama upaatha durithakshaya dwara sri parameswara preethyartham aadya Brahmanaha dwithiyaparardhe swethavaraha kalpe vyvaswatha manvantharae kaliyuge prathama paadey Krouncha dveepe Ramanaka varshe Indra khande, Meroh Paschima Paarswa digbhage, Uttara Amerikaayaam, Mississippi, Missouri, Ilinee Maha nadiyormadhye, Raachini, Maachini parvathayormadhye, Your City Pattane,Your Place graame, asmin varthamana vyvaharika chandramaanena Vikruthi naama samvatsarae Dakshinayane Varsha rhuthau Sravana maasey, Shukla Pakshey, Ekadashi thithau Brugu vaasarey Varalakshmi Vaasarey subha nakshatrae subha yogae subha karana yevam guna visheshana visishtaayaam subha thithau….. sri matyaha Your Name Gotravathyaha ……… sabhatrukayah asmaakam saha kutumbaanaam kshema, sthairya vijaya ayurarogya aishwaryabhi vrudhyardham dharmartha kaama moksha chaturvidha phala purushartha sidhyartham satsanthaana sowbhaghya phala vyapthardhyam srivaralakshmee devatha muddhisyae sri varalakshmi devatha preetyardham karpoktha vidhanena yavathshakti dhyanaavahanaadhi shodashopachaara poojaam karishye thadanga sri mahaaganapati poojam karishye thadanga kalasa poojaam karishye.


Varalakshmi Vratam in Andhra Pradesh:-

In Andhra Pradesh women perform Varalakshmi Vratam to please Goddess Lakshmi. This puja is performed in the month of Sravana.   The second Friday in the month of Sravana is the day on which Varalakshmi Vratam is performed.

->For the Varalakshmi Vratam, houses are cleaned and the door frames are decorated with turmeric and Kumkum.   Mango leaves are tied to the entrance.
->Fruits, flowers, coconuts, betel leaves, jaggery, new clothes for the Goddess are kept ready.
->In few families the tradition of arranging a Kalasam for Varalakshmi vratam is not followed.   Women should ask their elders about it and arrange Kalasam only when the family follows this tradition.

Nine types of naivedyams are offered for Goddess Varalakshmi:-

Toralu which are to be tied to the hands should be prepared with nine lines of threads making nine knots and tying flowers.
->Pulihora, Purnam Boore, Paramannam and Pulagam are the compulsory offerings that should be prepared for Goddess Varalakshmi.
->Vaayanam is given to a married woman after completing Varalakshmi Vratam which contains nine boorelu, tambulam, dakshina, toram, kumkum, turmeric, fruits, flowers and blouse piece.
->After completing the puja in the morning, in the evening neighboring women and young girls are invited home and offered tambulam.
->If a woman could not perform Varalakshmi vratam on second Friday of Sravana month, the same can be performed on 4th Friday.

The Mangala Gowri Vratha (Gauri Devi):-

The Mangala Gowri Vratha  is performaned as Mangala Gour in Maharashtra & Mangala Gowri Vratha in Karnataka. It is the worship of Devi Parvatiji (Gauri Devi).

The Vrath is done on Tuesdays in the month of Shravana masa also known as Shravana Masa Mangalvar. The Vrath is starts from the first Tuesdays to last Tuesdays of Shravana maasa.
Before starting the puja clean the puja room and take make rangoli. Keep a flat wooden platform/ plate spread a blouse piece over it. Over the blouse piece spread a cup of rice . Place a cloth and spread some raw rice on it and place kalash on it.

The Kalash is half-filled with water and decorated with betelleaves, usually five in number.The Kalash tray can be filled with turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood and other Pooja items.Now close it with with coconut with red cloth folded like pyramid.

Keep either a silver Mangala Gowri or a Turmeric Gowri.  Keep a mirror behind the Mangala Gowri and two blouse pieces, which are folded in a triangle shape on either side of the mirror.  Keep 16 betel leaves and 32 betel nuts over it, and a whole dry coconut in a tray, some people halve the dry coconut and fill with rice and keep it on either side of the Gowri.

Decorate the Idol with flowers. Keep fruits , cocnut, or offer payasam made payasam( dhal+rice payasam) and rice+dhal along with fruits/dry fruits as prasadam.

