Srisailam is a census town in Nandyal district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the mandal headquarters of Srisailam mandal in Atmakur revenue division.[3] It is located about 160 kilometres (99 mi) from the district headquarters Nandyal, 180 kilometres (112 mi) from Kurnool, and it is located about 264 kilometres (164 mi) from Vijayawada. The town is famous for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple and is one of the holy pilgrimage sites for the Shaivism and Shaktism sects of Hinduism. The town is classified as both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti pitha.[4]
Srisailam | |
|---|---|
 Srisaila Mallikarjuna temple Vimana | |
.svg)  Srisailam Location in Andhra Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates: 16°05′00″N 78°52′00″E / 16.0833°N 78.8667°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Nandyal |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.96 km2 (2.30 sq mi) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
| • Total | 21,452 |
| • Density | 3,600/km2 (9,300/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 518101[2] |
| Vehicle registration | AP |
As of 2001[update] census of India,[5] Srisailam had a population of 23,257. Males constituted 54% of the population and females 46%. Srisailam Project (RFC) Township has an average literacy rate of 75.62% higher than the state average of 67.02%. Male literacy is around 85.68% while female literacy rate is 63.24%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Tourism edit
Srisailam is one of the popular tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh and considered one of the most important pilgrimage centres of Lord Shiva.
- Srisailam Dam which was built over Krishna river is one of the largest dams in South India.
- Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, India's largest tiger reserve is spread over 3500 km2. This Sanctuary is a natural habitat of diverse species of flora and fauna. The lush and dense Nallamala Forest range is a popular destination for trekking, hill climbing, forest exploration and research, to which Srisailam town acts as a base camp.
- Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga enshrines Lord Mallikarjuna and is an ancient temple built in a Dravidian style with specimens showcasing the Vijayanagara architecture.[6]
- Sakshi Ganapati Temple- Sakshi Ganapathi temple is located 2 km east of the main temple.
- Akka Mahadevi Caves, Pathalaganga,[7] Shikareshwara Temple are few other attractions in this place.[8]
- Siddi Ramappa Kolanu waterfalls located at Srisailam Half Kilo Meter Distance from Main Temple.
Education edit
The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state.[9][10]
Transport edit
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation operates bus services from Srisailam and Atmakur bus station with Atmakur bus depot.
By Foot
There is a path to travel on foot from Atmakur to Srisailam. The Devotees to fulfil their Vow to Lord Shiva will take this path to reach Srisailam on foot from Atmakur. The path completely passes through dense forest of Nallamala Hills. One has to carry their own food and Potable items with them as there are no adequate facilities. This path for devotees is allowed only twice in a year viz.,
- Maha Shivaratri
- Ugadi
Road
There are two roads to reach Srisailam as it can be accessed by road from Dornala and Atchampet. The state government-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates frequent buses from Atmakur and Dornala and also from nearby places. The travel by road is not allowed to Shrishaila between 9.OO p.m. to 6.OO A.M as roads are through Nallamala forests.[11]
Rail
The nearest railway station is at Markapur Road Railway Station, about 90 kilometres from Srisailam. Markapur Road railway station in the South Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways. It is under the jurisdiction of Guntur Railway Division.
Airport
The nearest airport is Kurnool Airport about 180 kilometres from Srisailam. It is a domestic airport. The nearest major airport is the Hyderabad International Airport located about 217 km (135 mi) from Srisailam.
References edit
- ^ a b "District Census Handbook – Kurnool" (PDF). Census of India. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. p. 50. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Pin Code of Srisailam in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh". www.mapsofindia.com. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
- ^ "Srisailam Mandal map" (PDF). Census of India. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. p. 319. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 February 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "All about 18 Astadasha Shakti Peethas— holy abodes of Shakti". The Times of India. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- ^ "SRISAILAM - TRAVEL GUIDE". Trawell.in. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
- ^ Temple India. 1981.
- ^ THE TOURISM OF INDIA PART-1, Volume 1. 17 October 2019.
- ^ "School Education Department" (PDF). School Education Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 November 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
- ^ "The Department of School Education – Official AP State Government Portal | AP State Portal". www.ap.gov.in. Archived from the original on 7 November 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
- ^ "Facilities to Pilgrims". Srisaila Devasthanam. Retrieved 19 March 2024.