All about the Ahobilam Trip : Part 2

Mahanandi:

After a good trek and exciting , yet exhausting almost 2 days at Ahobilam, we headed to Mahanandi, which is home to Mahanandishwara (Lord Shiva) and is again , in the middle of nowhere. Here is how we got to Mahanandi ~

Ahobilam -> Aalagadda (Via bus)

Aalagadda -> Nandyal (Via bus)

Nandyal -> Mahanandi (Via bus)

What is special about this spot is the fact that there is a mysterious source of water which has been redirected to 3 pools within the temple premises - this water is said to healany sort of ailments. And the water is so clear and cool at all seasons through out the year!

But one thing needs to be mentioned here - those who are really fussy about the intake of food either be stocked with a good stock of bread butter and jam or take a mini electric cooker along with this trip , good food is impossible to find around here! After a night's relaxation at the feet of Mahanandishwara, we headed to Sri Sailam the next morning on the 6 am bus.

Note : There are only 2 buses to Sri Sailam from Mahanandi, one at 6 00 am and one at 3 30 in the afternoon. Sri Sailam happens to be in the Ghats sections so buses are not allowed late at night. Sri Sailam also happens to be a Tiger Reserve, btw.

Sri Sailam:

Sri Sailam is one of the most important pilgrimage places for Shaivaites in the world. It is one of the 12 places in India where Saint Adi Shankara had placed a Jyotirlingam. (He had done that in 12 places spanning across the length and breadth of India, and I have covered about 8 of the 12 B-) ) It was a 6 hr ardous bus journey from Mahanandi to Sri Sailam. But definitely worth the wait!

A number of legends have grown round Srisailam and its principal deities. Among them the most significant one is that Parvatha, son of Silada Maharshi is said to have performed penance, pleased Siva and made him agree to live on his body. This Parvatha assumed the shape of big Hill –‘ Sriparvatha’ and Siva lived on it’s top as Mallikarjuna Swamy. According to one story, Chandravathi the ruler of Chandraguptha Patana situated near Srisailam on the opposite bank of the river Krishna ran away from her father who made amorous advances to her went up the hill and settled down there with few servants. One day she found that one of her cows standing above a natural rock formation resembling the Sivalinga and shedding its milk over it. The princess in dream was informed that the piece of the stone was a self-manifested Linga of God Mallikarjuna and took to worshipping it. This story is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Two sculptures of the Prakara Wall of the temple also represent this story. According to another story ‘Sri’ the daughter of a Rishi did penance, pleased Siva and got her name associated with the name of the Hill( Sailam ) which thereafter came to be known as Srisailam.

You will find the Lingam motif being used exclusively across this little town. Everywhere, as in Everywhere! Hoardings , Grills , random decoration in public spots. You will also find 30 - 40 feet tall status of Lord Veerbhadra, Lord Dakhshinamurthy and Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathy, Lord Karthikeyan and Lord Ganesha all together.

The main attraction of Sri Sailam is obviously Lord Mallikarjunaswamy and Goddess Bhramarambha sannidhi. Apart from that there are lots of tourist spots in and around , you could probably hop onto a share auto to watch them all. One of the many spots you would find is PHALADHARA – PANCHADHARA - where Saint Adi Shankara did penance and composed the famous Sivanandalahari here.

After a wonderful time at Sri Sailam , we boarded a bus and headed to Markapur , from where we boarded a train to Bellary to attend a family function.

All in all , a really good and satisfying trip!