Srisailam Temple

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. 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.