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Andhra Pradesh Temples

Bhadrachalam Temple Guide – Sita Ramachandraswamy – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Bhadrachalam temple is the abode of Shri Sita Ramachandra Swamy. This temple is in honor of Lord Rama. The temple is on the banks of the Godavari river. It also relates to the life events of Saint Kancharla Gopanna, who was a great devotee of Lord Rama.

What is the history of Bhadrachalam Temple?

According to the history of Bhadrachalam Temple,  Gopanna the Tahasildar of Bhadrachalam (second half of 17th century), used money from government treasury to build this temple, and hence faced imprisonment in a dungeon at Golconda. Lord Rama miraculously gave the Sultan the money spent by Gopanna, after which he released him.

Gopanna then became Bhadrachala Ramadasa and went on to compose innumerable songs in praise of Rama.

Ramadasa heard the news that the villagers of palvoncha paragana were proceeding to witness Jatara at Bhadrachalam. He found the deities in an amazing appearance; and Ramadas then asked the villagers to contribute liberally for the construction of the temple.

So, the villagers appealed to him to spend the revenue collections for the construction of the temple with a promise to repay the amount after harvesting the crops.
The Golconda king Tanishah realized the devotional spirit of Ramadas after his imprisonment and took over the charge of temple administration.

Golconda king, Tanishah then realized Ramadas’s devotional spirit and dedication towards Rama, when Rama and Lakshmana repaid 6 lakhs Mohurs in the form of Ramoji and Lakshmoji, the servants of Bhakta Ramadas for the release of their devotee from imprisonment.

Thanisha gave voucher to these divine looking persons who approached him at his house during late night. Then they kept the voucher under the pillow of Gopanna where he was jailed.  Tanishah who woke up the next morning realized that those divine looking persons were none other than Rama and Lakshmana and made arrangements to get release of Gopanna and prayed to forgive him by placing all the Gold Mohurs received previous night at the feet of Gopanna.  But he refused to take back those mohurs except two as a mark of divine significance, and these two coins can still be seen in Bhadrachalam temple.

What is the significance of Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here is the significance of Bhadrachalam Temple:

  • Shri Rama is a charming person, of handsome beauty, and well-built physique, wearing in his two hands, the Dhanus, and the Bana, and standing in the ‘Tribhanga’ attitude as opposed to the ‘Samabhanga’ pose.
  • Sita stands near him, also in the Tribhanga attitude, with a lotus in one hand and the other hand shown in the ‘Katyavalambita’ posture.
  • Temple also exhibits the importance of Ramayana, one of the great canons of Hindu literature.
  • Moreover, the location Bhadrachalam exists in Dandakaranya, the spiritual significant region where Lord Rama, Goddess Seetha, and Lakshmana had spent 14 years of Vanavasam.
  • Lord Rama takes His abode on the head of the sage Bhadra (immovable hill) famous as Bhadrachalam.
  • A sub shrine of Goddess Lakshmi is also there inside the temple complex of Bhadrachalam temple.

What are the timings of Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here are the timings of Bhadrachalam Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Open4:30 am8:30 pm
Abhishekam00 AM 8.00 AM
Kesavanaamaarchanaa8:30 AM8.00 P.M
Sahasranamarchana8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Suvarna Tulasi Astotharanamarchana (on Saturdays)8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Suvarna Pushpa Astothara Namarchana (on Sundays)8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Sakalbhishtaprada Sree Ramapuja8.30 AM
Nitya Kalyana Ubhayam9.30 A.M11.00 A.M
Rajata Ratha Seva 6.30 PM
Alaya Chuttu Seva8.00 PM8.30 P.M
Vahana Seva (Garuda, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Rajadhiraja)8.00 PM 8.30 P.M.

What are the festivals celebrated at Bhadrachalam Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • Vykuntha Ekadasi occurs in either December or January on the day of either Pushya or Margasira shuddha Ekadasi. The ten day festival Adhyayanotsavams and Dasavatara Mahotsavams (10 incarnations) of Sri Maha Vishnu are preceded to Vykuntha Ekadasi Fete.
  • Sri Rama Navami occurs on every ‘Chaitra shuddha navami ‘ on ‘Punarvasu’ -‘Janma Nakshatra’, of Lord Sri Rama. Further, the priests recite hymns in Kalyanamantapam near the stadium, where devotees witness it.

