Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam – Mother Shrine

Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam – Mother Shrine

Bhramaramba Shrine faces to the east and is located in the back-court yard of the main complex at an elevated level and is very near to the western Gopuram of main prakaram. The Brahmarambika Shrine within the temple complex is of great significance. Goddess Bhramaramba Devi is one of the eighteen Mahasakthis. She is also self-manifested. The Bhramaramba shrine is considered to be of great significance. The temple is surrounded by an enclosure with varamandapas at the inner sides. The way of this shrine starts at the back side of Mallikarjuna Temple with wide steps, leading to the doorway of the enclosure.

This doorway is having a Mandapa Dwara with Gopuram on it. This temple consists of Garbhagriha and Mukhamandapam. The Mukha Mandapa was added by a 24 pillared Pradakshina Mandapa in 1964 – 65. Among the pillars of this mandapa, 14 pillars are beautifully sculptured and remaining 10 pillars are ornate. It seems that the Mukhamandapam is also a later addition and it has entrances on the east, south and north. The exterior lower wall of the Mukhamandapam has relief sculptures of dancing girls and musicians and these are clearly of Vijayanagara Style.

At the interior centre of the Mukhamandapam facing the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum, the stone Srichakra is installed to which daily worship is being offered. A story preserved in the folklore narrates that, Adi Sankara, saw the violent form of Bhramaramba Devi and to reduce her violent power, installed Srichakra in front of the Garbhagriha. There is also a Padmasila at the east of the Srichakra.

Garbhagriha:

The Garbhagriha is a square structure and its outer walls are depicted with scenes of Ramayana and they are clearly of Vijayanagara style. The doorjambs are carved with lotus foliage designs and whereas on the top of jamb there a form of Sakthi as Lalitamba. At present the doorjamb is gilded with silver plates. The image of Bhramaramba in the sanctum sanctorum is in the form of Mahishasura Mardini in a standing posture, with eight hands. She is keeping the demon Mahisha with her left leg and holding his face with the left hand and piercing it with the trisula of right hand. In her hands, she is shown holding a dagger, mace, sword, a bow, a shield and Parigha. On the right shoulder of the deity an arrow holder is also depicted.

The Vimana:

The Vimana Gopuram of Bhramaramba temple shows early architectural features. It is Dvitala vimana of Dravidian style and exhibits the images of Sakthi forms, female Bhuthaganas, lions etc., The cardinal Koshtas houses the images of Durga in the east, Vaishnavi in the west, and Brahmi in the north. The Vimana Shikhara is capped by Rekhadalapadma. This super structure seems to have been constructed in 14th-15th centuries.