Srisailam Temple Guide 2026: Timings, Online Booking, History & Travel Tips

📍 Quick Facts About Srisailam Temple

• Deity: Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy (Shiva) & Goddess Bhramaramba Devi
• Location: Nallamalai Hills, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh (near the Telangana border)
• Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas and 18 Shakti Peethas (a rare combination in one complex)
• Altitude: 476 meters above sea level
• River: Situated on the right bank of the holy River Krishna

🕒 Srisailam Temple Timings & Daily Pooja Sevas

📜 The Rich History & Mythology of Srisailam

Fascinating Puranic Legends:

1. The Story of Parvatha: The sage Silada’s son performed intense penance, pleasing Lord Shiva, who agreed to reside on his body. The hill transformed into “Srisailam,” with Shiva residing as Sriparvatha Swamy.
2. Goddess Bhramaramba & Arunasura: To destroy the cruel demon Arunasura, Goddess Adi Shakti took the form of a swarm of bees (Bhramaram) and later settled here as Bhramaramba Devi.
3. The Origin of “Mallikarjuna”: A princess named Chandravathi, fleeing her father, discovered a self-manifested Linga. She worshipped it daily, offering Jasmine garlands (Mallika Pushpam). Pleased, Lord Shiva agreed to wear the garland forever, becoming Mallikarjuna (The Lord adorned with Jasmine).
4. Chenchu Mallayya: Local tribal folklore believes Lord Shiva lived in the forest as a hunter, married a Chenchu tribal girl, and is affectionately called “Chenchu Mallayya” by the indigenous community.

🗺️ Ancient Routes to Reach Srisailam

1. Sikhareswaram Route: The toughest but most scenic route, starting from Tripuranthakam (Prakasam District). It offers panoramic views of the temple and the Krishna River from the highest peak (898 meters).
2. Bheemunikolanu Route: Starts from Siddhavatam (South) or Alampur (West). This route features ancient stone steps built by the Reddi Kings (1326–1335 AD) through deep forest valleys.
3. Neeliganga Route: A traditional ferry route used by Telangana pilgrims, crossing the Krishna River in large baskets (Aregas) and climbing the Chukkalaparvatham hill.
4. Jatararevu Route: Another historic ferry crossing point, featuring a 14th-century flight of steps constructed by the Velama King Madanayaka.

🎟️ Srisailam Darshan & Online Booking Guide

Darshan Ticket Costs:

• Suprabhatha Darshanam (5:00 AM): ₹300 (Couple/Single)
• Mahamangala Harathi (5:50 AM / 5:00 PM): ₹200 (Per Person)
• Athi Seegra Darshanam: ₹100 (Couple/Single)
• Special Queue Line Darshanam: ₹50 (Per Person)
• Free Darshanam: Available in the general queue (6:00 AM–3:30 PM & 6:00 PM–10:00 PM)

How to Book Accommodation Online:

1. Visit the official portal: www.srisailamonline.com
2. Click on “Online Accommodation”.
3. Select your date, room type (AC/Non-AC), and number of beds.
4. Accept the terms and conditions and complete the payment.
5. Important: Print your booking confirmation and carry a valid Government ID. All allotments are finalized at the Central Reception Office, Ganga Sadanam. (Note: Online bookings are non-transferable and non-cancellable. Check-in/out time is 8:00 AM).

🚗 How to Reach Srisailam

• By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approx. 230 km). Frequent buses and taxis are available from Hyderabad to Srisailam.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Markapur Road (91 km away), which is well-connected to major cities. From Markapur, you can hire a taxi or take an APSRTC bus.
• By Road: Srisailam is excellently connected by APSRTC and TGSRTC buses from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The road journey through the Nallamala forest reserve is a scenic treat.

🛕 Must-Visit Places Near Srisailam Temple

• Sakshi Ganapathi: Located 3 km away, this unique idol holds a pen and book, believed to record the names of every devotee who visits Srisailam.
• Pathala Ganga: A sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the River Krishna, featuring a long flight of steps. It is believed that a dip here washes away sins.
• Hatakeswaram Temple: A serene forest temple 5 km from the main shrine, where Lord Shiva appeared to a devotee in the form of a potter’s clay (Atika).
• Phaladhara Panchadhara: A tranquil spot where Adi Shankaracharya is said to have composed the Sivanandalahari. Five pure, subterranean streams flow here year-round.
• Sikharam (Sikhareswaram): The highest peak of Srisailam. The Skanda Purana states that merely viewing this peak frees the soul from the cycle of rebirth.

🍲 Annadanam & Donation Schemes

• Free Meals: Thousands of pilgrims are served hygienic, high-quality meals daily (including rice, dal, sambar, curd, pulihora, and a sweet) at the modern Annapurna Bhavanam.
• How to Donate:
  • Minimum donation for the Saswatha Annadanam Scheme: ₹5,000 (Interest is used to fund meals for 10 years in the donor’s name).
  • One-day Annadanam sponsorship: ₹500.
  • Donations of rice and vegetables are also warmly accepted.
  • All donations are eligible for Income Tax exemption under Section 80G.

📞 Srisailam Temple Contact & Helpline Details

• Address: Executive Officer, Srisaila Devasthanam, Srisailam – 518101, Kurnool (Dt), Andhra Pradesh.
• Helpline Numbers: 8333901351 / 1352 / 1353 / 1354 / 1355 / 1356
• Email: eo@srisailamonline.com | endow-eosri@gov.in
• STD Code: 08524

💡 Pro Tips for Devotees

1. Book Early: Accommodation and special Seva tickets sell out quickly, especially during weekends and festivals. Book at least 30 days in advance.
2. Carry ID Proof: A valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory for all special darshans and accommodation check-ins.
3. Dress Code: Traditional and modest clothing is highly recommended when entering the temple premises.
4. Prasadam: Don’t miss the famous Srisailam Laddu and Pulihora, available at the Prasadam counter behind Sri Ammavari Temple.