Adiyen again making a humble school boy attempt to share some useful information and the experience from my recent kshetradanam to Srisailam. Mallikarjuna temple ( also simply known as Srisailam temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deities Sri Bhramaramba Devi and Mallikarjuna Swamy. Srisaila Mahakshetram is considered as Kailasa on Earth. The history and tradition have it that the merits earned by visiting Srisailam are equal to worshipping all the divine powers the universe holds.Srisaila Mahakshetram is the living embodiment of ancient and spiritual-cultural traditions and values. Visited by all great saints and rulers namely, Sri Rama, Adi Shankaracharya and several other spiritual personalities; Srisailam is the supreme repository of spiritual truth.
Srisailam can be reached via Roadways and Railways. As this is my second trip to srisailam, I have tried correcting my mistake during my first visit. My Previous visit to Srisailam was through Railways where we took the trail till Markapur road station and from there we had to take a bus to reach srisailam through a Ghat section for about 3 hours. So in total, It was about 11hrs train + 3hrs Bus to reach Srisailam from bangalore. We learnt that we have a direct Non-AC Sleeper Bus from Bangalore during the first visit and hence decided to go via KSRTC Non-AC Sleeper Bus this time which we felt more comfortable than the train option. Also this time it was a family trip where my Wife and son also joined the yatra.
Why Srisailam
It is Said that the entire Nallamalla hills from kurnool to chitoor is a personification of lord Adhisesha himself whose tail end is Srisailam, Whose middle is Ahobilam and whose head is Tirumala. Precisely the hills in the easter ghats is compared to Adhishesha, the great Serpent bed of Lord Vishnu. Tirumala lies on its seven hoods, Ahobilam on its centre part or stomach & Srisailam on its tail.
Earlier this year, we had visited Tirumala and Ahobilam on each weekends. We wanted to complete the darshan of Adhishesha and hence we planned to Srisailam as well in a row. This would be my second spell of completing the darshan of Sri Adhishesha while this would be the first spell for my wife and son. We feel really blessed to complete this Sri Adhishesha yatra successfully in three weekends. This is only possible with the blessings and grace from the supreme almighty residing in each of these sacred places.
Sri Adhisesha form of Nallamalla Hills range
How to Book Darshan tickets Online.
It is recommended to have your darshan tickets booked online well-in advance according to your desired travel plan. Please book your Darshan ticket online from the below website
This would need an account creation for yourself with a username and password for login. There are about 4 types of Darshan ( including VIP Break Darshan/Sparsha Darshan ). Due to the increasing COVID scenarios, the Sparsha Darshan has been suspended temporarily until further notice. The Ticket cost for VIP Darshan would be 500Rs Per person.
Darshan Booking page
When we booked, the Sparsha Darshan option was available in the portal and hence we booked one Athiseegra darshan on Saturday Evening and VIP Darshan on Sunday Morning. However in between, the Sparsha Darshan got stopped and hence it was more or less the same as Athiseegra darshan.
Day-1 28th January, Friday:
As it was a working day, I had a lot of meetings and these days Fridays are no longer Fridays but just another weekday loaded with meetings as good as Monday/Tuesday. However thankfully was able to close the shop around 7 PM IST and then left home by Ola cab to majestic KSRTC Bus stand. Reached Terminal 1, Platform 16 around 8:15 PM IST and had sufficient time before we start our yatra by Bus as the Bus was scheduled to depart at 9 PM IST. It was indeed a very nice scene with series of KSRTC VOLVO Buses lined-up in a row. Especially the Airavat Club Class series of Buses were really grabbing the attention. All these Airavat Club class series has got the poster " Sleep like a baby" as the caption. KSRTC Airavat series Volvo Multi axle buses are indeed very clean and properly maintained. I was really worried about our bus which is a Non-AC Sleeper Coach.
