Sri Sailam

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2008-06-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Historical Evidences at Alampuram - The Western Gate of Sri Sailam

2008-01-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Lot of information is availble in the form of "Sasanaas" This place is well known as one of the Asta Dasa Sakti Peethams - one of the eighteen Sakti Peethams in the name of Alampuram Jogulamba. The information relating to this temple is available even before Christ. Several Kings rules this area and worshipped the Holy Shiva Linga in the name of Brahmeswara. As per one "Sasan - or Order of a King" took out in the excavations near Gurajala - one king by name Rudra Purushadutt of Ikshvaku Dynasty granted Lands to the temple dated back in 3rd Century.

Badami Chalukya Dynasty ruled this area between 655 -704 A.D. and during the same period the grand son of Second Pulakesi by name Emporer Shri Vijayaditya Chalukya started this compound around the first week of May 704 A.D. The person who was entrusted this duty was one Shri Esaanaachary.

Raashtrakuta Dynasty worshipped this Lord for 30 years from 780 A.D. Later on this area was ruled by Kalyana Chalukyaas and they too worshipped the Lord.

Thribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya Emporer too worshipped the temple between 1087 -1107 A.D.

During 1192 A.D, as per the Sasanas of Kalachuri Kings, son of Bijjala in the name of Avaha Malla granted lands to this Holy temple.

Kakatiya Prata Rudra too ruled this area and worshipped this Lord as per a script available dated back to 1299 A.D.

King Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagar Empire worshipped this Lord during 1512 A.D. and there are many more such Historical Evidences and today a part of the temple is under a Masjid as is seen in the site.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Phala Dhara and Pancha Dhara

2008-01-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Phala Dhara and Pancha Dhara is the original and it is now pronounced as Pala Dhara and Pancha Dhara. Actually there are five springs in this spot and one more spring additionally, the additional one is believed to have come out of the forehead (Phala Bhag) of Lord Shiva while the other five are believed to have come out of Pancha Mukhas (Five Faces). The water is so sweet and this particular spot is situated around eight kilometers from the Main Shrine. One has to get down to an extent of around 200 feet from the main road to see this spot.

His Holiness Jagadguru Shri Adi Sankaracharya Swamiji said to have spent his time in a cave near to this spot where he composed the Holy Script " Shivananda Lahari".

We can observe lot of water flowing irrespective of season, but then the water disappears after flowing for some distance, but the holy scripts relating to the place specify that the water turns out as a river in the name of "Bhogavati" which ultimately joins the Patala Ganga - River Krishna.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Umamaheswaram - the North Gate to Sri Sailam

2008-01-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

There are four gates to Sri Sailam and four sub gates in the four directions like East, West, South and North and in the northeastern side etc. The prominent four directional gates are situated at Tripurantakam on East, Alampuram on West, Siddavatam on South and Umamaheswaram on North. Out of all the eight gates, the most prominent one is on the Northern side being the Kubera Stana. This is situated around 110 kilometers from Sri Sailam in Nallamalai Forests. It is on the way to Hyderabad from Sri Sailam. This is said to be the Place for Sadhana to enjoy the divine presence of Lord. There appears to be a mango tree and most astonishingly bees used to come out of the seed shell of these mangos when broken. How and in what manner these bees were born in the seed shells of a mango fruit remains to be a unsolvable question. But some of the Sadhaks in the olden days (perhaps not beyond 50 years in the past) used to enjoy the mango fruits releasing out bees from its seed shells. The juice of the fruit after releasing the bees, should be boiled in milk and swallowed for 21 days whereupon the Divine Gates of the Yaksha Raj - Kubera are opened for the Sadhaks. There are many other secrets relating to this place which still remains to be an unsolvable interesting points beyond normal belief.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Excellent Carvings on the Compound Wall of the Main Temple

2008-01-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

When I see the carvings on the compound wall measuring to at least a kilometer to say, 1000 meters on each side, I am stunned and I could not stop saluting Indian Ancient Artists who strived day and night to present carvings on this huge wall. It is surely beyond imagination for so called modern civilized society to rededicate to such a artistic work. Apart from Artistic beauty, it still remains to be a question as to what technique was used to erect such huge stones maintaining all uniformity and what type of material was used way back 2000 years ago which made the structure in tact for all these years inspite of attacks from other communities. Indian Art faced lot of threats all along and still facing, but these structures which we can see today, proudly annoce that they could withstand all such threats.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Unusual experiences and items found in Akka Mahadevi Caves

