4wheelstravels.com - 22 Seater Bus - AP9Y 5994
Given below is the full information that i collected for out trip. Will try to upload more photos for clarity when i get some free time !!
Temple Visiting hours, 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 Darshan, Time, Amount(Rs)
Entry for
Suprabhatha Darshanam,5.00 AM, 250.00,Couple or Single person
Mahamangala Harathi,5.50 AM,100.00,One Person
Special ‘Q’ Line Darshanam, 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM
Free Darshanam in general ‘Q’ ,6.00 AM to 3.30 PM & 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM
Mahamangala Harathi (Evening), 5.00 PM 100.00,One Person
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
- Do’s
· Do pray your Ishta Daivam before pilgrimage to Srisailam.
· Do contact Srisaila Devasthanam information centre for enquiry,temple information and for Pooja details etc.
· Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Srisailam well in advance.
· Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
· Do concentrate on God Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi inside the temple.
· Do maintain silence and recite “Om Namahsivaya” or your Istamantram to your self inside the temple.
· Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Srisailam.
· Do respect religious sentiments at Srisailam.
· Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only
Dont’s
Don’t come to Srisailam for any purpose other than worshipping of Sri Swamy and Ammavaru.
Don’t smoke at Srisailam.
Don’t consume alcoholic drinks at Srisailam.
Don’t eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
Don’t approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
Don't carry any weapon inside the temple.
Don't wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
Don’t perform ‘Sastanga Pranama’ inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Don’t take much time while performing ‘Sparsa Darshanam’ to Swamyvaru in Garbhalayam.
Don’t buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
Don’t encourage beggars at Srisailam.
Don’t spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple
History of the Place :
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 Pulumavi’s 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. The last Hindu King who strove hard for the improvement of the temple is Chatrapathi Shivaji who constructed a Gopuram on northern side
Visiting Places
THE PANCHAMATHAMS :
Ghantha Matham Bheemasankara Matham Vibhoothi Matham
Rudraksha Matham 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.
2.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.
3.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.
4.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.
5. 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.
6.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.
7. BHEEMUNI KOLANU : 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.
8.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.
9. 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 it’s 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.
The boat starts at 9 :30 am or 10 :30 am depending on the number of people.
10. 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.
Bronzes Statues of Srisailam
CHANDRASEKHARA MURTHY (8th Century)
This Panchaloha set of Chandrasekhara Murthy is on a rectangular base which consists of Padmapeetha. The God is in standing pose and wearing tiger skin garment. He has four hands and the upper right hand is holding Parasu where as the lower right hand is the Abhayahastha. The upper left hand is holding Mruga and the lower left hand is the Varamudra. The Kireetamakuta is seen in a special manner. The God is adorned with various usual ornaments along with yagnopaveetham.
The Goddess Parvathi is in sthanakapose on the Padmapeetha. The vastram is beautifully moulded with various folds. She has two arms and the right hand is holding the Neelotpala whereas the left hand is Prasarita dakshinahastha. The Goddess is decorated with several usual ornaments like Karnabharanas, Kanthabharanas etc. The yagnopaveetham is also noticed.
NATARAJA (9th Century A.D)
This finely polished bronze of Nataraja has a base in which there is Padmapeetha. The God is in Anandatandav pose and placed his right leg on the Apasmara Purusha. The left leg is raised high and turned towards right, the characteristic Natyabhangima. The God is weaving vastram up to the half area of thighs. He has four arms and the right upper arm holds the Damaru while the right lower arm is the Abhayahastha. The upper left arm hold the fire pot and the lower hand is bent across the chest towards right in the gajahastha pose. The God has shown with manjeerams and Noopurams (anklets) in the foot. There are nine Jatas and in between the first and second row of them at right the Ganga in Anjalihastha Pose is noticed. There is Chandravanka in the left of the Makutam. He is decorated with ear ornaments, several necklaces, Keyuras and having a Naga Udarabhanda and yagnopaveetham. The God has a Nagamakuta and in which a crown of feathers are also found. There is the Prabha around the deity and on which there are Agnisikhas.
SIVAKAMASUNDARI (9th Century)
This most beautiful bronze idol of Sivakamasundari in sthanaka pose on a rectangular base which consist of Padmapeetha. The idol is shown with beautifully moulded vastram up to the ankles. The right hand of the Goddess is the Katakahastha pose and the left hand is Prasaritadakshina hastha. She is decorated with ear ornaments, several necklaces along with Mangalasutram. The idol has a magnificent Kiritamakuta. She has also shown with Yagnopaveetham.
CHANDRASEKHARA MURTHY (11th Century)
This set of Chandrasekhara Murthy with Parvathi is on Padmapeetha. The God is standing on Samapadabhangima and wearing tiger skin garmet. He has four hands and holding Parasu (axe) in upper right hand and where as the lower right hand is Abhayahastha. The left upper hand is having Mruga (deer) and the lower left hand is the Varamudra. The God is having Jatamakuta which also consist of Chandravanka. He is adorned with various abharanas. Apart from the yagnopaveetha there are Udarabadhas and several ornaments are also noticed in the waist portion.