Invite women (Sumangali) to hom offer Mangala drowya, betal leaves, fruits, kumkum and Haldi(Turmeric), sandalwood paste and do namaskara / obeisance to god and all the elders in the house.  By observing this vrata, women believe that they will be blessed with long lasting  and successful married life.


Puja of Mangala Gowri :-

Chant the Guari Ashtottarams with kunkuma and turmeric. Perform the pooja by offering Sandal paste, Manthrakshathe, Red Flowers, Incense sticks and deepa /lights.

Special pujas dedicated to Goddess Gowri is performed on the day and women dress up like a traditional married woman with all bangles, flowers and mangalsutra – symbolically indicating to Goddess Gowri that they want to be like this on all days.


Bhimana Amavasya or Gandana pooja:-

Bhimana Amavasya or Gandana pooja, is an important pooje performed in Hindu/Madhwa houses by unmarried women and newly married women for 9 years after their marriage. It is performed on the new moon day or amavase in the month of Aashada masa. This year it is on August 6th 2013
This pooje is also called Bheemeshwarana pooje. This pooje is dedicated to God Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Mud models of Shiva and Parvathi in the form of a cone with a flat base are made, kept in the sun to dry and decorated with white dots made out of limestone paste, or sometimes with akki hittu(rice flour) mixed with milk. A thread immersed in turmeric paste, a flower and sometimes turmeric root are tied around the model for Parvathi. After the pooja, usually either the girls Mom or Mother-in-Law ties this thread to the girls wrists.
Those who have brothers, later in the evening worship the hosthilu or threshold of their house. They call it “Bhandara vadiyodu“. The girls brother brakes the bhandara and gives money to his sister.

 Story for Bhimana Amavasya:-

In a city there was a king called Vajrabahu. He had one and only son called Vijayashekara, who dies suddenly while still young. The king and queen decide to perform his marriage; even though he is dead. But, who would marry a corpse, right? No one comes forward to marry him. A Brahmin couple, named Madhava and his wife Sushila have five daughters and nine sons. They are extremely poor and they decide to marry one of their daughters in marriage to the dead prince; in return they would get lot of money and can use it to feed their family.
This girl is left with her dead husband and than she prays to God Shiva and Goddess Parvathi with great devotion. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi ask her to perform this pooja; since she is in the forest and doesn’t have any money she uses clay or mud and performs the pooje. The dead prince comes back to life. The king, queen and everyone is now happy to see their son come back to life.
Now that you know why and how to do the pooja, tell the significance of this story to your daughter, perform the pooje, tie the thread across her wrist and bless her with all your heart.

Rakhi Purnima:-

 It is the most sublime and sentimental festival and falls on Purnima day. A Rakhi or amulet is tied round the wrist of brothers by their sisters as a charm protecting them from evil or harm and, consequently in return seeking their help when in trouble. The Rakhi name derives from the word 'raksha' that is to protect.

History of Rakhi bandhan:-

 The history of Raksha Bandhan goes back to the early days of the arrival of the Aryans in India. The Aryans performed Yajnas before going to wars. This was done to invoke blessings of the God. Before the men departed for the battlefield, their womenfolk tied sacred threads or amulets to protect them and also to

remind them of their duties to uphold the honor of their tribe. This is how the custom of Raksha Bandhan seems to have originated.

It is said that when Alexander invaded India in 326 B.C., his wife tied a Rakhi to the king Porus. In return Porus is believed to have promised to protect her and her husband. In the medieval period, we have numerous examples of the practice of tying knots or threads. The history of Rajputana is full of several such examples of Rakhi like traditions. The most famous of them is the story of the Queen karnavati of Chittor, who sent a Rakhi to the Mughal emperor, Humayun to save her kingdom from the invasion of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. That particular day of Purnima was celebrated as Raksha Bandhan in Marwar and then all over Rajasthan and, finally, throughout India.

Slowly and gradually the concept of tying knots or threads spread to other parts of India and assumed broader significance. The most recent historical example of Raksha Bandhan comes from India's struggle for
freedom. To oppose the partition of Bengal, the great poet Ravindranath Tagore organized Raksha Bandhan to promote brotherhood and solidarity between Hindus and Muslims. Besides, there are numerous legends related to Raksha Bandhan in the Hindu mythology.

