Temples at Srisailam

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Srisailam in Andhradesa is a renowned Saivakshetra and has a hoary past. Together with two more sacred Lingakshetras. Kalesvaram on the north and Daksharama on the east, constituted ancient Andhra, which was then known as Trilingadesa. In the early medieval period, Srisailam rose to prominence as a pilgrim center with Alampur, Umamahesvaram, Siddhesvaram and Tripurantakam serving as gateways, thus contributing to the colorful, religious and cultural life of the Andhras. Srisailam was referred as Sriparvata, Srisaila, Mallikarjunam , Parvatam, Srigiri, Srisaila Mallikarjunam and Srikailasa in many inscriptions, literary texts and the Puranas. It is rich in legend and religious tradition. Historically, this holy centre with surrounding regions was associated with all the dynasties that ruled Andhradesa. The main sects of Saivism: Pasuputas, Kalamukhas, Kapalikhas and Virasaivas along with Siddhas and Nathas, enriched the religious life of Srisailam. The main temple complex: Bramaramba-Mallikharjuna flourished as a great center where art and architecture and religious cults grew to maturity. The antiquity of the place is linked with sanctity. Therefore, it is difficult for any researcher to probe into the textual literary and Archaeological sources and date the temples along with the gods enshrined therein. The present work of Anuradha Vemulapalli is an indepth study of all the temples of this place, their growth, rituals and life surrounding them along with a critical study of the art and architecture, iconography and inscriptions associated with them. The most important and substantial contribution is an exhaustive documentation of Prakara sculptural wealth. For the first time, one gets a glimpse of the great Saivakshetra of the Mallikarjuna temple complex through drawings and photo illustrations. Besides, an analytical and correlative study of inscriptions and the associated literature was attempted for the first time, bringing to light the religious history of Srisailam. The book is of lasting value for students as wells as scholars interested in the study of Saiva religious institutions and their activities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR V. Anuradha

Anuradha Vemulapalli is presently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of History and Archaeology, Nagarjuna University. She obtained her Master of Arts degree (M.A.) from Nagarjuna University in 1977 and was awarded the 'Tellakula Kanyakumari Memorial Prize' for securing the top rank in M.A, Ancient History and Archaeology. She did her Ph.D at Nagarjuna University in 1989. The present book is the outcome of her research work. Before entering the teaching profession at Nagaijuna University in 1985, she was involved in various fieldwork-oriented projects in different capacities. She worked in the Srisailam excavation project (1978-1983) funded by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, as a Pottery assistant and a Technical assistant. She was associated with the transplantation of two temples from Sangamesvaram and Siddhesvaram in Kurnool district to a selected site, Bannuru. She also worked as a Research assistant (1977-1978) in the History Project Unit of Nagarjuna University, funded by the International Telugu Institute, Hyderabad. She joined in the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh as a Guide lecturer and worked at Victoria Jubilee Museum, Vijayawada. She has numerous research papers to her credit focused on Art and architecture and religious history.

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Bibliographic information

Title
Temples at Srisailam
Author
Edition
1st ed.
Publisher
ISBN
8173200351
Length
Xxiii+293p., Plates; Maps; Appendices; Bibliography; Abreviations.
Subjects