Srisailam temple authorities focus on beautification of Shikaram

The authorities of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple have decided to focus on beautification works of Shikareswara Temple, popularly known as Shikaram, as part of plans to develop the temple.

Shikaram, located 8-km from the main temple, is a sacred spot at a height of 2,830 feet above the main sea level and is the highest peak of Srisailam. A temple dedicated to Sri Veera Sankara Swamy is situation here and according to Skanda Purana, a mere glance of Shikaram frees the human soul from the fitters of re-birth.

Devotees throng Shikaram after offering prayers at the main temple for the panoramic view of Srisailam temple and river Krishna.

Srisailam temple executive officer M. Srinivasa Rao directed the officials to take up landscaping at all possible places immediately. He directed them to take up repairs of the temple kitchen and serve prasadam to devotees visiting the Shikaram. Further, he wanted repairs to be taken up immediately to the illuminate Shiva Lingam at the Shikaram. Mr. Rao asked officials to set up a donation counter and also free footwear counter at the place.

“Remove garbage and litter from the temple and its surroundings regularly and keep the temple premises clean and hygienic,” Mr. Rao told the officials.

The EO also directed them to remove shrubs and bushes near the Pushkarini (temple pond) regularly. Further, he wanted officials to remove silt on a regular basis and keep the pond clean. He wanted the engineering officials to put up boards displaying the historic importance of the temple as well as the temple pond, near the pond.

Officials said that the EO wants to develop the famous Shaivaite temple town as a place where devotees can spend two or three days, and as part of this plan the temple authorities have taken up several development activities. Other tourist attractions are Srisailam dam, ropeway to Pathalaganga, and boating.