2008-01-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is one of the caves in the Akka Mahadevi Caves situated around 17 kilometers from Sri Sailam. The only way to reach out the caves is through boat riding to the forest area situated on the other bank. The other alternative route is to cross the project site over River Krishna and enter from the other side which is quite far off and it is difficult to reach the cave through road journey. Necessarily one has to walk for long to reach from the other bank. There fore it is suggested to reach the caves only from Sri Sailam thrugh Tourism Development Orgaised boats.

secrets of Sri Sailam - Wonderful arch to Akka Mahadevi Caves

2008-01-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

The one which is seen in the picture is a wonderful arch in front of the Akka Mahadevi Caves. It is nearly 200 ft long and a strong monolithic one and this speaks of the age of the Cave. I draw attention of the reader to similar such arches in Tirumala Hills which were confirmed to have of age over 150 million years or so by the Geologists. The arches in Tirumala Hills are called as Sila Toranams. This particular arch in Akka Mahadevi Cave is perhaps greater than the one on Tirumala Hills.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Sikhara Darshanam

2008-01-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Sikhara Darshan is one of the important items during the visit of Sri Sailam. It is believed that a person who could see the Sikhara - the top of the Main Temple from this spot is elevated from the cycles of birth and rebirth. That means it is expected to lead to total salvation.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Hathakeswaram

2008-01-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hathakeswaram is around 8 kilometers from Sri Sailam main Shrine. This place is treated as a sacred place for the reason Lord Shiva is believed to grant Gold to his devotees

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Ghanta Matham

2008-01-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

This is another unique place in Srisailam and this is just behind the temple complex. The greatness of this place is beyond description. Acharya Siddha Nagarjuna and Shri Potuluru Veera Brahmendra Swamiji are said to have attained siddhi here. We have Amruth Gundam and caves in this spot. More details are given in another blog news

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Ghanta Matham - Divine Place that Moulded Acharya Sidha Nagarjuna etc

2008-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Picture one is that of six faceted Goddess in the Ghanta Matham. Next Picture is that of a entry of a small cave. The next picture is a unusual bell made of some metals. According to Tantra Sastra, 24 persons have to stay in this place while a few of them ring the bell continuously while water is brought from the well shown in the next picture, and this water has to be used for Abhishekam to Lord Shiva in the complex through out the night of Shiva Rathri. This process is said to lead to Sidhi of any mantra and to have divine appearance of Lord instantly.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Goddess Ankalamma - The Presiding Deity of the Town (Grama Devata)

2008-01-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

Goddess Ankalamma is the presiding Goddess for Sri Sailam or we can say as the Guarding Goddess of the Area. Earlier this temple was captured by a Aswatha Tree and in the recent times, this particular temple was rebuilt. It is hardly 150 yards from the Main Temple Gate.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - on the way to Akka Mahadevi Caves

2008-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

This picture is taken from a Boat and this very big circle like hole is on a hill top nearer to Akka Mahadevi Caves

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Akka Mahadevi Caves

2008-01-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

The first picture is the entry point to the cave. You can see a mighty structure standing on a small pillar. You can see the beauty of the cave and its structural beauty perhaps dated back to millions of years. The second picture is that of a saint staying at the caves for the last several years. You can see his hair and notice his detachment from civilized comforts. The last picture in the series is that of Akka Mahadevi

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Divine Appearances

2008-01-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Interestingly I found a devine personality in the caves and this image is quite above ground level giving me a scope to believe that such a great sage is meditating in a standing position in air.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Akka Mahadevi Caves - Ghostly Appearances and Sounds

2008-01-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

This is a unique photograph which I could take in one of the caves. There were roaring sounds and other unpleasant sounds which we could not identify. But when a photograph was taken, in the light of the flash these figures were found unattached to the walls of the caves. Any way it is not advisable for most of us to enter into a deviated cave which the tourist department do not suggest.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Akka Mahadevi Caves

2008-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

You can see Lord Shiva Linga in Akka Mahadevi Caves and the passage is clearly visible in the next photograph. It is a dark cave where no lighting arrangements were existing and it is only one man passage. Therefore, it is highly risky in case any creature is found taking shelter in the cave.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Akka Mahadevi Caves

