SRISAILAM SATSANG

Located on the banks of River Krishna in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, Srisailam is a renowned holy centre housing two important sacred shrines. When Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about his most desired place apart from Kailasa, Shiva chose the eternally beautiful place nestled among picturesque nature, the holy Srisailam. Here, Shiva-Shakti have taken the form of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Devi to bless their devotees. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the 2nd is the Mallikarjuna Swamy Lingam; among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the 6th is Sri Bhramaramba Devi temple. Srisailam is the only temple where two such sacred deities exist within the same temple complex making this a very special place.

Devotees would be familiar with the connection of the great sage Adi Sankaracharya to Sri Sailam. In Atmatirtham, Pujyasri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami has given us a beautiful description of Acharya’s visit to Sri Sailam and the birth of the glorious hymns Sivanandalahari and Yogataravali.

Here’s a verse from Yogataravali in which Acharya Shankara sings about SriSailam.

सिद्धिं तथाविधमनोविलयां समाधौ श्रीशैलश‍ृङ्गकुहरेषु कदोपलप्स्ये।

गात्रं यदा मम लताः परिवेष्टयन्ति कर्णे यदा विरचयन्ति खगाश्च नीडान्॥

siddhiṃ tathāvidhamanovilayāṃ samādhau śrīśailaśa‍ṛṅgakuhareṣu kadopalapsye
gātraṃ yadā mama latāḥ pariveṣṭayanti karṇe yadā viracayanti khagāśca nīḍān

 When shall I, in the caves in the mountain peaks of SriSailam, attain, in samadhi, such perfection in the dissolution of the mind, that creepers shall entwine my body and birds shall built nests in my ear.

To such a holy place, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all devotees for this divine opportunity of listening to the highest teaching — the Brahmavidya — from our esteemed Guru and enlightened Master, Pujyasri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami.

The legend of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Devi Temple

Once upon a time, Silada Maharshi, the son of Soma Muni performed intense tapas in the name of Lord Shiva. Pleased with the tapas, the Lord granted him his wish of 'sons who would carry forward worshipping Lord Shiva.’ Silada Maharshi named his sons as Nandi and Parvat. As the granted wish goes, Nandi-Parvat learnt all about Lord Shiva and became great devotees of the Lord. With his father's permission, Parvat performed tapas, and pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him a boon. To which, Parvat said: "Just as how all holy things reside in Kailasa, let me be a similar mountain filled with gods who reside as one family, with 9 holy rivers, other holy water bodies, many peaks, animals, birds, all eight Bhairavas, munis and rishis, fruit-bearing and medicinal plants and trees. While I take the form of a mountain, O Lord, You shall reside atop me on the highest peak in the form of a prime Jyotirlinga." To which Lord Shiva said, "You are the only devotee to have asked for such a lovely wish! You shall now reside as a mountain that shall be known as Sriparvatam, Srisailam, Shrigiri." This is how Lord Shiva took the form of Jyotirlinga in Srisailam. This temple is classified as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Skanda Puranam and Srisaila Khandam beautifully describe the origin and divine form of Parvati Devi which is known as Bhramaramba Devi. Once upon a time, an asura called Arunasura performed tapas in the name of Brahma. When Lord Brahma appeared and asked him what he wanted, the asura asked for immortality. Lord Brahma said that such a wish was against the principles of the universe and asked him to request another wish instead. After deep thought, Arunasura said he should never face death because of either two-legged or four-legged living beings. Brahma granted this wish. Arunasura who considered himself immortal and unbeatable started troubling people and didn’t spare the gods too. The gods who were fed up with his antics shared their concerns with Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati. Parvati Devi took the incarnation of an army of bees (Bhramara) and put an end to Arunasura. The happy gods requested the goddess to take the form of Bhramaramba in her favourite place so that they can worship her for eternity. The Divine Mother chose Srisailam to reside as Bhramaramba Devi as Srisailam is also dear to Lord Shiva. It is said that we can hear the buzzing of a bee through a tiny hole in the Brahmaramba temple. In addition to the main shrine, there is also a SriChakra installed at the entrance to the garbhagriha of Brahmaramba Devi. It is believed that Adi Sankaracharya had the vision of a rather violent form of Shakti here, and in order to pacify Her, installed the Sri Chakra.

Srisailam is referenced in various ancient Hindu Puranas, and also the epic Mahabharata. The Skanda Purana has a chapter called Srisaila Kandam, which points to the ancient origin of this temple. Skanda Purana mentons that Lord Rama and Sita consecrated the sahasra lingas (1000 lingas) here in the treta Yuga. The pandavas are believed to have spent part of their exile here during the dwapara yuga and installed the Panchapandava lingas.