Rakhi in odisha:-

The practice of tying rakhis on the wrists of brothers this day is only a recent phenomenon  in the Odia community  as imitated from the north Indian communities. Originally in Orissa this day marks the worship of Lord Balabhadra. Bullocks and cows are also worshipped by smearing sindur marks on their head. The youngsters gather in the streets and demonstrate a traditional high jumping skill called  Gamha Dian.

Sravana Purnima: -

On this day all Brahmins who have been initiated renew their sacred thread which they wear. The old thread is cast off in the sacrificial fire and a new thread with a three-fold twist is worn after reciting the Gayatri Mantra.

Gayatri Pratipat:-

 The first day of the Krishna Paksha of Sravana Masam is celebrated as the festival of Gayatri Pratipat. There is no connection between Upakarma and Gayatri festival. However, according to the directions given in the sastras, a person must fast on the previous day and on the day of the Gayatri festival. He must perform an yajna offering a 1,000 samits to the fire or meditate on the Gayatri a thousand times.

Krishna Astami:-

 Mahavishnu took various avatars to protect the mortal world from the evil-doers and sinners. The eighth incarnation was his birth as the child of king Vasudeva & Devaki. The birthday of Lord Krishna falls on the eight day of Shravan Krishna i.e. the dark half.Due to his immeasurable roles played in this world, he is regarded as a complete manifestation of God.

Krishna’s birth and Ascent: It has been calculated that Sri Krishna was born on  Wednesday, the eighth day of second fortnight in Sravana month in the year of Visvavasu (on  July 19th 3228 BC (BCE)).  He lived for 125 years and discarded his mortal coils on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. His death was the onset of the current age known as Kaliyuga.

Pot Breaking:-

This is an important item followed in many states. This is a program to be performed by groups mainly young male members. Here in a common place a mud pot (madka, handi) with curd is hung at a very high place in such a way that there will be no support around the place to hold on. Along with the pot there will be a bag with money depending on the locality and the contribution of members tied. There will be different groups of people who will in turns one by one try to break the pot to claim the money bag. Depending on the height at which the pot some members will form a ring of people holding each other for support. They will be sitting, Then another set of people form a slightly smaller ring and climb on t the shoulders of the first ring. A third

ring smaller than the 2nd will be formed and climb on the 2nd ad so on in a pyramidal form till the height may be enough to hit the pot. It may look easy, but not so. The festival falls during heavy rainy time usually. The weight of the people above will be very high for the first and 2nd tier of the rings and these rings may crumble. In addition when the rings of people star climbing those who watch from the balconies and terraces of the nearby buildings will be pouring water on the climbers. Each team will make several attempts. Ultimately one team may break the pot and take the money. Once they break the on lookers may pay separately in addition to the bag tied with the madka. That is like bonus for the team.

In some cases there may be a slight variation in the sense that the madka will not be tied fixedly. Instead it may in such a way that the same can be raised or lowered by means of a rope/thread so that when the top ring people try to break the pot the same will be raised and lowered so that those who try miss the mudka. The dahi handi plays are to depict the playful and mischievous nature of the boyhood of Srikrishna. This program is mostly in the daytime. The madka breaking game is known as Uriadi (meaning is the same – hitting the pot) in Tamilnadu. This game is a very important one in Maharashtra. Here the people who try to break the pots are called as Govindas.

Krishna Astami Naivedhyam:-

Main items will be made of (or with one of the ingredients) milk, curd, butter or ghee as these are supposed to be favorite items of Srikrishna during childhood. Let us see some of the popular ones.

Kheer or payasa:-

This is one common item throughout the country and is comparatively a simple dish. This is prepared by cooking rice or vermicelli in mil with sugar.

ShriKhand:-

This is an item prepared from thick curd and sugar with option of fruit pulp of the seasonal fruit for flavor.

Gopalkala:-

This is not a sweet item, but prepared with beaten rice (Avalakki, avil, Poha), coconut grates, cucumber, green chillies, curd, bit of ghee, jeera, finely chopped ginger, bit of sugar ad salt.

Kalakand :-

The ingredients for this item are milk, sugar, nuts chopped, bit of citric acid, water and optionally silver foil.

Murukku (Chakkali, muchole, cheeda etc) :-

These are made from different fours of rice, besan and udid etc. They will be very crisp ad very tasty.

There are several other items special to each region. Since they are very many they are not mentioned.