Our Bus reached the designated platform( 16 ) around 08:30 PM IST . To our surprise the bus was so neat and clean with ample of space, charging point, luggage carrier at each seat. No pillows & linens due to the COVID regulations but otherwise the bus was super luxury and beyond our expectations.
Have uploaded the few clicks of the bus and also have taken a click of the the Schedule. In addition Did observe few Telangana state buses as well which is also very good but not running in the Srisailam direction. However have taken the schedule of Telangana State buses as well which mostly runs towards the Hyderabad direction. If for some reason you are unable to get a ticket in the KSRTC Sleeper coach which is a direct but to Srisailam, you can try TSRTC till Kurnool and then you can change the bus to Srisailam. I strongly recommend to plan your travel in advance so that you will have a comfortable sleeper bus direct to Srisailam. They do Provide adequate stops in between for any BIO-Breaks and tea Breaks as the journey will be almost 12 hrs. covering 530 Km
KSRTC Sleeper coach for Srisailam
Sleeper Coach interiors
Bus was Truly beyond our expectation
Day-2 29th January, Saturday:
Around 6AM in the morning, had some issues with respect to the sensor in the bus and hence the bus couldn't start. We were told this is due to the heating issue and at times this happens in the sensor buses. So the only option was to wait till it cools down. Bus stopped in the middle of a forest route near Atmakur and it was so quiet except for the birds chirping sound. Got down from the bus and took some fresh Air. Thoroughly enjoyed the weather and the nature at its own beauty. Most of the passengers got down from the bus to feel the same and didn't see any passenger got annoyed or upset of the situation instead everyone felt great to be stopped in the middle of a forest with beautiful weather and enjoyed the beauty of nature. Took few clicks for as a memory of this unplanned outage for a good reason 😃😃😃
After an hour time of waiting, the bus started again and our journey continued. Had a stop at Dornala which is near to the Ghat section of the Nallamalla forest. Almost around 09:30 AM IST we reached Srisailam. One more advantage of going by KSRTC bus would be, Only KSRTC bus can go to Srisailam directly without the need of entering into the small village Sundipenta otherwise all APSRTC buses would need to enter into this village and will take a U-turn and then will go to Srisailam. This is applicable while returning as well. This can potentially save some 20 minutes. We can get down at the Temple stop itself ( one stop before the Srisailam Bus stand which is the last stop ). As you get down you will see a lot of Auto's waiting to pick you and drop at your hotels/accommodation
We had our accommodation booked at Devathilakula Annadhana Choultry run by Sri Sakthi Jyotirlinga Charitable Trust, Plot No 4, New Choultry, Behind temple, Srisailam. This is one of the best place to stay in Srisailam located just behind the main temple. Temple is at a 5 minutes walkable distance but as we reach Srisailam, We need to take an auto to reach this temple as auto can't enter through the temple premises unless if you are ok to walk for about 15 minutes with luggage's after travelling 12 hrs. In General, auto will charge 60-100rs depending upon the number of people. we were only 3 ( including my son ) and with very minimal luggage ( 2 bags ) and hence the auto guy asked us only 60rs. His name is Abdul and his contact number is 90525 62352. It is about a less than 5 minutes distance by auto through the outer ring road of temple. As the auto guy was very reasonable with us, we took his number for the local sight seeing trip. He Quoted 650rs covering 4 Places and 5 temples { 01. Sakshi Ganapathi temple, 02. Hatakeshwaram, 03. Paladhara Panchadhara , 04. Sikaram } As Abdul was very courteous with us, we decided to plan our local sight seeing in Abdul's auto. Informed him to come around in the evening as it was extremely hot weather in the mid-day and we also planned to take some rest in the room before we explore Srisailam further. As our first darshan was on the evening 6 PM - 9 PM Slot, we had sufficient time to take rest before we explore Srisailam. We had a good rest followed by very Good free meals from the Choultry itself then again had a power nap due to the meals effect. Have informed Abdul to come and pick up from the Choultry around 3 PM. Our Itinerary was to cover 01. Sakshi Ganapati 02. Hatakeshwaram & Sakthi temple 03. Paladhara Panchadara 04. Sikaram.