How to reach Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here’s how to reach Bhadrachalam Temple:

  • Air: Vijayawada is the nearest airport from where flights are available.
  • Rail: The nearest Railway station is Bhadrachalam (Kothagudem) which is 40 km.
  • Road: The state bus service, TSRTC operates numerous buses connecting the town to various places like Kothagudem, Hyderabad, Khammam, Warangal, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Nalgonda, Chennai, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • The Sita Nilayam Cottage, Bhadrachalam at Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Vaari Devasthanam is a good place to check in. It has nice accommodations that the travelers find to be refreshing.
  • Srinidhi Resdidency at Rajaveedhi is a great place that has excellent accommodations and closest to the bhadrachalam temple entrance.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places one can visit near Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • Parnasala is a significant and wonderful sightseeing destination of Bhadrachalam. Parnasala is a popular village in the Khammam district of Telangana, India.
  • Jattayu Paaka (Yetapaka)- This Place is 2Kms away from Bhadrachalam. Jatayuvu, a devotee of Rama obstructed Ravana while he was proceeding on the chariot after kidnapping Sita. After the battle between Ravana and Jataayuvu, the heavily injured bird waited at this place for Rama. A wing of this bird fell at Rekkapalli, about 55 Kms from here, in V.R. Puram Mandal.
  • Sabari in Bhadrachalam is the place where River Sabari joins River Godavari. Also, a woman named Dhammakka used to live here that used to have dreams in which Lord Rama appeared.
  • Annavaram temple is located nearby.
  • Yadagirigutta Temple

Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple Palakollu Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in the West Godavari district of Andhra, Palakollu is a grand temple of Lord Shiva that is one of the Pancharama temples. The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva whose form was established by Lord Vishnu. Locally this temple is also famous as Pedda Gopuram.

What is the history of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

According to history, Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy temple was constructed during the reign of Chalukya Bhima of Chalukya dynasty in the 9th century. Sri Velupathi designed it’s Prakara during the 10th century. The architecture is a clear reflection of the art practised during the Chalukya dynasty reigns.

During the 14th century, Sri Alladu Reddy built the Gopuram. During the 17th century, there was construction of Kalyana mantapam (choultry) and Ashtha Bhuja Lakshmi Narayanaswamy alaya.

What is the significance of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Significance of Ramalingeswara Swamy is that the Shivalingam at the temple is the tallest one and has a unique milky white color. The shiva lingam which is popular as moola virat is visible from all four sides of the sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha.

In addition one can also view several other gods like the Sun God, Devi Parvati and Lakshmi, Veera Bhadra, Kanaka Durga, Nataraja, Shankara, Radha Krishna from all four sides.

Locally there is a saying that staying for a day at Ksheerama is equal to staying at Varanasi.

The temple has 72 pillars made of black stones.

Timings of Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

Here are the timings of Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Open6:00 am8:00 pm

How to reach Palakollu Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple?

Here’s how to reach Palakollu Temple:

  • Road: buses are frequently available from all the parts of Andhra Pradesh moving towards Bhimavaram to Palakollu.
  • Rail: trains are also very easily available on a regular basis from the Vijaywada railway junction.
  • Air: The nearest aiport is Vijawada from where regular flights are available.

Where to stay near Palakollu?

Some of the places where one can stay near Palakollu are:

  • Palavalli Boutique Resorts which is 12km from Palakollu town centre has a great location where guests enjoy their peace and solitude.
  • Falcon Nest Hotel behind the coastal city centre at Bhimavaram is a grand place to check in.

What are some temples near Palakollu?

Some of the temples near palakollu are:

  • Sri Someswara Temple which is 117 km from Vijaywada is one of the Pancharama Kshetras where one can visit to offer prayers to the Lord. Devotees also believe that Lord Chandra installed the main Lingam.
  • Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is another pilgrim place to visit during this trip. It is on the top of the Seshachala hill in Tirumala.
  • Shri Lingaraj Temple is a famous Hindu temple in honour of lord Harihara, a form of lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha (formerly Orissa). The temple is the most prominent landmark of the Bhubaneswar city.