Several other prominent saints also have a strong connection to Sri Sailam. Swami Dattatreya is said to have meditated under the Triphala Tree situated in the temple. Several ardent devotees of Lord Shiva such as Akka Mahadevi, Allama Prabhu, Siddha Nagarjuna have meditated at this holy place.

All these together make this abode ‘Srisailam’, something distinctive, unique, and exceptional. Experiencing a few days in such a divine environment and listening to the Brahmavidya — the highest knowledge — from an enlightened Guru is an invaluable blessing. It is our most cherished endeavour to invite, encourage and enable all the devotees to become seekers of Truth in the vast and sweet ocean of sanatana dharma.

Satsang Schedule:

( Pravachanam will be in Tamil)

Date : 16th Oct 2024

   6:00 am - Ganapathi Homam

   4:00 pm - ⇒ Poorna kumbham to Swamiji

                     ⇒ Welcome speech

                     ⇒ Deepa ujvalanam (lighting the lamp) 

                      ⇒ Anugraha bhashanam by Pujyasri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami (Nochur Swami)

Date: 17th Oct to  22nd Oct 2024

   6:00 am to 6:30 am - Veda parayanam

   6:30 am to 8:00 am - “Pravachanam” on Dhanyasthakam by Pujyasri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami

   8:15 am to 9:45 am - Breakfast

   10:00 am to 11:00 am - Shiva Pooja

   11:00 am to 12:00 pm - Pravachanam by Brahmasri Sridhar Sharma Swami / Brahmasri Rangaswami Dikshitar

   12:00 pm to 12:30 pm - Mangala arathi

   12:30 pm to 2:00 pm - Lunch

   3:30 pm to 4:15 pm - Tea Break

   4:15 pm to 6:00 pm - Pravachanam on “SIVANANDA LAHARI” by Pujyasri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami

  6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Pooja and Arathi

   7:15 pm to 9:15 pm - Dinner

   7:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Devotional Programme

B: Programme schedule subject to vary as guided by Sri Swami.

23/10/2024  Yangna samarpanam

  6:00 am to 6:30 am - Veda parayana poorti

  6:30 am to 8:00 am - Pravachanam on Dhanyasthakam by Pujyasri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami

  8:15 am to 9:45 am - Breakfast

  10:00 am to 11:00 am - Shiva Pooja and Teertha

  11:00 am to 12:00 pm - Pravachanam by Brahmasri Sridhar Sharma / Brahmasri Rangaswami Dikshitar

  12:00 pm to 12:30 pm - Mangala arathi

  12:30 pm to  2:00 pm - Lunch

  3:30 pm to 4:15 pm - Tea Break

  4:30 pm to 6:00 pm - Pravachanam - Poorthi by Pujyasri Ramanacharana Tirtha Swami

  6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Pooja Mangala Arathi

Yagna Samarpanam

  Akshata - Asirvadam

 7:15 pm - Dinner

• Accommodation has been arranged in hotels and ashrams near the satsang venue.

  For the convenience of elderly devotees, rickshaws have been arranged between the venue and rooms at no extra cost.

  There are 2 types of accommodation to choose from:

  1. Cooler/AC (can accommodate ~600 devotees)

  2. Non-AC (can accommodate ~600 devotees)

  All these rooms have western toilets, geyser and lift facility.

  Most of the rooms have 2 beds and some 3 or 4 beds.  We are unable to provide single occupancy rooms, given our constraints.

  Rooms will be allocated strictly on a first-come first-served basis. Details of accommodation will be communicated from 15^th April 2024.

  Accommodation has been arranged for 8 days/8 nights — from October 16^th, noon to October 24^th, 5:30 AM.

  Devotees are requested to arrange their return journey on October 24^th.

  More information regarding your room will be sent to you after the rooms are allocated.

  If you plan to stay in SriSailam before 16^th October, Noon or after 24^th October, 5:30 AM, please make your own arrangements for stay.

• South Indian food will be served 3 times a day besides coffee, tea and milk.

  Food will be served in a dining area within the satsang venue from October 16^th (Lunch) up to October 23^rd (dinner). Packed food will be given on 24^th early morning.

  Individual plate and tumbler will be provided for each devotee.

Devotees need to make their own travel arrangements to reach SriSailam.

 By Train

There are no direct trains to Srisailam. Those coming by train would need to alight at either Markapur (85kms/2 hours away) or Tarlupadu (100kms 2.5 hours away). The nearest major station are Kurnool and Ongole, about 180KM (4.5hours) away. Though farther away, Kurnool and Ongole stations have better connectivity to all the major South Indian cities.

