| Among the numerous
bas-reliefs that were built on the outer side of the courtyard there are two panels, which
illustrate this legend in stone. There is another
legend concerning the origin of this temple, among the tribal population, called Chenchus,
who live in this part of the hills. According to this legend prevalent among the Chenchu
tribes, Lord Siva came once to Srisailam on a hunting expedition, and fell in love with a
beautiful Chenchu woman, whom he married, and who used to accompany him in his hunting
expeditions to the neigh boring forests. Hence even today Lord Mallikarjuna is known among
these tribes as "Chenchu Malliah." This tribal legend is beautifully borne out
by an interesting bas-relief, on the prakara of the temple, in which a tiger is shown as
being killed by Lord Siva with a thrust of his trident. In this Lord Siva is shown as
being followed by Parvati dressed as a forest woman with arrows and four dogs. It is
Interesting to note, that the Chenchus have free permission, even today, to go into any
part of the temple, Including the Garbha Griha, enshrining the sacred Linga. It is in fact
this tribal people, which help to drag the car in the big ratha festival of the temple and
also at other minor services within the temple. |
