The divinity runs so deep in this place that it exudes a sense of spirituality in any soul no matter what their faith lies in. Srisailam, set amidst the serenity of the Nallamala Hills, has so much to its credit that it could amaze even the non-believers. For a temple whose legends are things of worship, there has to be a tribute. And this is Chai Bisket presenting a collection of a few of those legends that lay foundation for the marvel that Srisailam is.
1. Srisailam is the only kshetram in India that is both a Jyotirlinga Kshetram and a Shakti Pitham in the same temple. Both of which are considered as immensely powerful and holy shrines individually, being together are believed to be extremely divine.
2. The mention of the Srisailam hill being holy has been in the scriptures since 1 A.D. the temple achieved its grandeur during 1404 A.D. The temple has been worshiped and revered by the Sathavahanas, the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas, the Vishnukundis, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Reddy kings and, the Vijayanagara Emperors.
3. Srisailam Temple has been known to be one of the most ancient Hindu temples in India and one of the fewest ones to practice utmost socialism. People of any caste, creed or religion can worship, touch and enter the Garbha Gudi.
4. Legend has it that Karthikeya, Lord Shiva and Parvathi’s son left home to live on a Krahill and wouldn’t allow his parents to live on the same hill. Because of which they lived as a couple at the Srisailam hill.
5. Chandravati, a princess who lived on the hill after running away from her father, noticed a cow standing above a natural rock formation resembling the Sivalinga and shedding its milk over it. She began worshipping it as the Lord and garlanded him every day with Jasmines also known as Malle, hence the name Mallikarjuna Swamy.
6. Chenchu Mallayya: The local tibal Chenchus, believe that Siva come to Srisailam forest as a hunter, fell on love with a Chenchu girl, married her and settled down on the hill. They believe Mallikarjuna Swamy to be their relative and refer to him Chenchu Mallayya.
7. According to one story Vasumathi the daughter of a Rishi did penance for Lord Brahma on this Hill. Pleased, the Lord granted her wish of being named Sri after which the hill was also named: Srisailam.
8. When a demon, Arunasura was granted a boon that he couldn’t be killed by any living being with two or four legs, Goddess Durga released thousands of six legged beings: bees to sting him to death. She, as a consort to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy assumed the name Bharamarambika derived from the word for bees. Srisailam Temple is known as Bharamrambika Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
9. An interesting thing here is the sound of buzzing which seems to come from within the granite wall at the back of the temple. Bees are supposed to have made their home here but they have never harmed any of the devotees.
2. The mention of the Srisailam hill being holy has been in the scriptures since 1 A.D. the temple achieved its grandeur during 1404 A.D. The temple has been worshiped and revered by the Sathavahanas, the Ikshavakus, the Pallavas, the Vishnukundis, the Chalukyas, the Kakatiyas, the Reddy kings and, the Vijayanagara Emperors.
3. Srisailam Temple has been known to be one of the most ancient Hindu temples in India and one of the fewest ones to practice utmost socialism. People of any caste, creed or religion can worship, touch and enter the Garbha Gudi.
4. Legend has it that Karthikeya, Lord Shiva and Parvathi’s son left home to live on a Krahill and wouldn’t allow his parents to live on the same hill. Because of which they lived as a couple at the Srisailam hill.
5. Chandravati, a princess who lived on the hill after running away from her father, noticed a cow standing above a natural rock formation resembling the Sivalinga and shedding its milk over it. She began worshipping it as the Lord and garlanded him every day with Jasmines also known as Malle, hence the name Mallikarjuna Swamy.
6. Chenchu Mallayya: The local tibal Chenchus, believe that Siva come to Srisailam forest as a hunter, fell on love with a Chenchu girl, married her and settled down on the hill. They believe Mallikarjuna Swamy to be their relative and refer to him Chenchu Mallayya.
7. According to one story Vasumathi the daughter of a Rishi did penance for Lord Brahma on this Hill. Pleased, the Lord granted her wish of being named Sri after which the hill was also named: Srisailam.
8. When a demon, Arunasura was granted a boon that he couldn’t be killed by any living being with two or four legs, Goddess Durga released thousands of six legged beings: bees to sting him to death. She, as a consort to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy assumed the name Bharamarambika derived from the word for bees. Srisailam Temple is known as Bharamrambika Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
9. An interesting thing here is the sound of buzzing which seems to come from within the granite wall at the back of the temple. Bees are supposed to have made their home here but they have never harmed any of the devotees.