Devathilakula Annadhana Choultry
01. Sakshi Ganapathi Temple
Sakshi Ganapathi temple is located 2 km east of the main temple. Since Ganapathi presents proof that each devotee has visited Srisailam to Lord Shiva in Kailasa, he is called Sakshi Ganapathi. He is sculpted beautifully out of a black stone. His trunk is folded to his left and seems to write down the names of the devotees who visit Srisailam. The devotees who worship Srisailam visit Sakshi Ganapathi and tell him their Gotra names. The Aaagamas detail the significance of Sakshi Ganapathi. He represents time. Time is the observer of all and holds proof. Sakshi means that which holds proof of each second. Sakshi Ganapathi observes all, holds proof of their acts and delivers good and bad that they deserve. We can live in peace if we know someone holds proof of our good acts. Even if we forget, he never does. Such god who holds the power of many destinies is Sakshi Ganapathi. While Ganesh considered his parents his whole world, Kumaraswamy established that the whole world is filled with Shiva-Shakti. World's Mother and Father, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi with all the powers vested in them start their journey towards, Earth's Kailasa, the world's centre, home to Vedas, Upasanakendra, their new called home, Srisaila Kshetram. Ganapathi also joins them to reside in Srisailam.
02. Hatakeswaram
Hatakeswaram is an interesting visiting spot in Srisailam. 5 km away from the western side of Srisailam hills is HatakeswaraKshetram. Skanda Purana details this place beautifully. People of the region tell an interesting tale about Hatakeshwara. This tale signifies the importance of devotion and not an actual incident. Once upon a time, there lived a pottery artist named Keshappa in Srisailam. He used to arrange feasts and fruits for the travellers of that region. He used to consider feeding people as Shivarchana.
Since the area was majorly a dense forest, he would consider everyone who wishes to travel among the forest as a form of Shiva. Many feed people to earn a reputation but Keshappa fed people only out of devotion. As a result, he earned a great name in the surrounding areas which led to jealousy among a few people. One day when Keshappa was away, a few consumed with jealousy broke all his pottery and pottery tools. Upon returning, Keshappa felt downhearted seeing his years of work in pieces. Just then a few travellers arrived. Disheartened that he was now left with pieces of pottery and no money to feed the travellers, Kesahppa went inside his home weeping. A Shivalingam emerged from the pieces of broken pottery and Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlingam. Lord Shiva asked Keshappa to look at what's in his kitchen. Surprisingly, there were many cooked food items in the Kitchen. Elated, Keshappa joined his hands to thank the lord and fed his traveller guests. Since Shiva emerged from Atika(pot), the god is called Atikeshwara.
The name Hatakeswara according to Skanda Purana means golden(Hataka) god. To regular devotees, the lingam may seem like just any other lingam but for spiritual gurus and yogis, this lingam emanates a golden glow that of a fire.
There is also a Sakthi temple near Hatakeswaram temple which is considered to be one of the sacred temple among the 108 Sakthi temples.
03. Paladhara Panchadhara
Paladhara Panchadhara is another popular place to visit in Srisailam. Located at distance of around 4 km from Srisailam presents breathtaking scenic beauty. Along with mesmerizing beauty, these natural streams also have religious association.
The name of the stream is derived from Lord Shiva. The name Paladhara stands for the stream originating from the forehead of Lord Shiva, as phala means forehead and dhara means stream. The name Panchadhara signifies the five aspects of Lord Shiva (Pancha means five and dhara means stream).Paladhara Panchadhara has been described in holy Hindu texts Puranas as well. Ancient text Skanda Purana describes the flow of the stream as Bhogavathi, which later joins the River Krishna. As per legends, it at this place where Sri Adi Shankaracharya had stayed here doing meditation before he started his journey in the 8th century.It is said that it was during this period that he has created renowned masterpiece Sivanandalahari where he had praised Lord Mallikarjuna in its verses. Sri Adi Shankaracharya has also written about Goddess Bhramaramba and praised her in another creation Bhramaramba Ashtaka. Owing to this, Statues of Sarada Devi and Sri Adi Shankaracharya have been built here. With glistening streams of water flowing all round the year amid the lush greenery of forests, Paladhara and Panchadhara create a scene worth remembering. Located in a narrow valley, it can be reached via 160 steps.
