Srisailam Temple

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City: Kurnool
State: Andhra Pradesh
Location: South India
Year of Construction: 1404 A.D.
Constructed By: Vijayanager king Harihara Raya
Type of Construction: Ancient
Type of Building: Temple
Dedicated To: Lord Shakti
Religion: Hinduism
Importance: One of the twelve Jyotir Linga Shiva Shrines
Famous For: Goddess Shrines
Festival: Maha Shivaratri festival
Best Time: February-March
Pooja Schedule: Suprabhatha Seva&Viswarupa Darshanam: 5:00am
Mahamangala Harathi: 6.00am
Darshanam, Poojas etc : 6.30amto 12.30 pm
Dooradarshnam : 1.15pm to 3.30 pm
Susandhyam, Mahamangala Harathi:5.20pm to 5.45pm
Accomodation: There are excellent Choultries built by the Temple Devasthanam, in which poor pilgrims can stay free of cost. Cottages and guesthouses, with all amenities are also available over here.

History About Srisailam Temple in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh :
The Srisailam temple abounds in sculptural beauty and there are about 116 inscriptions in and around it. It is associated historically with such great rulers as the Chalukyan kings, Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara and Chatrapati Shivaji. Adi Shankara is also said to have worshipped the deity at the temple.

The Buddhist pilgrims, Fahiyan and Hieun t`sang have made references to the Sriparvata hill, which is in the Nagarjunakonda valley of the same river Krishna. The sanctity of this place is claimed both by the Hindus as well as by the Buddhists.

The Legend :
It is said the 'Vrishabha', the sacred bull of Lord Shiva performed penance here. Lord Shiva appeared before him, with his consort Parvati in the forms of Mallikarjuna and Bharamaramba. Other shrines within the temple include the 'Sahasra Linga' 'Panchapandava Temples' and 'Vata Vriksha'.

Festivals in Srisailam Temple :
Maha Shivaratri festival, celebrated at Srisailam, is of all-India importance. This festival usually falls in the month of February-March and is a time to solemnly invoke Lord Shiva through fasts and chants. Lakhs of pilgrims throng to worship the deity and have a holy dip in the river Krishna known as the Pathala Ganga.

Goddess Bhramaramba whose festivals come a month or two after Shivarathri attracts even larger crowds consisting of 'Lingayats'. Goddess Bhramarambika is said to be one of the eighteen leading 'Shaktis' of India.