Chitalagi Amabasya: -

Also known as Chitau Amabasya. Lord Jagannath is embellished with a golden mark on the forehead called Chitta this day. In homes a special pitha known as Chitau Pitha is prepared and offered to Lord Jagannath in Puja (See recipe on our 'Oriya Foods' page.)
  The practice of tying rakhis on the wrists of brothers this day is only a recent phenomenon  in the Odia community  as imitated from the north Indian communities. Originally in Orissa this day marks the worship of Lord Balabhadra. Bullocks and cows are also worshipped by smearing sindur marks on their head. The youngsters gather in the streets and demonstrate a traditional high jumping skill called  Gamha Dian.

Onam History:-

Records about Onam is available only from A D 800. That does not mean that the Onam celebrations were started during AD 800only. It is quite possible that the festival is in existence much earlier to that time as corroborated by the Mahabali legend. However, records about onam is available only from 800 AD point out to the reign of Kulashekhara Perumal of the Cheran dynasty where there was reference of Onam having celebrated. But onam has been a part of Malayalee culture for centuries.

However, there are some legends about the reasons for celebrating the Onam festival to compensate for the lack of historical evidences. Let us see the legends connected with the Onam festival.

fact number - 1:-

Onam is celebrated at the peak of the best period of the year in Kerala – a State in India. The peak season is during the main harvest period. Naturally in the feudal system based on agriculture as the main activity, the harvest periods will be very important. In the olden days when in many parts of the state the paddy (main grain and the staple food of Kerala) cultivation was only once a year. So the festival falls after the harvest of this cultivation. Subsequently, of course, due to improved irrigation schemes many parts of Kerala started having paddy cultivation first twice a year and then 3 times a year as the necessity arose due to the increasing demands of the increasing population. But the festival time has not changed as this is the main harvest season.

fact number - 2:-

Another reason for selection of this time for the festival time is the fact that the preceding month, the Karkadakam (Karkidaka, karkidakam, Kadaka, Ashada, Aadi) used to be the worst period of the year. Karkidakam is the time when there will be torrential rain; there used to be floods; due to the incessant rains no work will be available to the labourers; Food scarcity will be there; and the life, for majority, used to be a miserable one with near starvations etc. This month is known as the ‘Panja masam’. There was a say that “karkadakam kazhinjal durghtam kazhiyum” (meaning: when karkidakam masam is over troubles will be over). Because of the nature of the season, this used to be the peak season of diseases, sickness and ill health coupled with maximum financial difficulty. Because of the combined effects of poverty condition and sickness, the season is also known as the Kanji (rice gruel – porridge) season. After the miserable period, the abundant period starts. So this season is celebrated as a festival of prosperity.

fact number - 3:-

One more reason may be that the Onam Festival is associated in the minds of the Keralites with Mahabali and Mahavishnu (n the form of Thrivikraman - Vamanan). As per some legends Mahabali agreed to give 3 feet measure of land to Vamanan on the Thiruvonam day and Mahabali’s transfer to Paatala Lokam and his getting the blessings and boon from Vamanan on this day. Mahabali was allowed to visit his erstwhile kingdom of Kerala once a year on this day. The happy people of Kerala wanted to observe this day as thanking giving day to Mahabali for his giving a golden period to the people. Another factor attributed is that Thiruvonam is the Jayanthi of Vamanan. On this day it is believed that Mahabali comes to Kerala to see all his subjects’ well being. There is a temple at Thrikkakara considered to be the abode of Mahabali. This temple will starts it festivity from this day.

Another reason is that the Chinga Masam (Malayalam Era) is the first month of the year and 1st day of that month is New Year day in by gone days. Actually onam used to start from the 1st day of Chingam. The elders in the family will tell that from Chingam first Pookkalam used to be arranged in front of the house till Atham star day, when the festival enters a more formal way celebration.

Note:-

During Sraavana masam, austerities like Eka Bhuktha (taking one time meals), Naktha Vratha (fasting during day time and taking meals at night) are prescribed. Saaka-daana (Vegetables) is prescribed on Sravana sukla Dwadasi day. Worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva during Sraavana masam is highly meritorious. By observing the prescribed austerities and worshipping Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Goddess Gouri during Sraavana masam one will be bestowed with good health, longevity, and prosperity.