Srisailam
As the sun dips into the Nallamala Hills, Srisailam transforms into a haven for the spiritually inclined and nature lovers. This ancient town, nestled on the banks of the Krishna River, is a magnet for pilgrims seeking solace at the revered Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple's mystique is matched only by the town's natural beauty, with the Srisailam Dam and its picturesque reservoir offering a tranquil retreat. Whether you're a devotee seeking spiritual rejuvenation or an adventurer keen to explore the Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the largest in India, this enchanting town has something to offer.
Why Srisailam is famous
- •What Srisailam is: A hill town in KURNOOL district, Andhra Pradesh, on the Nallamala Hills above the Krishna river, at a reported 457 m. Sources call it the KAILASH OF THE SOUTH.
- •The hill has many names: One source lists SRI PARVATHA, SRIGIRI, SRINAGAM and SIRIDHAN as names for the hill the temple stands on. The hill itself is called Shri Shaila.
- •The goddess of bees: Bhramaramba, or Bhramari, means MOTHER OF BEES. One source recounts that she assumed the form of a bee to destroy the demon ARUNASURA. It adds that you can hear the BUZZING OF A BEE through a tiny hole in the temple.
- •Which body part fell here: One source states the GREEVA — the neck — of Devi fell here. That is the specific relic attribution the Shakti Peetha lists turn on.
- •Combined tickets: One source notes COMBINED DARSHAN TICKETS for both temples are available at the counter — which is the practical expression of the dual status.
- •Akka Mahadevi Caves: Naturally formed caves in the Nallamala Hills, reached by boat into the Krishna gorge. Associated with the yogic penance of Akka Mahadevi.
- •The forest and the dam: The temple sits within the Nallamala forest and the SRISAILAM TIGER RESERVE. The Srisailam Dam is named by two sources among the main sites. One source mentions forest drives and a Krishna river cruise.
- •Sikhareswara: A Shiva temple reached by climbing the SIKHARAM for panoramic views — one source names it Sikhareswara Swamy temple.
AI-drafted from general knowledge — may contain mistakes.
History at a glance
- MythologicalShiva and Parvati follow Kartikeya to the hill after he leaves in anger over the contest with Ganesha, and remain there as Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba.
- MythologicalBhramaramba takes the form of a bee to destroy the demon Arunasura.
- 1st century ADThe earliest known historical mention of Srisailam hill appears in PULUMAVI'S NASIK INSCRIPTION.
- AD 624-848The Chalukyas contribute to the temple's development.
- AD 953-1323The Kakatiyas contribute further.
- MedievalReddy kings and Vijayanagara emperors patronise the temple. One source also names CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI among those who worshipped here and contributed.
Best time to visit
- In 3 daysDiwali · 8 November
- In 5 daysGovardhan Puja · 10 November
- In 6 daysBhai Dooj · 11 November
- In 10 daysChhath Puja · 15 November
Real dates, not AI-drafted — sourced from the Hindu Panchang, same for every destination.
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Getting there & around
- Getting around — 213 km from HYDERABAD, 4 to 5 hours via ghat road. APSRTC buses, private buses and taxis.
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