Srisailam Devasthanam Temple is a beautiful temple located in the holy Srisailam town in the Nallamala hills of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the Jyothirlingams of India. This town finds mention in the Puranas. It is located in the dense forests and is one of the ancient shrines of South India. Apart from its religious significance, Srisailam town is also known for its sheer natural beauty.
Srisailam Devasthanam Temple is dedicated to Sri Mallikarjuna Swami, who is worshiped here in the form of a lingam and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, one of the eighteen Mahasakthis. It is said that the great sage Adi Shankara had also worshiped the deity in this temple. The legend goes that Vrishabha, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva performed penance here. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared before the bull in the forms of Mallilarjuna and Bharamaramba. The other shrines within the temple complex are the Sahasra Linga, Panchapandava Temples and Vata Vriksha.
When it comes to architectural beauty, the temple has breathtaking sculptures. One can also see around 116 inscriptions in and around the temple. The rulers such as the Chalukyan kings, Vijayanagara kings and a great ruler Chatrapati Shivaji made great contributions to the temple.
Anyone of any caste and creed can visit the Srisailam Devasthanam Temple and worship the lord, a custom not followed anywhere in Andhra Pradesh. Devotees coming to the temple first take a bath in the holy Krishna river(known as Pathala Ganga) located near the temple.
The festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in the month of February/March with great enthusiasm in the temple. Lakhs of devotees from far and wide come here during the festival.