Formation
Lord Shiva has his abode on Kailash where he lives with his wife Parvati and sons Kartikeya and Ganesha.Once Lord Shiva and Parvati were trying to decide which of their sons would get married first. To resolve this they announced a competition that whoever goes around the world faster would get married first.
Kartikeya mounted his peacock and went off. Ganesha knew that he would not be able to overtake his brother while riding his mouse. So, Ganesha asked his parents to sit together, and he went around them saying that they are his entire world.
Shiva and Parvati were happy by this and decided to marry Ganesha. He got married to Riddhi and Siddhi before Kartikeya came back. When Kartikeya saw that Ganesha was already married, he was hurt and decided to go live elsewhere.
Kartikeya went to Mount Kraunja and made a home of himself there. Lord Shiva and Parvati missed their son a lot. So they decided to go and pacify him. Kartikeya got calmed, but he chose to live in his new home only. So, Shiva and Parvati too decided to leave a part of themselves to live near him.
They left a Jyotirlinga called Mallikarjuna there. Mallika another name of Parvati and Shiva is also known as Arjuna.
Temple
The Srisailam Temple, also known as the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is situated on the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, India, on the banks of the Krishna River. The temple is renowned for its religious significance, architectural beauty, and scenic surroundings.
- Historical Significance: temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures and Puranas, including the Skanda Purana and Shiva Purana. The temple is believed to have been constructed during the reign of various dynasties, including the Chalukyas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara Empire.
- Jyotirlinga: The main deity of the temple is Lord Mallikarjuna, a form of Lord Shiva, and his consort Goddess Bhramaramba (Parvati). The temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, representing the sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
- Architecture: Srisailam Temple showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture. The temple complex comprises several mandapas (halls), gopurams (entrance towers), and shrines dedicated to various deities.
- Sacred Surroundings: The temple is situated amidst the picturesque Nallamala Hills, surrounded by lush greenery and serene natural beauty. The Krishna River flows nearby, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the place.
- Pilgrimage Destination: Srisailam Temple is a prominent pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Thousands of devotees visit the temple throughout the year, especially during festivals and auspicious occasions.
- Rituals and Festivals: Daily rituals and ceremonies are performed at the temple, including Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity), Arati (offering of lamps), and special poojas. Major festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Navratri, and Karthika Masam are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.
- Spiritual Significance: Devotees believe that offering prayers and performing rituals at the Srisailam Temple can fulfill their wishes, bestow blessings, and bring spiritual enlightenment.
WorshippingMethods
The Srisailam Temple worships in accordance with the Vaishnavism style of worship. Worship starts at 4 a.m. in the morning and continues till 8.30 p.m. in the night. The four Vedas, Upanishads, Geethas and Puranas form an integral part of the daily Prasada Pooja. The temple daily rituals include Suprabhatam, Nivedana, Kalasanthi Pooja and Utsava Pooja. As part of the Nivedana Pooja, Devotees offer milk and other dairy products. During Utsavam, ceremonies like Görrampaadu, Garuda Sevai and Nidra Tiruanjanam is performed. Special Poojas are conducted on festival days. The doors of the Srisailam Temple are open for worshippers every day and devotees are allowed to enter the temple in the morning. They offer milk, honey and fruits to the main Deities and take a holy dip in the sacred waters of Mallikarjuna Swamy. The Mallikarjuna Swamy blessing of God gives the devotee spiritual peace and prosperity. This most visited temple in Andhra-Pradesh