The deity

At Srisailam, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna and the Goddess as Bhramaramba. The hill itself, Srigiri, is described in the Puranas as the abode of the divine couple.

What makes Srisailam singular among Indian temples is that it holds two of the most important classifications in Shaivite and Shakta worship at once. Mallikarjuna is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Bhramaramba among the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. No other site carries both.

The name Bhramaramba comes from bhramara, the bee. The Goddess is said to have taken the form of a swarm of bees to destroy the demon Arunasura. Devotees still place an ear to a small opening in the shrine wall to listen for the humming.

Why devotees come

Srisailam draws pilgrims through the year, but the temple is especially associated with:

• Maha Shivaratri — the principal festival, drawing very large crowds over several days.
• Ugadi — the Telugu new year, marked with special abhishekams.
• Karthika Masam — the month of lamps, when the hill is lit through the evening.
• Dasara / Navaratri — nine nights of worship at the Bhramaramba shrine.

Uniquely, Srisailam permits devotees to touch the lingam for abhishekam on payment of the prescribed seva, a practice restricted at most Jyotirlinga shrines.

Around the temple

The site is more than the main shrine. Within a short distance you will find Patalaganga, the ghat on the Krishna river reached by steps or by ropeway; Paladhara Panchadhara, the spring where Adi Shankaracharya is said to have composed the Shivananda Lahari; the Sakshi Ganapati shrine, where the deity is believed to record your visit; and the Hatakeswaram and Kala Bhairava temples.

Srisailam sits inside the Nallamala hills within a tiger reserve, so the approach roads close to through traffic at night. Plan your arrival accordingly.