Airport

The nearest domestic airport is Kurnool Airport (180 km/4.5 hours), and the nearest international airport is the Hyderabad Airport (220 km/4 hours).

The mode of travel from the railway station or airport to Sri Sailam is subject to devotee’s discretion. Devotees may choose from

• Govt buses

• Taxis (4 seater, 5 seater, 7 seater, etc. either a/c or non a/c)

Price will vary based on the choice of vehicle and the distance.

Devotees must make their own arrangements for the bus/taxi to reach SriSailam as per their travel plans

We will begin the registration for this Satsang online (https://shivasameeksha.org/srisailam-satsang) on Friday, March 8th 2024–9am onwards – the Holy MAHA SHIVARATHRI day and will end on July-21st 2024 Sunday – the sacred GURU POORNIMA day or sooner if maximum number of registrations are reached.

Registration cost covers accommodation, food, rickshaws and other satsang arrangements. It does not include travel costs to and from SriSailam and the cost of transportation between airport/railway station and place of stay.

Registration cost based on the type of room chosen is given below:

Type of Accomodation	Registration Cost per person
Cooler/AC	Rs. 16,000
Non-AC	Rs. 13,000

Children below 10 years can attend the Satsang free of cost. However, if you want a separate bed for the child, please register them as an attendee (full registration cost will be applicable in this case).

 

We understand that devotees may want to cancel for many reasons. Even as we want to refund the entire Registration amount, we are constrained by the up-front cost commitments we have made and the time needed to find another devotee to take your place. Hence, cancellation fee will be as listed below:

If you are able to find a replacement for the cancelled registrations, there is zero cancellation fee and the entire registration amount will be refunded. Room allocation, if already done, will remain the same.

If you are unable to find a replacement and if the cancellation date is:

• On or before August 31^st, cancellation fee is Rs. 1,000 per person.

  • For example, if you have chosen AC rooms, Rs. 15,000 per person will be refunded

• Between September 1^stand September 15^th, cancellation fee is Rs. 5,000 per person.

• On or after September 16^th, no refund

Click to Register For SRISAILAM SATSANG 2024

At the time of registration, you can choose one of the following payment methods:

1. CC Avenue payment Gateway to pay with Credit Card/Debit Card/Net Banking/UPI

2. NEFT Bank Transfer

If you select CC Avenue payment gateway:

• Registration will be confirmed immediately

If you select NEFT:

• You can transfer the amount to this account using online banking facility of your bank or in person from your bank branch.

• Banks do not charge any fee for NEFT transfers

• It will take up to ten days for us to confirm receipt of your transfer and to confirm the registration.

Devotees who transfer through NEFT, please inform us with the details of your NEFT transfer.

PS: Number of registration, name, date, etc. through email or WhatsApp.

We do not accept cash or cheques.

Devotees from abroad will need to use cards issued in India as we are unable to accept transfers from a foreign country.

• Please note that this satsang has been arranged with the higher purpose of making the Vedantic teaching available to all. There are no commercial or personal intents behind it. All devotees are requested to understand this and extend maximum support & cooperation for the fruitful conduct of this divine satsang.

• The climate in SriSailam during October will be pleasant and congenial.

• It is mandatory to carry your original id proof, be it your Aadhar, Pan etc

• Please carry your own medical needs. However, in case of any contingency, we will take care of your needs immediately.

• Please do not carry any valuables with you. Samithi will not hold responsibility for any loss.

• Please do not venture out on your own during the days of the satsang. If you would like to visit the nearby holy places, it is recommended that you plan additional days of stay.

• If you need any help, please contact our Help-Desk at the venue.

These are the other places of interest in and around Sri Sailam. Devotees may make their own arrangements to visit these places if they wish.

1. Sakshi Ganapati Temple (2km). It is believed that the Ganapathi here, with a book and pen in his hands, keeps an account of every pilgrim who visits Srisailam Temple.

2. Shikhareshwara temple (8km). This ancient temple is situated atop the highest hill in Srisailam — Sikharam — at an elevation of 2830 feet. Owing to its elevation, one can witness spectacular views of the Krishna river and landscape from this temple.

3. Hatakeshvara Temple(5km) is where Shiva is believed to have appeared in a pot

4. Pathala Ganga(1km) — a dip here is considered holy. This place can be reached either by taking a ropeway or by climbing down 500 steps.

5. Akka Mahadevi Caves(18km) — visiting the caves requires a 16km/one hour boat ride in River Krishna followed by a 10-minute trek to reach the caves. The caves are around 150 meters deep and are dark and narrow.

