14th century Shiva Lingam discovered at Srisailam serves as reminder of rich cultural heritage
Bhagyanagar.
An ancient Shiva Lingam has been unearthed near the Srisailam Bhramarambika Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, close to the U-Fee Theater on June 5. The Lingam was discovered during the levelling of the ground with a JCB for the construction of a support wall for a CC road. What makes this discovery even more fascinating is that the stone carving also included a Nandi statue.
This discovery of the stone inscription and ancient Shiva Lingam in the Jyotirlinga Shakti Peetham at the Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, has garnered significant attention. Temple authorities have sent photos of the inscription to the Archaeology Department in Mysore for further analysis. The experts, after studying the inscription, confirmed that it mentions the installation of the Shiva Lingam and Nandi by Kampilayya at the Chakra Gundam, located between the Sarangadhara Math and the Rudraksha Math.
Previously, a Chaturmukha Lingam was also found in this area. During the renovation of the Panchamatha in the past, several copper inscriptions, as well as gold and silver coins, were unearthed.
The discovery of the ancient Shiva Lingam has brought joy to devotees of Lord Shiva, who have been flocking to the site to offer special prayers and seek blessings. Srisaila Mahakshetram is considered as Kailasa on Earth. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the 2nd is the Mallikarjuna Swamy Lingam, and among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the 6th is the Sri Bhramaramba Devi temple. Over the centuries, the holy site has attracted numerous revered personalities, including Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Krishna Devaraya, Chatrapathi Shivaji, and many other spiritual luminaries.
Srisaila Mahakshetram is considered as Kailasa on Earth. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the 2nd is the Mallikarjuna Swamy Lingam; among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the 6th is Sri Bhramaramba Devi temple. Visited by many great saints like Adi Shankaracharya, rulers mainly Sri Krishna Devaraya, Chhatrapati Shivaji and several other spiritual personalities.
According to the sthala purana, various divine and historical figures throughout the ages have visited Srisailam and sought the blessings of Sri Bhramarambika Devi and Mallikarjuna Swamy. Narasimha swamy in Satyayugam, Shri Rama and Sita Devi in Tretayugam, and all five Pandavas in Dvaparayugam are believed to have visited the site. Additionally, numerous yogis, rishis, munis, preachers, spiritual teachers, kings, poets, and devout pilgrims in Kalyug have also made their way to this sacred place.
The discovery of the ancient Shiva Lingam adds another layer to the historical tapestry of Srisailam, reaffirming its significance as a revered pilgrimage destination. As further research and analysis is conducted, experts and devotees eagerly await more insights into the cultural heritage and spiritual legacy that this ancient find represents.