Somarama Temple Bhimavaram Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Somarama Temple Bhimavaram (Someswara Temple) is one of the Pancharama Kshetras in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district. Many believe that Chalukaya Bheema constructed it. People also believe that Lord Chandra installed the Shiva Lingam of the temple. A tinge of modernity becomes conspicuous due to the paintings and sculptures.

What is the history of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

The history of the Somarama Temple Bhimavaram is that according to beliefs, during Tarakasura vadha, the Shivalingam which was present on the throat of Tarakasura, a powerful asura, was divided into five pieces. The Pancharama Kshetras are present in the place where the five pieces fell.

There are two famous legends about the temple. The legend says that, the Shivalinga was owned by Rakshasa King Tarakasura and he was so powerful that no one could win over him due to the power of Shivalinga.

Lord Kumara Swamy used his powers (Sakthi Ayudha) to kill Tarakasura into pieces but failed as they reunited again and again. On the guidance of Lord Sriraman Narayana who informed him to break the Shiva lingam worn by Tarakusura into pieces first and then place them in five different places forming the sacred temples (PancharamaKshetras).

Lord Chandra installed Shivalinga in Bhimavaram temple and hence the name SomeshwaraSwamy.

Another legend says that Lord Shiva when destroyed Tripura’s during ‘Tripura Samharam’, all that was left was a Shivalingam in the throat of the Lord of Tripuras was broken into five pieces and installed for worship in five different places as Pancharama Kshetras.

What is the significance of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Here is the significance of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram:

  • The Pancharama Kshetras are: Amararama at Amaravati, Guntur Draksharama at Draksharama, East Godavari Somarama at Bhimavaram, West Godavari Ksheerarama at Palakol, West Godavari Bhimarama at Samarlakota, East Godavari.
  • Within the premises on to the left side of the entrance lie the shrines of Lord Hanuman, Lord Sriram, Lord Kumaraswamy and Navagrahas in a hall. On to the right is an open hall with a huge statue of Nandi.
  • One of the most special features of this temple is that the color of the Shivalingam will change its color regarding the lunar aspects, the shape of the illuminated (sunlit) portion of the Moon. And hence during Pournami (full moon days), the color of the Shivalingam will be in white and during Amavasya (dark nights), the color of the lingam will be black.
  • Other deities are Goddess Adilakshmi, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, Lord Kumara Swamy, Sun God, Lord Ganesha, Navagraha and Nandi. The Pushkarani (temple tank) of Somarama Temple is Soma Gundam Pushkarani.

What are the timings of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Here are the timings of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan5 AM11:00 AM
Evening Darshan4:00 PM8:00 PM

Which festivals are celebrated at Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Somarama Temple Bhimavaram are:

  • Maha Shivaratri is a foremost festivals taking place in the months of February/March.
  • Sarannavarathri is another grand event that takes place during the months of September/October.

How to reach Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Here’s how to reach Somarama Temple Bhimavaram:

  • Road: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses frequently from Palakollu, Rajahmundry as well as Vijayawada.
  • Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmudry or Vijaywada from where one can avail regular flights.
  • Rail: Also, the temple is 2km away from Bhimavaram railway station.

Where to stay nearby?

One can stay at ‘Visiv Stay’. This lodge is in Bhimavaram. It offers polished, sophisticated and a visual pleasure to its guests. The rooms are neat and are replete with all basic amenities.

What are some places to visit near Bhimavaram?

Some of the places one can visit near Somarama Temple Bhimavaram are:

  • Dwaraka Tirumala is popular for Chinna Tirupati Temple, a Lord Venkateshwara Temple on the top of the Seshachala Hill.
  • Dindi is about 80 km from Rajahmundry and has a village with virgin backwaters, lakes, lagoons, and rivulets around it.
  • Pithapuram and Draksharamam are two pilgrimage centers that people usually visit together with Kakinda as the base town for a stay.
  • The Bhadrachalam Temple Seetaramachandra Swamy temple is a 17th Century Lord Rama temple and is another important pilgrimage center.

Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple – Timings, Poojas, and Entry Fee

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Kanipakam Temple is one of the holy abodes of Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha) – the beloved son of Shiva and Parvati. It is present on the banks of river Baahuda, in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Ganesha is the controller of ‘Ganas’, the remover of obstacles, and the Lord of wisdom. It is usually visited when one is visiting Tirumala Balaji Temple.

Vinayaka Temple is also known as Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple.

The word ‘Kanipakam’ originates from two Tamil words – ‘Kani’ meaning ‘wetland’ and ‘Pakam’ meaning ‘flow of water’. The idol of ‘Swayambhu’ Vinayaka is inside ‘Kalyani’, a lake in which the idol was originally found. ‘

It is believed that the main idol of this temple, Lord Vinayaka is self-manifested; hence it is also called with the name of Swayambhu Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple.

The Kanipakam temple has Chola architecture, with a simple yet elegant Gopuram for the temple complex that houses temples of two other deities – Sri Manikanteshwara and Sri Varadaraja Swamy.

Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha)
Location Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple,Kanipakam, Irala Mandal, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, 517001, India
Darshan Timings 04:00 A.M.- 09:30 P.M.
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Brahmostavam, Deepotsava

What are the timings of Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

Here are the timings of Kanipakam Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan4 AM 11 AM
Evening Darshan12 PM9:30 PM

Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple Entry Fee

PurposeFees
AksharabhyasamRs.116/-
Namakaranam: Rs.116/-
Balasara Rs.116/-
Anna Prasana Anna Prasana
Vahana Pooja Rs.50/- to Rs.150/-
Sashwatha KalyanotsavamRs.5116/-
Sashwatha Unjal Seva Rs.7500/-
Sashwatha Abhishekam Rs.7500/-
Sashwatha Ganapathi HomamRs.7500/-
Sashwatha NityarchanaRs.1516/-
Sashwatha Free Prasadam Rs.1516/-
temple-entry-fee
Kanipakam witnesses huge rush.

Daily Pooja / Sevas Timings of Kanipakam Temple:-

Name of the Seva Timings
Suprabatham & Bindu Teerthabishekam 4:00 AM to 5:05 AM
Palabhishekam 5.45 PM to 6.15 PM
Ganapathi Sahasra Namarchana6.00 AM


Panchamrutha Abhishekam 5.30 AM to 6.00 AM
9.00 AM to 10.00 AM
11.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Ganapathi Homam 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Nitya Kalyanotshavam 11.00 AM to 12.00 PM
Ganapathi Modaka Pooja Before 12.00 PM
Phodasa Ganapathi Pooja Before 12.00 PM


Moola Mantraarchana Before 12.00 PM
Unjala Seva 6.30 PM to 7.30 PM
Pavalimpu Seva(EkanthaSev)9.30 PM to 10.00 PM
Nijaroopa Darshan 5.00 AM to 5.30 AM
7.00 AM to 7.30 AM
8.30 AM to 9.00 AM
10.30 AM to 11.00 AM
Athi Seeghra Darshan 5.00 AM to 5.30 AM
7.00 AM to 7.30 AM
8.30 AM to 9.00 AM
10.30 AM to 11.00 AM
4.30 PM to 5.00 PM
Poolangi Seva Thursday Only
daily-pooja
Daily pooja timings are- 04:00 A.M. – 09:30 P.M.

What are the legends of Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

According to the legend behind Sri Vara Siddhi Vinayaka Temple:-

  • There were three brothers, each suffering with one deformity; one was dumb, another deaf and the third one was blind.
  • In spite of the difficulties, they worked on a small piece of land, cultivating it so as to earn their livings.
  • However, one day they when they were trying to get water from well using the Piccota system, they found out that the well had dried up.
  • Hence, one of the brothers started digging the well further. During that process, an iron hit a stone formation. This filled the well with blood.
  • Brothers were shocked with the sight of blood in the well, as they witnessed the sight; their physical disabilities got automatically cured.
  • When the villagers came to know about the miracle, they tried to further deepen the well.
  • In spite of constant trying they couldn’t do it as by then Lord Vinayaka’s idol had self-manifested itself, emerging out of the water of the well.
legends
Self-manifested Lord Vinayaka’s idol
  • It is also believed that the Lord Vinayaka idol at Kanipakam has been growing in size on a daily basis. At present devotees can see up to the abdomen and knees of the Lord Vinayaka.
  • Hence, it is seen that the Lord’s idol has outgrown the armor or Kavacham which was offered about 50 years ago by Smt. Lakshmamma.

