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This sthalam is situated in Andhra Pradesh. It has
been constructed in the traditional Dravidian style. This sthalam,
along with Thiruppudaimarudur near Ambasamudram and
Thiruvidaimarudur is considered an Arjuna Shetram.
The three Saivaite saints Thirugnanasambandar,
Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar have sung in praise of this Lord. Adi
Sankarar is said to have composed the Sivananda Lahari at this
sthalam. The presiding deities are Mallikarjuna Swamy and
Brahmaramba. Lord Nandikeswar in the form of a mountain is
considered to be holding up Lord Siva.
Sthala Puranam: When Siva and Parvathi
decided to find suitable brides for their sons, Ganesha and Muruga
argued as to who is to get wedded first. Lord Siva bade that the one
who goes round the world in Pradakshinam could get married first. By
the time Lord Muruga could go round the world on his vahana, Lord
Ganesha went round his parents 7 times (for according to Sastras,
going in pradakshinam round one's parents is equivalent to going
once round the world (Boopradakshinam). Lord Siva got Siddhi &
Buddhi, the daughters of Viswaroopan married to Lord Ganesha. Muruga
on his return was enraged and went away to stay alone on Mount
Kravunja in the name of Kumarabrahmachari. On seeing his father
coming over to pacfy him, he tried to move to another place, but on
the request of the Devas, stayed closeby. The place where Lord Siva
and Parvathi stayed came to be known as Sri Sailam. Lord Siva visits
Lord Muruga on Amavasai day & Parvathi Devi on Pournami.
The temple is situated facing East. The centre mandapam
has several pillars, with a huge idol of Nadikeswarar. Ambal's
sannadhi is to the west of Iswaran Sannadhi. River Krishna runs
along the foothills. Since it runs underground during parts of its
journey, it is known as Patala Ganga. Devotees believe in a darshan
of the the Sri Saila Sikaram (Peak of the Temple) from the
Sikareswarar temple situated six miles from Sri
Sailam.
Next Jyotirlinga
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