srisailam temple, Kurnool-andhra-pradesh
Legends tell of Shiva and Parvati establishing their divine abode here, especially after their son Kartikeya departed to Mount Krauncha—thus sanctifying this site as a sacred union of Shaiva and Shakta traditions.
Architecture of the Temple
The expansive complex spans over two hectares, surrounded by high compound walls (~183 m × 152 m, 8.5 m tall), with four ornate gopurams marking its grand entrances.
The heart of the temple—Mukha Mandapa—dates back to the Vijayanagara era and features intricately carved pillars and a central Nadikeshwara idol.
The oldest shrine, dedicated to Mallikarjuna, is believed to date from the 7th century. Within the complex, one can also find a Sahasra Linga (1000‑linga structure, attributed to Lord Rama) and five additional lingas believed to have been established by the Pandavas. A unique mirror hall featuring Nataraja adds to its architectural allure.
The structure showcases Dravidian architecture, notable for its gopurams and vimana, reflecting the typical style of South Indian temple design.
How to Reach to Temple
By Road: Around 215 km from Hyderabad, accessible via NH‑44 with numerous TSRTC and private bus services.
By Train: The Markapur Road station (~85 km away) is the nearest railhead, from where local transport connects to Srisailam.
By Air: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the closest airport (~5–6 hours by road).
Special routes also exist from all directions—states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh share multiple temple gateways.
Temple Timings