What is the history of Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

  • Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple’s history goes back to the 11th century. It is said the temple was built in the 11th century, during the reign of Cholas by the Chola King Kulothunga Chola.
  • Later, the original temple was renovated and expanded further during the Vijayanagara Dynasty in the 13th century.
  • It is built on the banks of River Bahuda, which also has a legend behind it. According to the legend, Sankha and Likhita, two brothers were going to Kanipakam to seek the blessing of the Lord.
  • However, during their journey, the younger brother Likhita, unable to bear his hunger plucked a mango from the mango grove and in spite of his elder brother’s advice ate the fruit.
  • Seeing this, the elder brother informed the King, asking for the rightful punishment to his brother for the sin he had committed.
  • Resultantly, Likhita lost both his hands owing to the punishment given to him. Later, when both the brothers resumed their pilgrimage and went ahead to take a dip in the water of the river near Kanipakam, the younger brother regained both his arms.
  • Since then, the river was named Bahuda, which means the human arm.

What is the significance of the Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

The significance of Kanipakam Temple is that Lord Ganesh is ‘Varasiddhi Vinayaka‘ here because he fulfills the ardent wishes of his devotees when they offer prayers with devotion and sincerity. Also, there are several occasions when a person voluntarily admitted to wrong-doing acts on entering the temple.

This sacred shrine of Kanipakam temple is widely believed to be an upholder of truth and justice. The aura of the Divine Almighty is such that or takes a dip in the holy water. It is as if the Lord evokes a sense of fearful guilty conscience in the mind of the person and makes him genuinely repent for the same.

To this day, the temple solves everyday quarrels between villagers by the two people taking a ‘Pramanam‘ – a special oath in which they take a dip in the Pushkarini and testify before the Lord.

Devotees who wish to give up bad habits like smoking or excessive drinking – take a bath in the holy place and take an oath in the Kanipakam temple by contributing Rs. 516/-. This is a Seva popular as ‘Pramanam’.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kanipakam Temple are:

  • Brahmostavam: It takes place for a duration of twenty-one days. During the evenings, devotees take the ‘Utsava Moorthi’ into the town in different kinds of colorful Vaahanas (vehicles) on all days – Hamsa Vaahana (Swan), Mayura Vaahana (Peacock), Mooshika Vaahana (Mouse), Shesha Vaahana (Snake), Vrishabha Vaahana (Bull), Gaja Vaahana (Elephant), Pushpa Pallakki (Flowered palanquin), Vimanotsava (Airplane), to name a few.
festival-1
Brahmostavam takes place for a duration of twenty-one days.
  • Deepotsava: It is the celebration involving the floating of lamps in the Kalyani. It is another important festivity and the temple looks magnificent amidst hundreds of floating lamps, under the starry sky.
festival-2
Deepotsava is the celebration involving the floating of lamps in the Kalyani.

How to reach Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kanipakam Temple:

  • Air – One can avail direct flights to Tirupati from Hyderabad and Chennai only.
  • Rail – Mysore – Tirupati Fast Passenger operates daily, departs Bangalore at 8.15 PM and reaches Chittor at 2.30 AM.
  • Road – Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs daily buses between Bangalore and Chittoor.

Where to stay nearby Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

The Temple Management runs 6 guest rooms and Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams Trust runs the operations of 14 rooms for devotees. Another accommodation complex with 100 rooms is under construction. Besides the Temple accommodation, several private hotels and lodges also provide good quality accommodation to the devotees, in Chittoor city.

