Journey to Srisailam for Maha Shivaratri

This coming Maha Shivaratri, our temple priest Rajeshwarananda will be undertaking a padayatra (pilgrimage by foot) to Srisailam – the sacred abode of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Sri Bhramaramba Devi.

He will be walking approximately 42–45 kilometers through the Nallamala forest region, beginning early in the morning this Friday (Feb-13) and reaching the temple the following day on Maha Shivaratri, by the grace of Lord Shiva.

This is not merely a physical journey. It is a walk through sacred history — across Yugas — toward one of the most powerful kshetras in Bharat.

You are invited to join him through sponsorship of his journey. 

Discover Why Srisailam Is a Rare and Ancient Kshetra

Srisailam holds a unique distinction in Hindu tradition as It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva

It also is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, where Devi Bhramaramba is worshipped. 

Very few sacred sites unite Shiva and Shakti in this way.

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Srisailam in the Time of Rama

Traditionally, the region of Srisailam formed part of Dandakaranya, the vast forest through which Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana journeyed during their exile in the Treta Yuga.

According to traditional chronology, the Ramayana took place thousands of years ago — long before the Mahabharata. Thus, Srisailam stands in a landscape sanctified by the presence of rishis and tapasvins during Rama’s era.

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Srisailam in the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata, traditionally dated over 5,000 years ago, refers more directly to Srisaila as a sacred mountain of great spiritual merit.

In the Vana Parva, pilgrimages to sacred mountains are described, and Srisaila is glorified as a place where Lord Shiva is worshipped, Rishis performed austerities and visiting grants immense spiritual merit. 

By the time of Krishna and the Pandavas, Srisailam was already an established and ancient pilgrimage site.

Srisailam forms a sacred thread connecting Treta Yuga (Rama), Dvapara Yuga (Krishna & Mahabharata) and Kali Yuga (our present time). 

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Historical Continuity and Antiquity

Beyond epic tradition, Srisailam has documented historical continuity for over 10,000 years. The Skanda Purana (Srisaila Khanda) extensively glorifies the kshetra, describing it as a place where devotion deepens and obstacles are removed.

The surrounding forests have long been known as a tapas kshetra — a region where sages performed austerities and meditation.

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The Power of Combining This Journey on Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most sacred nights in the Hindu calendar.

It represent the cosmic stillness of Shiva, union of Shiva and Shakti, and the transcendence of darkness through awareness.

Tradition holds that on this night:

    •    Prayers carry extraordinary potency

    •    Sankalpa is especially powerful

    •    Fasting and vigil purify the mind

    •    Devotion deepens naturally

To worship at a Jyotirlinga during Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious.

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This is a rare and divine opportunity to have your name offered in prayers on this sacred journey to Srisailam. Want to participate? Here's how. 

Go to the Prayer Request on this website and fill in the form with your details and your loved ones details.  

For everyone included in the Sankalpa, prayers will be given for good health, prosperity, harmony in relationships, removal of obstacles, and success in dharmic efforts. 

If you'd like sponsor this sacred journey make a donation to Lalita Chandika Temple.

May your sacred journey bring you peace, prosperity, and divine grace!