Srisailam Temple

Context: Recently, President of India has inaugurated the project development of Srisailam Temple in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

About the Temple:

• It is also known as Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple.
• It is situated in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
• The temple is located on the top of the Nallamala hills and on the banks of River Krishna.
• It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.
• It is the only temple in India significant to both Saivism and Shaktism.
• The presiding deity of the place is Goddess Brahmaramba devi and Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy in natural stone formations in the shape of Lingam.
• The idol of deities is thought to be ‘Swayambhu’ or self-manifested.
• It is considered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas of the Goddess, Parvati.

History of Srisailam Temple:

• Mention of Srisailam Temple is present in Nasik inscription of the Satavahana King Vasisthiputra Pulumavi in the 1st century AD.
• Reddy kings- Prolay Vemma and Anavema Reddy constructed pathways and Mandaps in the temple.
• The modern additions to the temple were made during the reign of Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Architecture of Mallikarjun Temple:

• The temple is built in the Dravidian style.
• It has lofty towers and sprawling courtyards.
• Temple of Tripurantakam, Siddavatam, Alampura and Umamaheswaram are located in vicinity of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlina as four gateways to Sri Sailam.

Source: The Hindu