What are some temples nearby Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

Some of the temples near Kanipakam Temple are:

  • Manikanteswara Temple: The ancient temple of Manikanteshwara exists since the times of the Chola King Kulothunga Chola. People believe that he built 108 temples of Shiva, to obtain relief from the sin of killing a Brahmin – “Brahma Hatya Papam’. Famous for the Chola architecture, the exquisite sculpture of the idol adds on another striking feature to the divine altar.
  • Varadaraja Swamy Temple: This Kshetram of Lord Ayyappa, also known as Harihara is a landmark in the surroundings, owing to the vast temple compound structure and the architectural marvel in the temple complex, that also houses two other deities – Sri Anjaneya Swamy and the Nava Grahas.
  • Ardhagiri Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Kshetram – Present at a distance of 15 km from Kanipakam, this holy shrine dates back to Threta Yuga or the times when Lord Rama fought against Ravana the abductor of Sita. Devotees also believe that the Lord fulfills the wishes of those who pray overnight on a full moon night. Cultural programs take place throughout the night for the benefit of the devotees.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple

What are the timings of Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

04:00 A.M.- 09:30 P.M. is the timings of the temple.

What is the history of Kanipakam Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple?

The temple was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Pandian King Maravarman Sundara Pandian and a Siva temple by Kulothunga Chola I.

If you have any questions about the Kanipakam Temple , please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Srisailam Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Srisailam Temple also known as Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is situated in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is on the top of the Nallamala hills, on the banks of River Krishna. The Lingam of the presiding deity Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Planning to visit the Srisailam Temple? Have a look at our Srisailam Tour Package.

Srisailam Temple – Facts

DeityLord Malliakarjuna (Lord Shiva)
LocationKurnool, Andhra Pradesh
SignificanceJyotirlinga
ToursSrisailam Tour
Darshan Timings4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry FeeFree
PoojasRudra Homam
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Jyotirlingas in South IndiaSrisailam Temple, Rameswaram Temple

The famous hill is also popular as Siridhan, Srigiri, Sirigiri, Sriparvatha as well as Srinagam. It is also one of the most important Shaivite pilgrimage sites in India. There are two separate temple complexes present inside – one is in dedication to Lord Mallikarjuna while the other one is for Goddess Bhramarambha.

Srisailam Temple Video

What are the timings of Srisailam Temple?

The temple opens at 4:30 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas.

The timings are as follows:

RitualFromTo
Daily Darshan4:30 AM10:00 PM
Morning Darshan6:00 AM3:30 PM
Evening Darshan6:00 PM10:00 PM

The aarti timings are:

RitualTimings
Suprabhatha Darshan5:00 AM
Mahamangala Aarti (Morning)5:30 AM
Mahamangala Aarti (Evening)5:00 PM

What are the poojas and sevas at Srisailam Temple?

The poojas and sevas performed at the Srisailam Temple are:

RitualTimings
Ganapathi Abhishekam7:00 AM
Ganapathi Homam7:00 AM
Rudra Homam7:30 AM
Laksha Bilwarchana11:00 AM
Sahasralingam Abhishekam6:30 AM
Kumkuma Pooja7:00 AM
Gouri Vratham8:00 AM

What is the significance of Srisailam Temple?

Srisailam Jyotirlinga

The significance of Srisailam Temple is that Mallikarjuna Linga is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is supposed to have appeared in a fiery column of light. Moreover, the Linga is swayambhu. Devotees also believe that the neck of Sati fell here when her corpse was cut.

Anyone, irrespective of caste, creed or religion can perform Abhishekam and Archana to the Mallikarjuna Linga. The unique feature is that you can touch the Linga and perform the Puja yourself.

Beliefs also say that Lord Rama himself installed the Sahasralinga in the Srisailam Temple. The Linga is divided into 25 facets which in turn represent 40 Lingas each. This leads to a total of 1000 small Lingas carved on a single Linga.

The Pandavas placed the Panchapandava Lingas in the temple courtyard. The five Lingas have their names after the different forms of Siva – Sadyojatha, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurush, and Eesana. Moreover, stories from the Mahabharata are there on the walls of the temple. The Srisailam temple also has mentioned as a holy hill in the Mahabharata.

What is the history of Srisailam Temple?

As per the history of Srisailam Temple, mention of Srisailam hills can be traced to the Nasik inscription of the Satavahana King Vasisthiputra Pulumavi in the 1st century AD. The Ikshavakus Kingdom ruled Srisailam from AD200 – 300. The inscriptions dating around AD 375-612 state that the Vishnukundis were the devotees of Sri Parvathsawamy.