04.Sikaram Sikhareswarudu
Srisaila Sikharam(peak) is at the height of 2850 ft from sea level. Among the hills of Srisailam, this one is the tallest. Many centuries ago, devotees used to visit Srisailam by following the hilly, jungle path. The dense forest used to make their journey even harder and the tired devotees used to halt for rest and then reach the peak to complete their visit. Puranas state that when one takes a look at the peak from any distance, they are rid of all sins and the life-death cycle. The peak is located at a distance of 8kms from Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. The peak is a hilltop. The god that resides on Sikareswaram is Veerashankara who is most commonly known as Sikhareswara. The origin of the temple is unknown. But a 1920 A.D inscription that is seen at the front of the temple on the hill suggest that the temple belongs to an ancient era, before 1920.
Sikhareswara temple is east facing and has a sanctum, prayer hall and a front-facing hall. The temple resembles a hilly cave where the god receives many prayers. The prayer hall is smaller than the sanctum and the front-facing hall has 16 columns. At the middle of the front-facing hall, in between four columns is Nandi.
Here's a folklore about Sikhareswaram. After destroying Ravana, Sri Rama established a Lingam in Rameshwaram, after which he was consumed with the burden of Braahmahatyadosham. Following the advice of Narada, Sri Rama comes down to Srisailam to relieve his guilt. Lord Shiva along with Kumaraswamy were frequenting the area of Tripurantakakshetra. Lord Shiva in the form of Mallikarjuna, when hearing upon Sri Rama’s arrival decided to stay in a cave alongside a water body among a hill of Srisailam. The peace at this place has consumed Mallikarjuna Swamy. Sri Rama reached the highest hill where the lord resides. By the time Sri Rama took the blessings from the lord, the lord turned into a Shiva Lingam. The lingam merged into the hills of Srisaialam. This lingam is now known as Mallikarjunaswamy Lingam. The hill that Sri Rama climbed is Sikhareshwaram. This is a folklore, but it is a fact that Sri Rama accompanied by Sita and Laxman not only visited Srisailam, and established Sahasralingam but also showed how to offer Pradakshina at Srisailam by offering it himself. This Pradakshina is known as Sriramapradakshina.
After completing the four temples we were dropped back in our Choultry at around 05:30 PM. We refreshed and got ready to have our first darshan at Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam. As mentioned earlier, We had booked our Darshan ticket online well in advance otherwise one can take the darshan ticket at the counter. Hereby sharing the pics of the darshan ticket counter, clock room and seva timings. Mobiles/Electronic gadgets are not allowed. The Cloak room and free shoe/chappal stands are next to the ticket counters. All of them are in the same building in a Row.
Chappal Stand and Cloak Room
Offline Darshan Ticket Counter
Seva Timings
Online Darshan tickets to be shown here to collect the Darshan ticket
Starting point for the Athiseegra and VIP Break Darshan
After having the Darshan we had our Dinner at the restaurant " Trishul "one of the good family restaurant where the food quality is very good and the service time is quick. Had a good walk after the dinner through the temple streets in the midst of so many beautiful shops where you can buy a lot of things that you might have thought for a long time. I was really looking for a Abhisheka Peetam for our Home God Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy which was not really available in Amazon to my expectation. Here I could find one in a great deal. Likewise there are so many other pooja and other general temple shopping items available in these streets. One will thoroughly enjoy walking in the midst of these streets and window shopping.
