Srisailam is a place where time slows down, where the earthly meets the divine and where every stone, stream, plant, tree and breeze carries the resonance of prayer. Cradled in the dense Nallamala forests and overlooking the tranquil waters of the Krishna River, Srisailam is not merely a geographical location, but it is a sacred landscape-a living embodiment of faith, mythology, heritage and natural splendour.
At the heart of this divine realm stands the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites. Here, God Siva as Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Adi Parashakti as Bhramaramba Devi are worshipped as both Jyothirlinga and Shakti Peetha, making this site uniquely significant in both Saivism and Shaktism. This is the place where Jyothirlinga and Maha Shakti Peetha coexist in the same temple premises, which is rare and the only one of its kind. This rare confluence of the divine masculine and feminine has drawn sages, saints and devotees for over two millennia. From Adi Sankaracharya's visit and his composition of the Sivanandalahari, to the meditations of Allama Prabhu, Akkamahadevi and Narasimha Sarasvati, the spiritual energy of Srisailam has continuously nurtured the inner lives of countless seekers.
The ancient Andhra region got the name Trilingadesa due to the three sacred kshetras-Srisailam in the south, Kalesvaram in the north and Daksharamam in the east. The Agnipurana refers to this place as Siddhakshetra, an abode of God Siva and Parvati, hence titled Srisailam Ilalo Kailasam, The Kailasa on Earth.
This coffee table book, Srisailam: The Kailasa on Earth, aspires to offer more than just visual delight-it seeks to be a meditative journey through Srisailam. Through a blend of vivid photography, insightful captions and curated storytelling, this book captures the essence of this ancient Kshetra. Every page is an invitation to experience the temple rituals, the forest paths. the murmuring springs and the towering gopuras that stand as silent witnesses to centuries of devotion and glory. The main sects of Saivism like the Pasupatas, Kalamukhas, Kapalikas, Virasalvas, besides Siddhas, Nathas and Shaktism enhanced the religious life of Srisailam. The book also highlights lesser-known treasures such as Sikharesvaram, the highest peak offering panoramic views of the valley, Phaladhara-Panchadhara, the sacred springs associated with the five faces of Siva, the Akkamahadevi Caves, where divine solitude is etched in stone, and Kadalivanam, the mystical grove where Siddhas once meditated. Even the modern marvel of the Srisailam Dam finds its place in this sacred narrative, symbolizing the harmonious blend of nature, engineering and divinity.
Beyond the religious dimension, Srisailam is a celebration of cultural continuity-from the majestic architecture of the Chalukya, Kakatiya and Vijayanagara periods, to the monastic traditions of the Panchamathas and the vibrant community rituals that continue to breathe life into every festival and procession. This book is aimed for pilgrims who have walked these paths, for travellers who yearn to and for all who wish to witness the sublime union of devotion. history and natural beauty. It is an offering of visual darshan to those who may not be able to visit and a keepsake for those who want to have. May the pages ahead guide your heart toward stillness, your eyes toward wonder and your soul toward that eternal light that shines in the sacred hills of Srisailam. This book is intended for the general reader and therefore the in-depth analysis, debates and detailed discussions are not included.
Vedas (1196)
Upanishads (502)
Puranas (633)
Ramayana (747)
Mahabharata (362)
Dharmasastras (167)
Goddess (503)
Bhakti (243)
Saints (1512)
Gods (1295)
Shiva (378)
Journal (184)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (365)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Visual Search
Manage Wishlist