2008-01-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

A view from inside the cave is seen in the first photograph. The second Photograph relates to a seperate cave in the caves where a Shiv Linga is found along with a Nandi - the Holy Bull.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Akka Mahadevi Caves

2008-01-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

Secets of Sri Sailam - Tribal Lords

2008-01-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Tribal Lords are worshipped in the form as seen in the Photograph. Sri Sailam sorroundings are thick forests and there are thousands of Tribal people living in the forests. It may be interesting to know that these tribes knew herbal medicines far better than a trained doctor of modern days. They are capable of identifying natural drugs for their day to day needs. An interaction with them gave me a stunning picture to the fact that they are free from diabetes, hypertension etc. They are apparently more healthier than any one in a so called civilized and modern atmosphere.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Traditional Dances

2008-01-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

Hinduism is not from top of people or the Holy Masters. The roots of Hinduism is in the bottom lines and in the hearts of mass. Actually these folk dancers made the Traditions live for long. They voluntarily dance and share their experiences and dedicate their lives for the Lords. They make Bhajans in praise of the Lord and they dance singing the deeds of the Lords. It is from the small villages and tribes in the forest areas. They have no touch with latest communication techniques like using of computers etc. Their art is from person to person and their songs are from mouth to ear and ear to mouth. They are actually responsible to keep Hindu spiritual life active.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Arama Veerabhadrudu

2008-01-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

Lord Veerabhadra Swamy is one of the forms of Lord Shiva. This particular Lord could been in front of the Main entrance to the Main Shrine and it is called Arama Veerabhadraalayam. The first two photographs are of Lord Veerabhadra Swamy and the last one is the Idol at the entrance of the temple of Arama Veerabhadraswamy - perhaps the guarding Lord.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Gogarbham

2008-01-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

Gogarbham is other wise known as the womb of a Cow. As per Hindu Traditions, Cow is considered as utmost sacred animal. This cave is in the shape of a womb of a cow as such it is called as Gogharbham. You can see from the picture how narrow it is and only one person at a time can pass through this passage. It is believed that passing through this cave or passage shall result into total salvation.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Bheemuni Paadalu

2008-01-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Bheemuni Paadalu

2008-01-04T07:37:00.001-08:00

Bheemuni Paadalu is yet another place worth visiting. It is around half a kilometer from Sarangadhara Matham. This gives a scope to believe that Pandavas visited Sri Sailam during Mahabharata Times

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Hemareddy Mallamma Tears

2008-01-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

The first photograph is the picture of water flow from two channels said to have been the tears of joy of Mallamma. The second Picture is that of atemple constructed for the first photo. The third one is the residential place of Mallamma and the last one was that of Mallamma's flour making stone or the ancient stone grinder.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Hemareddy Mallamma Tears

2008-01-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

Hemareddy Mallamma - was one of the devotees of Sri Saila Mallikarjuna Swamy. She surrendered to the Lord in totality and stayed at Sri Sailam till her end of life. It appears that Lord granted her Darshan - Divine Appearance due to which she shed tears out of joy. Two channels of water are seen releasing at a spot where Mallamma Lived. She used to make out sacred Ash from and out of Cow Dung. Even today we can see the processing at that spot. Interesting it is - also beyond belief, she used to wash her hand in a small tank after collecting cow dung and the water turned out to the color of cow dung in those days. Even today the same color is seen inspite of lifting the water totally and cleaning the tank. She used to make out Wheat flour using traditional stone crush. The same stones are still retained at the spot. She used to make out powders using a wooden stick. People consider it as a symbol of fulfillment of desires if any one could keep the wooden stick stand in the stone bowl. In the recent times, a few people from Karnataka and Maharashtra joined and formulated a trust to reconstruct the temple and as a result a nice structure is coming up. Even today sacred Ash is being sold at the spot using the same old traditional methods.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Sarangadhara Mathams

2008-01-04T06:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of the five Prominent Mathams which is now being looked after by Private people. This is the only one Matham which could be seen in its original shape. It is being properly managed as is seen from outside. This is situated around 3 kilometers from Main Shrine. It appears that it is expanded to provide shelter to a few more people who visit Sri Sailam for their spiritual

advancement

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Pandava Guha (Cave)

