Srisailam is a census towninNandyal district of the Indian stateofAndhra Pradesh.[3] It is the mandal headquarters of Srisailam mandalinAtmakur revenue division.[4] It is located about 160 kilometres (99 mi) from the district headquarters Nandyal, 180 kilometres (112 mi) from Kurnool, and it is located about 264 kilometres (164 mi) from Vijayawada. The town is famous for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple and is one of the holy pilgrimage sites for the Shaivism and Shaktism sects of Hinduism. The town is classified as both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakta pitha.[5]
Srisailam
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Srisaila Mallikarjuna temple Vimana
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  Srisailam Location in Andhra Pradesh, India Show map of Andhra Pradesh Srisailam Srisailam (India) Show map of India | |
| Coordinates: 16°05′00″N 78°52′00″E / 16.0833°N 78.8667°E / 16.0833; 78.8667 | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Nandyal |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.96 km2 (2.30 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)[1]
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| • Total | 21,452 |
| • Density | 3,600/km2 (9,300/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN |
518101[2]
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| Vehicle registration | AP |
As of 2001[update] census of India,[6] Srisailam had a population of 23,257. Males constituted 54% of the population and females 46%. Srisailam Project (RFC) Township has an average literacy rate of 75.62% higher than the state average of 67.02%. Male literacy is around 85.68% while female literacy rate is 63.24%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Srisailam is one of the popular tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh and considered one of the most important pilgrimage centres of Lord Shiva.
The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools, under the School Education Department of the state.[10][11]
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation operates bus services from Srisailam and Atmakur bus station with Atmakur bus depot.
By Foot
There is a path to travel on foot from Atmakur to Srisailam. The Devotees to fulfil their Vow to Lord Shiva will take this path to reach Srisailam on foot from Atmakur. The path completely passes through dense forest of Nallamala Hills. One has to carry their own food and Potable items with them as there are no adequate facilities. This path for devotees is allowed only twice in a year viz.,
Road
There are two roads to reach Srisailam as it can be accessed by road from Dornala and Atchampet. The state government-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates frequent buses from Atmakur and Dornala and also from nearby places. The travel by road is not allowed to Shrishaila between 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. as roads are through Nallamala forests.[12]
Rail
The nearest railway station is at Markapur Road Railway Station, about 90 kilometres from Srisailam. Markapur Road railway station in the South Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways. It is under the jurisdiction of Guntur Railway Division.
Airport
The nearest airport is Kurnool Airport about 180 kilometres from Srisailam. It is a domestic airport. The nearest major airport is the Hyderabad International Airport located about 217 km (135 mi) from Srisailam.