Temple History
Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi. This the birth place of Bhagwan Nandhi. This is the only Shiva temple in Andhra Pradesh praised Thevaram hymns. Srishailam is one among the 12 Jothirlinga Sthalas of Lord Shiva. Sage Siladha performed severe penance on Lord Shiva seeking child boon.Two sons were born to him, Nandhi and Parvathan.Sanakadhi Rishis called on the sage and said that Nandhi would live on earth only for a short while.Siladha fell in grief. Nandhi assured his father and said that he would win death by his penance on Lord Shiva. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared and made him His vahan and also passed the order that devotees should come to Him only after being allowed by Nandhi. Nandhi’s place of penance is at the foot of the hills known as Nandiyal. His brother also performed penance of Lord and became a hill – Parvatha Hill – Parvatha Malai in Taimil.
General Information
The temple is at the top of the hill facing east with Gopurams-towers on four sides.The mainentrance is at eastern gopuram.There is a Nandhi made of stone in front hall at the entrance.Lord Siddhi Vinayaka blesses the devotees at the entrance.There are six temples said to have been built by Pandavas.There is also a temple built in marbles for Lord Shanmuga.Temples of Mother Rajarajeswari, Mother Annapoorani, Lord Sahasralingeswarar and Pancha Nadeeswaram are of spiritual importance.The South Tower is called Ranga Mandapam.
Specialities of Temple
Sri Shailam in Andhra Pradesh is one among the 12 Jyothilinga Sthalas.If Mount Kailash is the capital of Shiva sthalas, Sri Shailam occupies the second place. The holy land is third in rank among the 51 Shakti Peetas of Mother Uma.It is said that the benefits of offering lakhs of alms-Dhans at Kurukshetra, bathing 2000 times in holy Ganga, performing penance on the banks of Narmada, living thousand years in Kasi can be derived by worshipping Lord Mallikarjuna once in life time, declares Skanda Maha Purana.
Location:
Those from Chennai may choose train up to Ongole and proceed to Sri Shailam by bus. Direct bus from chennai to Srishalialm via Ongole route.Opening Time :The temple is open from 5.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Address:
Sri Mallikarjunar Temple, Sri Shailam, Andhra Pradesh.
.jpg)