2008-01-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

These caves are situated on the way to Sarangadhara Matham - one of the five prominent Mathams of yester years. It is around 2 kilometers from the Main Sri Sailam temple. The idols of Kaala Bhairav, Chamundi Devi are in the cave under a aged tree. This again is a ancient structure which is neglected by the Government. A local girl is taking care of these temples. There is no income for this temple since there is no approach road and it is painful to look into the state of affairs of this ancient structure. Some of the photographs are published.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Vibhudhi Matham

2008-01-04T05:45:00.000-08:00

Photographs relating to Vibhudhi Matham are displayed here

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Vibhudhi Matham

2008-01-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

This Vibhudhi Matham is close to Rudraksh Matham. There were five Mathams housing sages and great saints in the ancient times helping them to continue their penance. It appears that these five mathams helped many Saints to comfortably stay in the deep jungle of yester years. Vibhudhi is nothing but the sacred ASH. The sacred ash is produced in a process from and out of cow dung. The sweet scented smell of the Vibhudhi mesmerizes every one upon wearing of the same. In some parts of Sri Sailam still this process is continuing. It appears that this particular Matham was robbed and people dug the entire area in quest of secret treasures. It is practically seen that the entire unique site of this Holy monument is left open as a shelter for undesirable elements.

Secrets of Sri Sailam - Rudraksh Matham

2008-01-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

This Matham is situated around one and a half kilometer from the main shrine at Sri Sailam. It is called as Rudraksh Matham for the reason Lord Shiva in the temple is in the shape of a Rudraksh. It is most unfortunate that the Government is not protecting this monument. Due to improper attention paid on this most valuable monument, people took advantage of the situation and took away most of the sacred items. Very big snake pits are also mounted up in the site. Caves are blocked and it has become a cursed area of tourist importance. There is another cave nearer to this Matham which is said to have been leading to different places in the country. There is a pond in the name of Rudraksh Bilam which again is in a non-approchable stage. It should be remembered that it is next to impossible to construct such a structure in these days. Unfortunately we are destroying our own valuable ancient structures.

Secrets of Sri Sailam

2008-01-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

Goddess Ista Kameswari is located at a distance of 21 kilometers away from Sri Sailam Main Temple. There is a pucca road upto 10 kilometers and journey thereafterwards is beyond imagination. Only Jeep journey is preferred due to thick jungle. It is a tough time for the Jeep drivers to manage the Jeep on rocks and every one sitting in the Jeep has to keep his head safe due to the jerks during the journey into the deep forests. The Goddess is named as Ista Kameswari for the reason it is believed that the Goddess fulfills all the desires of the devotees. Interestingly we find skin touch at a particular point on the forehead of the Goddess while the entire idol is out of black granite stone. The temple is located in a small cave and it is not advisable to visit the temple alone. Wild animals move there for drinking water purposes and it is highly risky to visit alone without the assistance of local people.

Secrets of Sri Sailam

2008-01-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

When I desire to know about the Secrets of Sri Sailam and the most important places of ancient times, I was forced to stay at Sri Sailam for over six days. Sri Sailam is situated around 220 kilometers from Hyderabad and it is in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the 12 Jyothirlingaas and also one of the Astadasa(18) Sakti Peethams. Perhaps this is the only place where a Jyothirlinga and a Sakti Peetha are together in one complex. It gives us very rich experience to visit the places in Sri Sailam. This place was under the rule of Many Kings for the past 2500 years plus as per the records available. The historical background with evidences is being produced separately in another chapter in this same blog.

Most unfortunately none of the ancient structures are taken care by the Government. They should have been treated as a "Monuments under protection". Whereas none of them are cared as a result, the rich culture and ancient structures are being ruined. Though Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation started running boats to Akka Mahadevi Caves, the maintenance of the boats etc is beyond description. The boats are ugly and adequate training is not given to the guides. It should be remembered that the tourists travel in the back waters of the dam and the depth of the river should be not less 400 to 500 feet. It is highly dangerous to take such tours very casually. Apart from this, it is learnt that it is a Naxal Area and on and often Police firings takes place. Government need to take adequate precautions.

Readers are also cautioned not to be allured by these posts and take an undesirable risky adventurous tour to these parts.