- Hyderabad, Tirupati, Srisailam
Overview
Srisailam Temple is a highly revered shrine that houses one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingams' of India. Located at Srisailam, falling under the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, the shrine is visited by thousands of people every year. Rishabhagiri Hill, also known by the name of Sri Giri, Sriparvata, Rudra Parvata and Seshachalam, makes the venue of this temple. River Krishna flows by the side of the temple; here it is called as 'Pataalganga'.
Dating back to the 2nd century, Sreesailam Temple finds its reference in various mythological texts and scriptures. Its sculptural beauty is simply remarkable. There are no less than 116 inscriptions in and around the shrine. Sri Mallikarjuna Swami and his consort Bharamaramba, who are the incarnations of Lord Shiva and Parvati, are the presiding deities of the temple. Another notable point is that it is open to people of any caste, creed or color, unlike some other temples.