Trishul Restaurant
Temple Street
Day-3 30th January, Sunday:
We had booked our VIP Break Darshan on this day for 07:00 AM slot. As mentioned earlier, VIP Break Darshan was supposed to have Sparsha darshan but due to the covid regulations the sparsha darshan was not allowed and hence it's more or less the same privileges in Athiseegra darshan. Early morning weather was so beautiful and we left our room around 06:30 AM by walk as the temple is very near from our room. Did offer our prayers to the Spatika Linga installed in the choultry where we stayed. This Spatika Linga was bought from kashi and they have done the Prathistapana. It's an amazing environment to stay in this Choultry in the midst of this small Spatika Linga shrine.
Spatika Linga mandir
Waxing moon and morning star
About the Darshan in Temple :
As mentioned earlier, We had to go to the information center counter to get the actual tickets by showing the tickets booked online. Due to COVID Regulations, there was no offline tickets. Good that we had our darshan tickets booked online well in advance. Suggest everyone to book the tickets online well in advance as shown in the beginning of the blog. Tickets slot will open only for 15 days in advance.
Our Darshan Experience in Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam was amazing and felt truly blessed to have such a peaceful darshan without any long wait or Push in the midst of crowd. We were allowed via the Athiseegra Darshan queue Entry only as this slot is only meant for VIP Break Darshan and hence there was no rush. However the Free darshan queue is still allowed but that starts from a different entry point. As we move forward, Without even our knowledge automatically we started chanting " Om Nama shivaya" ' Hara Hara Mahadeva " " Sambo Shankara".
It is his wish and plan where he could allow us in his abode and of course it is him who made us chant his name ( namasmarana ) without even our knowledge & Its the case with each and every devotees who visits the temple to take his darshan only after his permission and approval.
We were Truly Blessed to take the darshan of the following Deities in the temple
Mallikarjuna Swamy temple:
1.Vrudhamallikarjuna Swamy: This lingam is said to be oldest than the present Mallikarjuna swamy Lingam. There is no Nandi(Bull , vehicle of Lord) infront of it. Ihe Lingam is uneven on its outer face which indicates the old age of Lord Shiva which was prayed by Chandravathi. Hence it is called Vrudhamallikarjuna swamy
2. Ardhanareeswar: This idol is in northern side of the main temple.this is the oldest idol. Detail and period of the idol is unknown.
3.Lingas incarnated by Pandavas: Five temple are situated besides Arthanareseswara temple. These were incarnated by Pandavas according to sources.
Sathyojatha Lingam - Yudhistrira Prathistapana
Vamadeva lingam - Bheema Prathistapana
Agora Lingam - Arjuna Prathistapana
Esana Lingam - Sahadeva Prathistapana
Tatpurushaya Lingam - Nakula Prathistapana
4. Mallika Gundam: (Mallika water point) According to mythology , this Gundam was part and parcel of Saraswathi river, which flows in inner of the Krishna river. This Saraswathi river is called ‘Antaarvahine' which means it is flowing along with other river i.e. Krishna. Many devotees used this Mallika Gundam water to heal their diseases. Another important thing in shrine of Mallikarjunas temple shade is being reflected in this ‘Gundam'.
5.Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: This idol is in temple and having North face. He is guarding the Lord Mallikarjuna swamy always.
6. Sanagalabasavanna: It is situated infront of the Verasiro mandapam. It is known as "nandi mandapam". This Nandi is called Nandeeswara(Baswanna).Kannadigulu calls this as ‘Chennu kallu Baswanna".
7.Addala(Mirror) Mandapam: Place for Swamy where he takes rest in the nights called as pavalinpu seva.
8.Tri fruit tree(Triphala vruksham): Juvvi, Ravi and Medi plants together become grown as one tree. It was said that Acharya Nagarjuna and others were done deeksha under this tree. It is believed, that couples who have no children, simply they do pradakshins(walking round the tree) will get children(santanam) in coming years.
