SRISAILAM

This novelty, as the word goes is due to the impact of Buddhism that held its sway during Acharya Nagarjuna's period. Another oddity that is discernable is the priests here are Jangama Lingayats testifying to the fact that the temple was managed and dominated by Virasaivas for long, though the administration was in the hands of Pushpagiri Brahmins. The sacred shrine is quite imposing in architectural design with Garbhagriha, Mukha mantap, Rangamantap and Virasaivamantap. The Vimana and Srikhara with dazzling Kalasam atop and adorned by images of Nandis on all sides make a grand appeal, and the sculptural adornments lift the souls of the devotees. The monolithic Nandi installed opposite the Sivalinga is huge in size and goes by the name of Sanagalabasavanna. In the first Prakara adjacent to this lies Brahmaramba's shrine, facing East. It is so built straight opposite the main temple that the sight of the Mother falls on the Sivalinga. The image resembles Durga and reveals in Santha Swarupa. The Vimana on the garbhagriha has a golden Kalasa and the sublimity hovering over there bends the heads in reverence. 

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