The Goddess Parvathi is in sthanaka pose wearing the vastram which is in several folds. She has two arms and the right hand is Katakahastha where as the left hand is Prasaritha Dakshinahastha. The Goddess is holding Nilotpala in the right hand. The deity is adorned with various ornaments and yagnopaveetham is also noticed. The Kireetamakuta is beautifully moulded.
STHANAKA GANAPATHI (10th Century)
This finest bronze idol of Sthanaka Ganapathi is on a square base which consist of Padmapeetha. The God has four hands and the upper right hand is having a portion of Ankusa and the lower right hand is holding the danta. The upper left hand is having pasa while the lower left hand hold the modaka. The god is decorated with kanthabharanas and bhujangabhushanas. There is yagnopaveetha and stomach exhibit nagabhanda.
NATARAJA (12th Century)
This bronze idol of Nataraja is beautifully moulded and is one of the finest bronzes of South India.
The idol has a lotus base and on which Nataraja is in Anandatandava pose. He has his right foot on the apasmara purusha and left leg is lifted high towards right. The Apasmarapurusha is holding a Naga in the left hand and slightly bent the right leg. The bronze has four arms and the right upper arm is holding the Damaru where as the lower right hand is the Abhayahastha. The upper left hand holds a fire pot and lower hand is bent across the chest to the right and is in characteristic Natyabhangima. The bronze has five Jatas and in the right of the top there is Ganga and Chandravanka is seen in the left side. The God shown with a crown of feathers and in which there is a Kapala with and Nagabharanas are noticed on either side of it.
SIVAKAMA SUNDARI (16th Century)
This bronze is in sthanaka (standing) pose on a rectangular base which consists of a lotus. The right hand is in the katakahastha pose and the left hand is the prasaritha dakshinahastha. The Goddess is adorned with vastram and decorated with various ornaments such as Karnabharanas, Kanthabharanas, Bhujakeertees along with Mangalasutram. There is Kireetamakuta on the head.
GANGADHARA MURTHY AND DEVI (17th Century)
The bronze of Gangadhara Murthy is on a rectangular base which consist of a circular peetham and pedestal on it. On the right portion of the makutam there is beautifully carved Ganga. The God has four arms and the upper right hand is holding Parasu where as the lower right hand is Abhayachinmudra pose. The upper left hand is having a Mrugam and the lower left hand is Varahastha. The God is wearing beautifully moulded vastram and adorned with usual ear and neck ornaments.
The Devi is in Sthanata pose and adorned with vastram. She has two arms and the right hand is the Katakahastha which holds a lotus bud. The left hand is the Prasaritha dakshitahastha. The Goddess is having Kireetamakuta and decorated with various usual ornaments like tatankas, necklaces.
NATARAJA (17th Century)
This bronze of Nataraja is on a rectangular base which consist of Padmapeetha. The God is in Anandatandava pose. The right foot is on Apasmara Purusha and left foot is lifted high towards right. The bronze has four arms and the upper right arm is having damaru and the lower right hand is in Abhayahastha pose. The damaru is beautifully moulded and leather spread is clearly shown. There is a fire pot on the upper left hand where as the lower left hand is bent across the chest in the Natyabhangima. There are five Jatas and at the right of them Ganga is carved. The God is having fether crown and chandravanka is seen in its left. The Kapala is also noticed in the crown. The deity is adorned with beautifully sculptured skin garment. The God is surrounded by a circular Prabha which is moulded with decorative designs and makarathorana is also noticed on either side of the Apasmara Purusha. Agnisikhas are seen on the outer side of the Prabha and Keerthimukha is noticed on its top. The God is decorated with various usual ornaments.
The unique feature of the bronze is of that there is an upper cloth which is touching the prabha in a beautiful manner
Srisailam Gateways :
Tradition, literature as well as epigraphical sources states that the sacred Hill of Srisailam has four Gateways in the four cardinal directions .
East : Tripuranthakam, Prakasam District where God Tripuranthakeswara Swamy and Goddess Tripurasundari Devi are Presiding Deities
South: Siddhavatam on the bank of the river Penna, Kadapa District where Jyothisideswara Swamy and Goddess Kamakshi Devi are the presiding Deities
West: Alampur on the bank of the river Tungabhadra, Mahaboobnagar District where Navabrahma Alayas – A group of nine temples of Chalukya period are situated. This Kshetram is also the seat of Goddess Jogulamba, one of the Eighteen Mahasakthis.
North: Umamaheswaram, Mahaboobnagar District where God Umamaheswara Swamy and Goddess Umamaheswari Devi are the presiding deities.
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