Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh 518101
The temple of Bhramaramba Devi is situated inside the complex of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, and devotees revere it. This temple is in Srisailam, and it is the only temple in India that houses both a Shakti Peetha and a Jyotirlinga. The pious energy of this place attracts thousands of pilgrims each year to witness Shiva and his consort, Parvati.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati or Parvati, one of the Maha Shakti Peethas. It is said that the Goddess's neck fell here. In this temple, Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Goddess of Bees.
The city of Srisailam holds prominence in historical evidence, spreading over a thousand years, with several dynasties leaving their mark on its cultures and rituals. The Bhramaramba Devi Temple's history is connected with the region's historical and cultural evolution. The history goes hand in hand with the evolution of Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. The temple's early construction and architectural style show the influence of the Chalukya dynasty. The temple was renovated and expanded later with the arrival of other dynasties.
The first dynasty of South India, the Satavahanas, has left its mark in the form of inscriptions at Srisailam. The temple was vastly established and celebrated among the people; it was so prevalent that the Satavahana king, Satakarni, named himself Mallana after Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy. The earliest reference to Srisailam Hill can be seen in the Nasik Prashasti of Pulumavi of the 2nd Century AD. There is an argument between historians about tracing the temple's origins to the rule of Pallavas and the extension to the reign of the Reddy Kings; Anavema Reddy and Prolay Verma are said to have built mandapas and roads to the temple.
The king of the Vijayanagara dynasty of the 14th Century, Harihara II, laid the steps to Pathala Ganga. Krishnadevaraya's minister Chandrashekhara built the mandapas of the temple.
Bhramaramba Devi is worshipped in the temple of Srisailam, and her idol has eight arms and is wearing a silk sari. Sri Yantra has been installed in front of the main sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha.
The temple's enclosure has Salamandapas on the northern and the southern sides. Intricate sculptural work, towers, pillars and fort-like walls decorate the beauty of Bhramaramba Devi Temple. The construction is primarily in Dravidian style, with courtyards and four gateway gopurams (towers). Out of the several halls in the temple complex, the most popular one is Mukha Mandapa, which the rulers of the Vijayanagara Dynasty constructed.
The temple complex consists of Veerasiomandapa, Bhramaramba, Mallikarjuna and Nandimandapa in the inner courtyard. Vriddha Mallikarjuna temple, Sahasra Lingeswara shrine, the temple of Uma Maheswara, a group of five temples as Pandava Prathista temples and the row of nine temples known as Navabrahma temples are also present in the courtyard.
Bhramaramba devi temple Srisailam draws significance from the Puranas and is decorated as Jyotirlinga and also one of the Maha Shakti Peethas, making it the only sacred premise where both deities reside in a union. The throat of Goddess Sati fell here, and since then, the devotees have considered this temple sacred and the most holy. Bhramaramba Devi is also called Mother of the Vedas, and the temple is said to be where a mortal soul can attain Brahmavidiya. The Durga Devisaptashashti also describes the importance of Bhramaramba Devi. It is believed that many saints like Agastya, Lopamudra, Vyasa Maharshi, Garga Maharshi, Durvasoma Maharshi and Shankaracharyulu visited Srisailam to worship the Goddess.
It is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, where summers are said to exceed limits and become hot and humid. It is recommended that you visit Bhramaramba Temple from September to April. The weather is pleasant for darshan and sightseeing.
The most prominent festival is the Navratri festival, which is nine days long and falls in September or October. The noteworthy occasions of this utsava are the performing of Chandiyagam, Rudrayagam and Navadurgaalankaras to the Goddess. Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is mainly worshipped in these utsavams.
Kumbhothasavam is another influential festival at the temple of Bhramaramba Devi. This festival is celebrated in April, and it is believed that the Goddess is angry on the festival's day. She is pleased with many poojas like Trisathi, Khadgamala and Navavarana, all performed in Ekantham. The temple doors are closed during this time, and darshans are not allowed.
| Type | Name | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Stand | Srisailam Bus Stand | 1 KM |
| Railway Station | Markapuram Railway Station | 84.5 KM |
| Airport (International) | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad | 217 KM |
| Airport (Domestic) | Kurnool Airport | 180 KM |
It is a must to abide by the traditional dress code while visiting Bhramaramba Devi Temple Srisailam (also known as bramarambika devi temple). Male devotees are requested to wear a Pancha with a dhoti or Kurta. Female devotees are advised to wear a saree with a blouse, half-saree, churidar with a dupatta or Punjabi salwar, or Kurta with a dupatta. Modern clothing is restricted inside the temple complex for the temple's respect and stature.
