Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Art & Culture
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The restoration works at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy in Srisailam, undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple or Srisailam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deities Shiva and Parvati.
Located at – Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
Surrounded by – Forests of the Nallamala Hills, on the banks of Krishna River.
Gods worshiped – Shiva is worshiped as Mallikarjuna and his consort Parvati is depicted as Bhramaramba.
Unique feature – It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva and as one of the 52 Shakti peethasof Goddess Parvati.
Srisailam is unique as it is the only temple that serves as both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha under one roof.
Historical significance – There are inscriptional evidence from the Satavahana dynasty which place the temple to be existent from the 2nd century.
Most modern additions to the temple were done during the time of king Harihara I of Vijayanagar Empire (14th and 15th centuries).
During the 18th and 19th centuries, many chenchus graced the temple grounds and were part of many rituals and prayers.
Architecture – This ancient temple built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and courtyards is one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagar architecture.
Visited by – Many great saints like Adi Shankaracharya, rulers mainly Sri Krishna Devaraya, Chatrapathi Sivaji and several other spiritual personalities.
Festival – Maha Shivaratri is celebrated annually, is a vibrant showcase of traditional music, dance, and rituals, uniting devotees in a spirit of joy and camaraderie.