9. Nityakalyana mandapam(marriage hall): This in the south west side of temple where daily Kalyanam(Marriage) of the Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bramaramkika ammawaru is done here in the evening times.
10.Sri Rama and Sita Devi's sahasralingams: Shahasra means thousand. Sahasra linga means 1000 lingas carved in one linga. Srirama' linga is situated in swamy temple where Sitadevis is in Ammavari temple. These are installed by Srirama and Sitadevi.
Bramaramba devi temple:
The main temple of Bramarambha devi , first of Asthadasa maha sakthi peethas is with well sculptures. You can hear butterfly's sound(Bhrama means butterfly) in the back side of the main temple. Devotes are not allowed inside the temple where as in the Mallikarjuna swamy temple.
1.Lopa mudra: Lopa mudra shapes of Agasya Maharshi wife are only seen in Srisailam. We can see them in sala mandapam of devi temple.
After Finishing our Darshan we had our breakfast in Trishul restaurant again and from there we proceeded to our next attraction in srisailam which is Pathala Ganga.
Pathala Ganga :
At a distance of 1 km from Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple, Pathala Ganga is the sacred place in the backwaters of River Krishna. This is the place where devotees can have a holy dip in the river Krishna. Steps and iron chains are provided for the devotees to hold onto to protect themselves from the strong force of the river. From this place you can get a glimpse of wide reservoir and the magnificent mountains spread with the lush green Nallamala Forest. It is one of the popular Srisailam places to visit for best views of River Krishna. It is geographically located behind Srisailam Dam and the flood gates can be seen from here. Pathala Ganga is also the boating center for pleasure rides and trips to Akkamahadevi Caves.
Several pilgrims take bath in River Krishna at Pathala Ganga before visiting the deity of Srisailam Temple. Around 500 steps from the Hanuman Temple (Haritha Hotel) need to be trekked down to reach Pathala Ganga. A rope way is operated from Haritha Hotel (Rope way center) to reach Pathala Ganga. Taking the rope way is unique experience with breathtaking views of the backwaters of Srisailam Dam and the surrounding hills. The stepped pathway to Pathala Ganga was constructed by Reddy King Prolaya Vema Reddy in 14th century.
Rope way Timings: 6 AM to 5: 30 PM. Cost: Adult - Rs. 50/- (two ways), Child - Rs. 35/- (two ways).
Boating is also available at Pathala Ganga and the duration is usually around 20 minutes. Boating here is a pleasant experience. Speed boats are also available (duration - 5 minutes). Cost: Adult - Rs. 50/-, Child - Rs. 35/-.
Boating Timings: 9 AM IST to 5 PM IST.
Tickets to visit Akka Mahadevi Caves can be obtained at boating point of Pathala Ganga.
By the time we finished Pathala ganga ropeway and boating IT was already 12:30 noon. Hence we returned to our room and had an excellent meals served in the Choultry. Our return journey was booked at 4 PM IST in KSRTC Sleeper bus. Since we had nearly 4 hours left, took some rest post meals and then we vacated our room around 03:30 PM IST. Took one last click in the Choultry before leaving the place. The Choultry was so nice and the people were amazing. Food was absolutely divine as they offer the food as prasadam. We reached the Bus station on time and boarded the Bus.
Day-4 31st January, Monday:
It was a very comfortable journey in the sleeper bus and we got dropped near Hebbal Esteem mall at around 05 AM IST. Overall our Srisailam Yatra was truly blissful and it was a soul satisfying Experience
Trust the above Experience writing is helpful for those who are planning to Srisailam and It is a must visit place for all Sanathana Dharmi's.
🙏 Credits & Thanks Note 🙏
The Supreme Almighty For having us in his abode
Super comfort KSRTC Bus Drivers for making our travel so comfort and safe
Devathilakula Annadhana Choultry for providing us a wonderful stay and Food
2 Comments:
Super
Was v informative and descriptive too,
Thankyou
Thank you very much mami.
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