This Blog is basically dedicated to help my fellow devotees about Hinduism, its values and importance in our day to day lives.I deeply believe that people should find their refuge in God, than any one else in world.Every one's first love should be God.I would love to help my friends in their devotional activities and together we will do service to humanity.
"Pradakshinam" is a very common word heard in all hindu temples, rituals and poojas.I want to share my knowledge with all bloggers on its significance.
Pradakshinam is the act of revolving around the god. As the entire solar system revolves around the sun, our Universe revolves around a unique force behind our lives, which we call "God".Hence God is the centre of our lives and our existence in this vast Universe.Pradakshinam signifies our devotion that all our acts and deeds are always centered to God.Pradakshinam should never be done in any hurry, it should be done slowly worshipping and praising the God.Its a practice to do Pradakshinam to the right side of Dhwajastambam i.e, only in clock wise direction.
Pradakshinam to self, is called Aathma Pradakshina, meant to worship the God within us.
Srisailam is a Jyothirlingam (Hindu shrine to Shiva) located in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is about 245 km from Hyderabad and 132 km from Nandyal.It is the only Jyothirlinga kshetram in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Srisailam is about 232 km from Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, and there are buses connecting the town with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Guntur and Kurnool. Reservations can be booked in APSRTC Reservation Counters. The approximate travel time from Hyderabad to Srisailam is 6 hours.
If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in ghat sections and doesn't have the habit of drinking alcohol. Mannanur, which is around 120 km from Hyderabad, is the place where the Nallamala hills start. After 60-70 km of drive through the forest you'll reach Eegalapenta. From there, it becomes difficult to drive as there are numerous hairpin bends and a kilometer of the stretch has lot of potholes. You can have a good look at the Srisailam Dam from there.
For nature lovers Srisailam trip leaves immense pleasure as you travel through deep forests.From Dornala to Srisailam you will find excellent view and the road is full of curves and U turns.
Don't miss
Ista Kameswari Temple: From Srisailam you need to travel 16 kms into deep forest which is very adventurous.Dont try to go in your own vehicle because the way is sprinkled with huge rocks and water.Engage a jeep from Srisailam.If you have a team of 10 they will charge 1200 Rupees.Or else you can share with other in which case you will be charged 120 Rs.Bargain the amount with the drivers.After reaching the temple try to cross the temple and you will find very good place with water falls and valleys.
Akkamahadevi Caves:This is the most interesting part of the journey in Srisailam.To reach the caves you need to go to Patala Ganga.You can reach Patala Ganga by rope way and ride a boat from there to reach the caves. After traveling 16 kms (for more than an hour) on the Krishna river with high mountains on either sides and walking for some distance,you will reach the caves.There will be a guide with you in the boat who will lead into the caves.You need to take a candle with you as the caves are 80 feet deep and very dark.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development boats need to be reserved in advance in the early hours on the date of journey.The ticket cost is 180 rupees.Minimum of 18 members are to be there for the boats to be started.You can also engage a private boat.
Sri Brahmarambika Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
patala ganga:People will take a holy bath here.
Lingala gattu:is a rocky krishna river bank where every rock is said to be image of lord siva.
Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve
Chatrapati Shivaji spurti kendram which has exibits on Shivaji maharaj.
Srisailam Sikharam (Peak of the Mountain) from where you can have a birds eye view of complete Srisailam.
Chenchu Lakshmi Museum which have exibits on tribal people living in Andhra pradesh.
Sakshi Ganapati-Before visiting Srisailam everyone will have darshan of Sakshi Ganapati near Srisailam. It is said that Ganapati will note down the names of the Visiting devotees.
Akkamahadevi Caves - Take a boat ride on the river Krishna to reach the caves. The trip to Akkamahadevi caves is scheduled once a day at 10 in the morning.
Do
Ista Kameshwari Temple is located in deep forest, and the path is very tumultuous terrain, only Jeeps will go. People who go by the adage "take the path less travelled" will enjoy the journey. The elderly need to take precautions before the visit. A quite adventurous journey. Cross the temple and you will find valley and waterfalls which is very beautiful.
You can buy girijan(Tribal) honey ,AGMARK certified honey which is supplied by government of Andhra Pradesh,very pure and tasty.You can get it in Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum. Don't buy it elsewhere.
As only vegeterian food is available, please eat food with high carbo hydrates and drink lots of water.Hotel Ilapuram near Ganga Sadan serves good Andhra Food.
There are lots of budget hotels and lodges around the Mallikarjuna Swami Temple in Srisailam. Most of these do not require any prior reservation except during peak seasons and festivals, and most Mondays. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department runs a few hotels by name Ganga Sadan, Gouri Sadan and Punnami Guest House. These are clean and well maintained, and are within the budget of most pilgrims. There are also some lodges and choultries that cater to particular communities.
