Srisailam is a rare kshetra where Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together in one temple complex. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy is honoured as the second of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and Goddess Bhramarambika as one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. Set amid the Nallamala forests on the banks of the Krishna, Telugu devotees lovingly call it the Kailasa of the South.
Why is Srisailam so special?
There are twelve Jyotirlingas and eighteen Ashtadasa Shakti Peethas, and very few places appear on both lists. At Srisailam the Lord and the Mother share one complex, so a single yatra gives darshan of both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha. That makes it equally dear to Shaiva and Shakta devotees.
The Puranas also call Srisailam Sri Parvatam. Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya did penance here and composed the Shivananda Lahari, and many siddhas and Shiva devotees are said to have practised sadhana in these hills.
The story of Mallikarjuna
A well-known story says Shiva and Parvati promised that whichever son first circled the earth would be married first. Kumaraswamy set off on his peacock, while Ganesha simply circled his parents and won. Hurt, Kumaraswamy went away to the Krouncha mountain. Shiva and Parvati came here to be near him and manifested as the Jyotirlinga and the Goddess.
Mallika means jasmine, and a local story tells of a princess who worshipped the Lord with jasmine flowers. Another explanation reads Mallika as Parvati and Arjuna as Shiva. Either way, the name itself reflects the union of Shiva and Shakti.
The story of Bhramaramba
The demon Arunasura won a boon that no two-legged or four-legged being could kill him. To destroy him, the Mother took the form of countless six-legged bhramaras (bees), and so she is called Bhramaramba. Devotees say that if you place your ear to the back wall of her sanctum, you can hear a soft humming.
Places to visit in Srisailam
| Place | Significance |
|---|---|
| Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple | One of the 12 Jyotirlingas; the main darshan |
| Sri Bhramarambika temple | Shakti Peetha, set higher within the same complex |
| Patala Ganga | The Krishna river below the hill; sacred bathing ghat |
| Sakshi Ganapati | Ganapati who records the devotee's pilgrimage |
| Srisaila Shikharam | Darshan from the peak is considered meritorious |
| Paladhara Panchadhara | Linked with Adi Shankara's penance |
| Hatakeshwaram | An ancient shrine of Shiva |
A dip in Patala Ganga
The Krishna river below the temple is called Patala Ganga. Going down the many steps, bathing in the river and then going for darshan is an old custom. Watch the water flow and follow safety instructions, and take special care with children and elders.
Sakshi Ganapati and Shikhara darshan
Devotees believe Sakshi Ganapati notes the name of every pilgrim and bears witness before Shiva in Kailasa, so his darshan is a must. A popular saying holds that even seeing the temple from the Srisaila Shikharam frees one from rebirth.
Maha Shivaratri and other festivals
- Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams: the biggest festival of the year, with abhishekams at Lingodbhava time, the divine kalyanam and vahana sevas.
- Karthika Masam: huge crowds come for deeparadhana and abhishekam on Mondays and Karthika Pournami.
- Ugadi: large numbers of devotees, including many from neighbouring states, arrive on foot.
- Dasara Navaratri: Goddess Bhramaramba is worshipped in a different alankaram each day.
Festival dates and seva timings are announced each year by the Devasthanam, so check official information before you travel.
How to plan a Srisailam yatra
- For Shivaratri, Karthika Masam and holidays, arrange stay and darshan well in advance.
- The Nallamala forest road may have night-time travel restrictions; plan your timing accordingly.
- Many follow the order of Patala Ganga bath, Sakshi Ganapati, then the Lord and the Mother; some visit Sakshi Ganapati on the way back.
- Wear traditional clothing and respect Devasthanam rules.
- It is a forest area, so reduce plastic use and keep the surroundings clean.
Remembering Srisailam at home
On days you cannot travel, light a deepam before Shiva at home and remember the lines Srisaile Mallikarjunam from the Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Stotram and Srisaile Bhramarambika from the Ashtadasa Shakti Peetha Stotram. If you fast or keep jagarana on Shivaratri, do so only as your health allows, and consult a doctor if needed.
Key points
- Srisailam is a rare kshetra that is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha.
- Mallikarjuna's story is linked to Kumaraswamy's stay on the Krouncha mountain.
- The Mother took the form of bees to destroy Arunasura, hence Bhramaramba.
- Patala Ganga, Sakshi Ganapati and Shikhara darshan are key parts of the yatra.
- Maha Shivaratri Brahmotsavams are the biggest festival at Srisailam.