India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Andhra Pradesh

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 07.03.1978

Pin code: 518101

Status: Active

PO Name: Srisailam

Description: Srisailam is a town in the Kurnool district of Andhra which is famous for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple. It is described as both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha. Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple or Srisailam Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Legend has it that Lord Shiva's son Kumar Kartikeya once got angry and came down from Kailash to the Kronch Hills. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati came here and started living under the names Arjuna and Mallika. It is important for both Shaivite and Shakta Hindu sects, as this temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva and one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of Devi. Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna and is represented by the Lingam and Parvati is represented as Bhramaramba. 

The temple complex spreads over 2 hectares with four entrance gates known as gopurams. The complex has several shrines but the shrines of Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba are the most prominent. It has several halls the notable being the Mukha Mandapam built during the Vijayanagara period which houses the temple facing east. The central mandapam has several pillars, which house a huge statue of Nadikeshwara. The temple is 183 metres long by 152 metres wide and surrounded by 8.5 metres high walls. The complex has several sculptures. The Mukha Mandapam, the hall leading to the sanctum, has intricately carved pillars. The shrine which houses Mallikarjuna is believed to be the oldest in the temple. The first precinct has images of Nataraja in a mirror room. Inscriptions from the Satavahana dynasty suggest that the temple has existed since the 2nd century. Most of the additions were made during the time of King Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Veershaiva Mandapam and Pathalanga stairs were constructed during the Reddy Empire.