According to the Shiva Purana, when Lord Ganesha got married before Lord Karthikeyan, Lord Karthikeyan got angry and left for the Kraunch Mountain. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati tried to console him but were unable to stop him from leaving. Dejected, Lord Shiva took the form of Jyotirlinga and settled on the mountain-top.

There is another legend associated with the Srisailam Temple. Chandravathi, daughter of Chandragupta Patana ran away from her father who made amorous advances towards her. She crossed the River Krishna and went up to the hilltop where she lived with her servants. She observed that one of her cows would stand over a rock formation and shed milk over it daily. The Princess dreamt that the rock was a self-manifested Linga of Lord Shiva.

Hence, she dug the ground and a glowing Linga emerged out of it. She worshipped the Linga daily by adorning it with Jasmine (Mallika) flowers. Lord Shiva was very pleased, so he granted her Mukti and salvation by sending her to Kailash.

Srisailam Temple Gopuram

What are the festivals celebrated at Srisailam Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Srisailam Temple are:

  • Mahasivaratri Brahmothsavams: The Mahasivaratri Utsav occurs in the month of February or March. The Mahasivaratri day (29th day of Magham) marks the beginning of a seven day festival period. The important events are Ankurarpana, Dhwajarohana, Vahana Seva to God and Goddess as well as Lingodhbhavakala Maharudrabhishekam to God.
  • Ugadi: The celebrations happen for five days in which lakhs of people visit the temple for God’s blessings. The festival begins 3 days before Ugadi (Telugu New Year) which occurs in late March or early April. The important events of the celebrations are Vahana Seva to God and Goddess, Alankaras to Goddess, Veerachara Vinyasalu and Rath Yatra.
  • Kartheekai Mahothsavam: It is one of the most auspicious months in the Indian calendar. Devotees light numbers of deepams are in the Srisailam temple premises. They also perform Jvalathoranam (bonfire) in the temple on the full moon day of the month.
  • Sravanamahothsavam: This festival occurs in the Shravan month (August / September). Also, the Akhanda Sivanama Sankeerthana (Bhajans) takes place around the clock throughout the month.

How to reach Srisailam Temple?

Here’s how to reach Srisailam Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International airport at Hyderabad. It is 202 km away from Srisailam.
  • Train: The nearest Railway Station is Markapur which is 80 km away followed by Nandyal and Kurnool.
  • Road: The Srisailam Temple is situated just 1 km away from the Srisailam Bus Stand.

Where to stay nearby?

Devasthanam or the Temple management launched the Kuteera Nirmana Pathakam, a donation scheme under which they have built several suites, cottages, rooms as well as dormitories for the pilgrims. Please bring your Identity card to confirm the booking. Also, one cannot cancel the booking.

There are up to 70 private hotels/choultries in the area where one can avail accommodation and food.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Explore Kurnool

Some of the places one can visit near Srisailam Temple are:

  • Sakshi Ganapathi: It is located about 3 km away from Srisailam. Devotees believe that Ganapathi keeps attendance / Sakshi of the pilgrims visiting the Srisailam holy town. Also, in the sculpture, the god holds a book in the left hand and a pen in the right hand to note down the names.
  • Hatakeswaram: It is 5 km away from Srisailam. The legend says that God Siva appeared to a potter in Atika (Piece of Pot). Hence, this place was famous as Atikeswaram which later became Hatakeswaram.
  • Sikhareswaram: It is located at a distance of 8 km away from Srisailam. The temple is located at 2830 feet above sea level making it the highest peak in Srisailam. Also, the temple is an ancient stone structure. According to the Skanda Puranam, a glance at the peak will relieve the curses of re-birth.
  • Phaladhara Panchadhara: It is located 4 km away from Srisailam. Sri Adi Sankara performed penance at this place and composed the famous Sivanandalahari.
  • Akkamahadevi Caves: It is located 10 km away from Srisailam. Beliefs say that Akkamahadevi, a lyricist and philosopher spent some years in these caves in 12th Century AD doing penance and worshiping the Sivalinga. Also, the Linga naturally existed in the deep parts of the cave. These caves are also home to Siddhas who practiced Alchemy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Srisailam Temple

Is the Srisailam Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Srisailam Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Srisailam Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers in Kurnool starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Kurnool?

In Kurnool, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 17 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is not too cold and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Srisailam Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

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