6. Kadali Vanam caves(12km of trekking from Akka Mahadevi caves). Akkamahadevi is said to have spent her last days at this place. Bhagavan Dattatreya and his other incarnations are believed to have stayed at this place.

7. Paladhara panchadara(4km) — Two natural springs that are believed to have originated from Shiva's forehead form a waterfall here. It is here that Adi Shankaracharya penned the glorious masterpiece Sivanandalahari. We have to walk 160 steps to reach this stream.

8. Ishta Kameswari Devitemple (22kms) is a cave temple located deep in the forests of Nallamala. 20km to and fro trekking through the rocky terrained forest is needed to reach this temple. Permission from the Forest Department is required to visit this temple.

9. Shivaji sphoorti kendram— This is believed to be the place that the Divine Mother gave darshan to Shivaji and blessed him with a sword.

10. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve— India's largest tiger reserve is spread over 3500 sq-km. This Sanctuary is a natural Home to over 150 bird species, the sanctuary is a fabulous bird watching spot as well. Some of the other wild animals that can be spotted in Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary are black bucks, sambars, wild boars, spotted deer, panthers, sloth bears, wolves, Indian giant squirrels, etc

11. Siddi Ramappa Kolanu waterfalls(1km)

12. Mallela Theertham(58kms) — There are many legends attached to this waterfall that state its water to be holy and sacred. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in front of many saints at this place. It is one of the few waterfalls where we can behold the waterfall from behind the waterfall. Visiting this waterfall requires travel in 8km of mudroad and then a climb down of 350 steps.

How to reach Srisailam- 

Connection trains:

Nearest station:

     Markapur road station

        ⇒ 81 kms from Srisailam

        ⇒ Travel time: 2 hours & 4 minutes

 

How to reach Markapur:

 

⇒ Go to Bangalore

⇒ From Bangalore - Markapur road station

 

1.

⇒ Name       : Prasanthi Express 

    Train No.  : 18464 daily.

    Time         : Departure 13:40 - Arrival 00:45

⇒ KSR Bangalore city junction to Markapur road junction.

 

2.

Name.     : Kondaveedu Express

Train no. : 17212

Time.       : Departure 14:20  -  Arrival 00:21

 

3.

Name.    : Puri weekly Garib Rath

Train no : 22884

Time.      : Departure 22:40 - Arrival 08:54

 

1. B: 

→ Devotees are requested to verify the train details before booking.

→ Number of trains is very much lesser to Markapur station road junction.

→ The transit facilities with regards to Markapur may be inconvenient. Please confirm and proceed further.

 

Another option to reach Srisailam:

 

All the devotees are hereby advised to plan their journey as mentioned under.

 

⇒ Though Markapur road junction is nearest station to Srisailam, as the transit convenience would be very difficult, devotees are requested to book their tickets either upto “Ongole” or "Kurnool".

Because, these two big cities are very well connected by all trains running from devotee's respective destinations, say from Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kerala, etc..

 

Once devotees reach either of these destinations, from their respective place, then reaching Srisailam is very much convenient.

 

How to reach from "Ongole" & "Kurnool" to Srisailam"

⇒ The mode of travel subject to devotee's discretion

⇒ Number of buses (govt) are available to Srisailam from both the cities.

⇒ Lots of hired cars are available to suit the convenience of the devotees. Say, 4 seater, 5 seater, 7 seater, etc.

⇒ Devotees can select the vehicle of their choice 

Viz: A/C, Non-A/C, 4 seater, 5 seater, 7 seater etc.

⇒ The cost might vary from Rs. 3,500 - Rs. 6000, based on the choice of the vehicle.

 

⇒ Travel time: 4 hours & 30 minutes.

⇒ Distance: 175 - 180 kms.

 

[The time & travel distance is same from Ongole and  Kurnool]

 

Train details: 

• From Bangalore - Kurnool (Dist hq)

 

⇒ Train no : 12786, Daily available

     Name     : KacheGuda SF Express

     Time       : Departure: 18.20 - Arrival: 1:13

 

Yeswanthpur - Kurnool city

⇒  Train no :19302, weekly

      Time      : Departure: 15.50 - Arrival: 22.08

• From Chennai

 

Chennai Egmore - Kurnool city

 

⇒ Train no : 17651.

