SRISAILAM-(Andhra Pradesh)

Srisailam is situated in the hilly forest area of the Nandikotkur Taluk in the Kurnool District. Srisailam is described as the Kailasa of the South is overlooking the river Krishna or one of its branches which are known here as Pathal Ganga. On this Srisaila Mount is the famous and ancient temple at Lord Siva known as Malikarjuna. It is one of the twelve Jyotir Lingas. Srisailam is 112 km from Nandyal on the Guntur-Vijayawada railway line. Some inscriptions establish that this area of Srisailam was a part of the kingdom of the great ruler, Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar and that it was a very flourishing place at one time.

The temple of Mallikarjuna is spread on a plateau and above 1500 meters above sea level. The courtyard occupies 500 600 feet. The temple dedicated to his consort Bhramarambika is on the western side. The Devi is an incarnation of Ambika.

Bhramarambika is one of the ancient and famous Sakipeethas and the Jyotirlinga of Mallikarjuna is described by the Lingayat Jangama priests as the Linga Chakravarti. The Shiva and Sakti festivals take place separately one after the other. The Shiva festival takes place on Mahasivaratri day. After that, the Sakti Festival starts. Sri Adi Sankaracharya performed penance in a forest near the Mallikarjuneswara Temple. Pilgrims can visit the spot which is just off the road and is indicated by name boards.