Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
1. Overview
- Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, popularly known as Srisailam Temple, is one of the most important Shaivite pilgrimage centers in India.
- It is located in the Nallamala Hills on the banks of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh.
- The temple is famous as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas.
- Main deity:
- Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (Shiva)
- Goddess Bhramaramba Devi (Parvati)
- Srisailam attracts lakhs of devotees every year for darshan, spiritual rituals, and pilgrimage tourism.
- Historical significance:
- Mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures including Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana.
- Patronized by Satavahanas, Vijayanagara kings, Chalukyas, and Reddy rulers.
2. Temple History
- The history of Srisailam dates back over 1500 years.
- Ancient inscriptions indicate contributions from various South Indian dynasties.
- Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya is believed to have contributed to temple structures.
- Mythological significance:
- Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared here as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba.
- According to legend, Lord Shiva came to Srisailam to console his son Kartikeya.
- Srisailam is regarded as both:
- Jyotirlinga Kshetra
- Shakti Peetha
- The temple became a major spiritual center for Shaivism and Shakti worship traditions.
3. Main Deity Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main God/Goddess | Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy & Goddess Bhramaramba |
| Avatar/Form | Shiva Jyotirlinga |
| Temple Type | Hindu Temple |
| Temple Style | Dravidian Architecture |
| Temple Age | More than 1500 years |
| Special Significance | One of 12 Jyotirlingas and 18 Shakti Peethas |
4. Temple Timings
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Opening Time | Around 4:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | Limited temple activity |
| Evening Darshan | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Closing Time | Around 10:00 PM |
Note: Timings may change during festivals and special occasions.
5. Darshan & Ticket Details
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Free Darshan | Available |
| Special Darshan | Approx ₹150–₹300 |
| VIP Darshan | Available on selected categories |
| Sevas/Pujas | Separate charges applicable |
| Online Booking Link | Srisailam Temple Official Website |
6. Dress Code
- Traditional Indian dress preferred.
- Men:
- Dhoti, kurta, formal wear acceptable.
- Women:
- Saree, salwar kameez, churidar recommended.
- Restricted:
- Shorts
- Sleeveless clothing
- Revealing outfits
- Visitors should maintain silence and discipline inside temple premises.
7. Festivals Celebrated
| Festival | Importance | Month |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | Biggest festival of Srisailam | Feb/March |
| Karthika Masam | Special Shiva worship | Oct/Nov |
| Navaratri | Goddess Bhramaramba celebrations | Sep/Oct |
| Ugadi | Telugu New Year celebrations | March/April |
| Dasara | Major devotional festival | Sep/Oct |
8. Architecture Details
- Built in traditional Dravidian architectural style.
- Large gopurams with detailed carvings.
- Temple walls contain sculptures of Shaivite legends.
- Multiple mandapams used for rituals and festivals.
- Intricate stone carvings reflect Vijayanagara-era influence.
- Massive prakaram (outer wall) surrounds temple complex.
9. How to Reach
By Road
- Well connected through APSRTC and TSRTC buses.
- Major road routes:
- Hyderabad → Dindi → Srisailam
- Kurnool → Atmakur → Srisailam
- Ghat roads pass through Nallamala forest region.
Bus Connectivity
- Frequent buses from:
- Hyderabad
- Kurnool
- Vijayawada
- Tirupati
- Nandyal
By Train
| Railway Station | Distance |
|---|---|
| Markapur Road Railway Station | Approx 85 km |
| Nandyal Railway Station | Approx 160 km |
By Air
| Airport | Distance |
|---|---|
| Rajiv Gandhi International Airport | Approx 220 km |
| Kurnool Airport | Approx 180 km |
10. Google Map Location
- Search Keyword:
- Approx Coordinates:
- Latitude: 16.0724
- Longitude: 78.8680
11. Nearby Temples
| Temple | Distance |
|---|---|
| Sakshi Ganapathi Temple | 3 km |
| Hatakeswaram Temple | 5 km |
| Paladhara Panchadhara | 4 km |
| Shikaresvara Temple | 8 km |
12. Nearby Tourist Places
| Place | Distance |
|---|---|
| Srisailam Dam | 15 km |
| Akkamahadevi Caves | Boat ride required |
| Pathala Ganga | 2 km |
| Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve | Nearby |
13. Accommodation Details
| Hotel/Guest House | Type | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|
| Haritha Hotel | Government | ₹1500–₹4000 |
| Temple Cottages | Budget | ₹300–₹1500 |
| Private Lodges | Budget/Mid-range | ₹800–₹3000 |
| AC Hotels | Premium | ₹3500+ |
- Temple rooms available through devasthanam booking.
- Dharmashalas available for pilgrims.
- Online booking available through official website.
14. Food Facilities
- Free annadanam available for devotees.
- Many vegetarian restaurants available nearby.
- Temple prasadam counters available.
- Popular foods:
- Pulihora
- Laddu
- Curd rice
- South Indian meals
15. Parking Facilities
- Dedicated car parking available.
- Bike parking available near temple areas.
- Paid parking generally applicable during peak seasons.
16. Best Time to Visit
- October to February offers pleasant weather.
- Maha Shivaratri season is spiritually significant but heavily crowded.
- Weekdays less crowded than weekends.
- Avoid afternoon summer travel due to forest heat conditions.
17. Photography Rules
- Photography allowed in outer areas.
- Cameras and mobile photography restricted inside sanctum areas.
- Follow temple security instructions strictly.
18. Special Rituals & Sevas
| Seva | Timing | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishekam | Morning | Sacred Shiva ritual |
| Kumkumarchana | Morning/Evening | Goddess worship |
| Rudrabhishekam | Selected timings | Special Shiva seva |
| Kalyanotsavam | Scheduled | Divine marriage ritual |
19. Temple Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | Verify from official website |
| Official Website | Srisailam Devasthanam Official Website |
| Available on official website |
20. Important Visitor Tips
- Start early during festival days.
- Senior citizens should avoid peak queue hours.
- Carry water during summer.
- Forest roads may have limited night movement restrictions.
- Book rooms in advance during Shivaratri and weekends.
- Mobile networks may fluctuate in forest areas.
21. FAQs
Q1. Is Srisailam one of the Jyotirlingas?
Yes, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Q2. Is online darshan booking available?
Yes, through the official temple website.
Q3. Are free meals available?
Yes, annadanam is available daily.
Q4. Which is the nearest railway station?
Markapur Road Railway Station.
Q5. Is Srisailam safe for family travel?
Yes, but avoid late-night forest travel.
Q6. Can private vehicles go to Srisailam?
Yes.
Q7. Are rooms available near temple?
Yes, temple and private accommodations available.
Q8. Is photography allowed inside temple?
No, restrictions apply near sanctum.
Q9. Which season is best?
Winter and Karthika Masam season.
Q10. How many days needed for trip?
1–2 days recommended.