     Name     : KacheGuda express   

     Running: Runs daily

     Time      : Departure: 16:40 - Arrival: 3:03

• From Coimbatore - Kurnool city

 

⇒ Train: No : 17290

     Name      : KacheGuda SF Express

     Time        : Departure: 15:55 - Arrival: 18:23

     Running  : Sunday & Thursday

 

⇒Train no  : 12647

    Name      : Kongu Express

    Time        : Departure: 16:15 - Arrival: 6:28

    Running  : Sunday

    

• From Madurai - Kurnool city

 

⇒ Train no : 16733

     Name     : Rameswaram - Okha Express

     Time       : Departure: 13:20 - Arrival: 18:23

     Running : Saturday

 

⇒ Train no : 17616

     Name     : KacheGuda weekly.

     Time      : Departure: 13:15 - Arrival: 19:58

     Runs      : Saturday

 

Trains to Ongole:

• From MGR-Central - Chennai to Ongole:

 

⇒ GT express - Daily.

     Time: Departure: 18:50 - Arrival: 22:33

 

⇒ Howrah mail = Daily

     Time: Departure: 20:20 - Arrival: 00:03

 

⇒ Dhanbad express - daily

     Time: Departure: 22:10 - Arrival: 2:28

• From Perabur to Ongole

 

⇒ Gowhathi express

     Thursday - Friday - Saturday

     Time : Departure: 5:30 - Arrival: 10:23

 

⇒ Patna Express

     Train no : 22643 

              Runs      : Tuesday & Wednesday

     Time       : Departure: 5:30 - Arrival: 10:23

• From Chennai Egmore to Ongole

 

⇒ Name : Circar Express-T

     Runs : Runs daily

     Time  : Departure: 17:10 - Arrival: 22:13

 

⇒ Name  : Charminar Express

     Runs  : Daily

     Time   : Departure: 17:45  - Arrival: 22:18

 

1. From Chennai Central

 

⇒ Name: Coromandal express.

      Runs daily

 

From Coimbatore:

 

Train no : 17229

Name     : Sabari Express

Runs      : Daily

Time       : Departure: 16:35 - Arrival: 4:03

 

From Trivandrum to Ongole:

One train which runs daily

Train no : 17229

Name     : Sabari Express.

Time      : Departure: 06:45 - Arrival: 04:13

         

All other trains are weekly only.

Name of the weekly trains:

 

⇒ Train no :12512 

     Name     : Rapitsagar.

     Runs      : Tuesday & Wednesday

     Time       : Departure: 06:35 KVCL - Arrival: 03:44 OGL

Travel time to Chennai Approximately  4:30 MTS

 

Trains from ONGOLE  (OGL) TO Bengaluru

 

Trains from ONGOLE  TO COIMBATORE:

Trains from ONGOLE (OGL)  TO TRIVANDRUM:

Trains from ONGOLE (OGL)  TO ERNAKULAM:

Trains from ONGOLE (OGL) TO PALAKKAD:

HIS IS A TENTATIVE INFORMATION.

 PLS VERIFY THE SCHEDULE AND PLAN YOUR TRAVEL LOGISTICS.

 

TRAIN DETAILS FROM KURNOOL TO CHENNAI:

TRAIN DETAILS FROM KURNOOL (KRNT) TO  BANGALORE:

TRAIN DETAILS FROM KURNOOL (KRNT) TO COIMBATORE:

 

No daily train.

Weekly trains only

TRAINS FROM KURNOOL (KRND) TO TRIVAND RUM:

No  direct daily trains.trains on weekly basis UP to Quilon only.

 

TRAINS FROM KURNOOL TO ERNAKULAM

  No  direct daily trains only connection  trains

 

N:B;  

• The  above given list of trains is tentative. 
• Please verify the schedule and plan your travel logistics.
• Please note that devotees from, chennai, kerala,coimbatore, are requested to book the ticket up to ONGOLE from their respective destination for their onward journey.
• Devotees from Bangalore may select between Ongole and Kurnool for their onward journey.

 

For return journey: Please ensure that your journey starts from Ongole to your respective destination.

 

⇒ However, preference of boarding either way is thoroughly at the discretion of devotees, based on the availability of trains and their comfort zone.

 

⇒ Please be informed that there is no train running directly to Srisailam.

 

⇒ Either reach Ongole / Kurnool.

From there, reach Srisailam by road as per your convenience.

 

E-mail: shivasameeksha@gmail.com

Call:      9443030797 - Mr.Ramasubramanian

              9633309595 - Dr.Subramanian Vasu    

Between: 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM             5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

• In case, if not reachable through phone, please message via whatsapp & you will be answered back at the earliest.

• All the devotees are requested to directly reach the satsang venue. (I.e)

          "VASAVI VIHAR" on 16th October 2024.

   Our  volunteers will be available from 8:00 a.m to help and guide you.