Temples in and around Srisailam

1. Puranic History of Srisailam Temple

When Kumar Kartikeya returned to Kailash after completing his trip around the
earth, he heard about Ganeshas 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.
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 stoneinscriptions of the temple, Chandravatis story can be seen carved out.

2. Bhramaramba Devi Temple

The holy town of Srisailam is referred as Sri Parvata or the blessed hill in the
Mahabharata epic and is even mentioned in the ancient Hindu Puranas. One of
the most renowned temples in Srisailam is the Bhramaramba Devi Temple. It is
situated on the southern bank of River Krishna, on the Nallamala hills, at a height
of 457 metres, above sea level. It is dedicated to the consort of Lord Mallikarjuna,
Devi Bhramaramba or Goddess Parvati.

3. Sakshi Ganapati Temple

This small shrine located about 3 km from Srisailam and frequented by
pilgrims since ancient times. 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 is named as Sakshi
Ganapathi. The sculpture of this deity is exquisitely made holding a book
in the left hand and Kalam (pen) in the right hand in such a way as
noting down the names of devotees.

4. Hathakesvara Temple
This picturesque spot is on the way to Srisailam of above 5 km away in a
serine atmosphere. According to the tradition at this place God Siva
appeared to a potter devotee in Atika (piece of Pot) and hence named as
Atikeswaram and later it became Hatakeswaram. There is a temple
dedicated to Sri Hatakeswara Swamy and is a stone structure datable to
11th-13th Centuries A.D.
The Hatkesvaram Temple or Hathakesvara Temple is situated at a popular
spot in Srisailam, where the most revered saint, Sri Sankaracharya wrote
one of his philosophical treaties. This small temple enshrines a Shiva Linga
and is revered by people from all parts of the country.
5. Shikareswara Temple
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. The Skanda Purana proclaines that a mere glance of this
Sikharam frees the human soul from the fitters of re-birth Srisaila
Sikharam Drustva Punarjanma Na Vidyathe. There is a temple
dedicated to Sri Veera Shikara Swamy and locally known as Sikhareswara
Swamy. This temple in as ancient stone structure and historically the
Reddi Kings have constructed a flight of steps to this in the year 1398 AD
and also a Pushkarini (Tank) at this place. This place gives a panoramic
view of the entire temple of Srisailam including the meandering river
Krishna.

6. Paladhara-Panchadhara
This most beautiful scene spot is located about 4 km from Srisailam.
Tradition records that Bhagavan Adisankara performed penance at this
place and composed the famous Sivanandalahari here. This spot is in a
narrow valley approached by a flight of steps where subterranean streams
of pure water with musical sounds reverberating the surroundings. These
streams are known as Phaladhara-Panchadhara and these signify their
origin from the fore head of God Siva, the Phaladhara (Phala=fore head,
dhara=stream) and denotes the five aspects of Siva, the Panchadhara
(Pancha=five, dhara=stream). The water from this stream flows at all
seasons uninterruptedly.
7. The Temple Of Istakameswari

The temple of Istakameswari is located in a dense and picturesque forest

environment about 21 kms to the east of Srisailam. This temple is an
ancient structure datable to 8th - 9th centuries A.D. The sculpture of the
deity is very unique and have no parallel any where in India. The Goddess
has a serene and beautiful smiling face which at once captures the
attention of one and all. It is believed that by having the darshanam of
Istakameswari Devi one can fulfill all the desires.

References: http://www.srisailamonline.com/index.html