SRISAILAM

The inner walls adorned with bas-reliefs depict a wide variety of sculptures-the bottom row with the carvings of battle scenes and wild animals, while the upper row protraying the Sivalilas, including the Chandravathi story, episodes of Sagara madanam, Siva Parvathi Kalyanam, Arjuna's penance etc., It is estimated that a total number of 3200stones, each weighing a ton are used for the exterior alone. The images of Ashtabhairavas are installed in the corners. As it is customary to enter the temple through the main gate, let us enter through the Rajagopuram constructed by Sri Krishna Devaraya. The main temple dedicated to Mallikharjuna is in the centre facing the east. The Jyothirlinga installed in the garbhagriha is Swayambhu. Any devotee can offer puja to the linga without a priest. And restrictions of any kind like age, sex, caste, creed religion etc, are totally eliminated. A unique feature! A rare privilege!! And a commendable reform, establishing thereby the exemplary catholocity-a much-needed change, though ardently craved for, rarely extended by authorities or traditions!!!

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