The temple is open all days of the week and the timings are in the morning at 6 AM and closes its darshan after 2 PM. The evening Bhramaramba Devi Temple entry timings are 5 PM to 10 PM. Darshan varies from Seeghra Darshanam to Athisheegra Darshanam. Devotees are requested to strictly adhere to the timings while visiting the temple according to the temple rules and regulations.
| Name | Timings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Suprabhatha Darshanam | 4:30 AM | 250/- |
| Mahamangala Harathi | 5:50 AM | 100/- |
| Special Queue Line Darshanam | 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM | 50/- |
| Mahamangala Harathi (Evening) | 5:00 PM | 100/- |
| Athisheegra Darshanam | 6.30 AM to 1.00 PM & 6.30 PM to 9.00 PM | 100/- |
| Name | Timings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rajopachara Pooja Parakulu | 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM | 1116/- |
| Kumkumarchana to Sri Bhramaramba Devi in the Mandapam | 6.00 AM - 8.30 PM | 150/- |
Note - These timings and prices may vary depending on the temple's schedules and changes in the pooja process. Therefore, confirming the timings and prices with the temple authorities is advisable before visiting.
The idol of Lopamudra, wife of Rishi Agastya, is worshipped inside the Garbha Griha of this temple.
A popular legend surrounding the Bhramaramba Devi Story is that a demon named Arunasura used to torture sages and people in that area. Lord Brahma gave him a boon that he would not be killed by any creature with two or four legs. Then, Goddess Sati released a thousand bees, and she took the form of a bee with six legs to kill the demon. After the battle, she stayed with her consort, Shiva, as Bramarambika Devi.
Another legend says that Shiva came down to Earth and saw a Chenchu girl, who was Goddess Parvati. He married her and settled in Srisailam with her. Hence, the temple of Bhramaramba Devi and Mallikarjuna Swamy are together. Chenchus call Lord Shiva here as Chenchu Mallaya and worship both the deities.
Parvati Devi chose to live in Srisailam as Bhramaramba Devi, as it is also precious to Lord Shiva. Since then, Bhramaramba Devi has resided here to bless all her followers.
| Name | Distance from city |
|---|---|
| Ista Kameswari Temple | 20 KM |
| Hathakesvara Temple | 3 KM |
| Sakshi Ganapati Temple | 1 KM |
| Hemareddy Mallamma Temple | 1 KM |
| Shikaresvara Temple | 6 KM |
| Name | Distance from city |
|---|---|
| Srisailam Ropeway APTDC | 1.5 KM |
| Kadalivanam Trekking Caves | 45 KM |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Wildlife | 20 KM |
| Akkamahadevi Caves | 10 KM |
| Paladhara Panchadara | 4 KM |
| Name | Distance from city |
|---|---|
| Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum | 0 KM |
The Bhramaramba Devi Temple is an exemplary embodiment of faith, history, mythology and spirituality. It contains a cosmic echo of devotion and thousands of years of history that continue to invoke devotees from all over India who seek blessings from the Goddess Bramarambika.
1. Who is the goddess Bhramaramba?
Bhramaramba Devi is the presiding deity of the Bhramaramba Devi Temple at Srisailam. She is a form of Goddess Sati, consort of Lord Shiva.
2. Which body part of Sati fell in Srisailam?
At the Srisailam Bhramaramba Devi Temple, it is said that Goddess Sati's neck fell.
3. Who constructed Srisailam Temple?
Several dynasties have constructed this temple, but the early construction was seen in the time of the Chalukya Dynasty, and later, it developed under Satavahanas.
4. What is the architectural style of Srisailam Temple?
The architecture of the temple is primarily in the Dravidian style.
5. Which seva is good in Srisailam?
Rajopachara Pooja Parakulu & Kumkumarchana to Sri Bhramaramba Devi in the Mandapam are two poojas that the devotees can do in the temple.
6. Is photography allowed inside the temple?
No phones and photography are allowed inside the temple premises.
7. Are there any special days or festivals celebrated at the temple?
Many devotees celebrate the October festival of Navratri, followed by Dasara and the Kumbhothasavam festival in the month of April.
8. Are there any nearby stay options?
Yes, there are many accommodations available for pilgrims staying at Srisailam.
9. Is there a temple association or committee I can contact?
Yes, you can contact Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam through call or mail.