Srisailam Temple

About Srisailam Temple:

• Srisailam Temple, or Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of Mallikarjuna Swamy. 
• It is located at Srisailam in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is surrounded by the forests of the Nallamala Hills, overlooking the pristine waters of the Krishna River.
• According to Hindu mythology, the temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, divine manifestations of Lord Shiva spread across India.
• The Goddess Shakti is worshipped as Bramarambha in the temple and has a shrine dedicated to her. 
• This ancient temple built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards is one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagara architecture.
• Though the exact origins of the temple are not available, the Satavahanas of the 2ndcentury AD have referred to it.
• The Kakatiyas and the Vijayanagara kings have made several endowments here.
• The unique feature of this temple is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi (in the form of Bhramarambika) in one campus, which is very rare and only one of its kind.
• The great religious leader Aadi Sankara is said to have visited this shrine and composedhis immortal Sivananda Lahiri here.

Q1: What is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was set up in 1861 to preserve and conserve sites of national importance. Over the years, it has been the custodian of 3,677 monuments and archaeological sites in India. The ASI has also excavated sites and restored monuments in many foreign countries and in the process has brought back to life the historical and civilizational links that India cherished and nourished with its neighbours and others beyond the neighbourhood. 

Source: TOI