A revered temple dedicated to an avatar of the Hindu goddess Parvati- Ista Kameswari, Srisailam Istakameswari Temple is situated amidst the lush green forests and a rejuvenating atmosphere in Nallamala, 20 km from Srisailam. Located inside a cave, the temple is visited by devotees and history enthusiasts for its history and architecture. The temple is famous among devotees for assurance of wish fulfilment. Devotees believe every wish of theirs would be fulfilled. A striking feature of the temple is the Idol of Istakameswari. Devotees claim that the forehead of the idol of Ista Kameswari is as soft as human skin.
Srisailam Istakameswari Temple: History
Srisailam Istakameswari temple history is that the temple was constructed in the 8th to 10th century. However, the exact time of its construction is not clear. The temple can be associated with the times of the ancient Rashtrakuta dynasty, but we cannot say so. Nonetheless, the temple is inside the tiger reserve so that one can see paw prints. The temple has a Ganesh temple in its vicinity as well. A Vinayak statue and streams are flowing before reaching the main temple.
The Main temple is inside a cave where approximately 5 people can be accommodated. The idol kept inside the cave is of the avatars of the Goddess Parvati known as the Istakameswari. The devotees are allowed to interact with the goddess very intimately. Devotees can apply red vermilion or sindoor onto the goddess’s forehead. This experience is one that any devotee would not want to miss. The sindoor applied on the forehead of the goddess has led to the belief that the forehead of the goddess is human-like. This experience offers them an experience that they cannot forget. The connection one feels with the Goddess offers a sense of familiarity and closeness, which becomes memorable.
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Srisailam Istakameswari Temple: Timings
The Istakameswari Temple in Srisailam is open throughout the week. Srisailam Istakameswari temple timings are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The time to visit the temple is usually around an hour or so, depending on the crowd. Still, devotees try to Visitkameswari Temple during the early hours of the day to visit the forested area.
Best Time To Visit
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Despite its location amidst the forests of Nallamala, the temperatures are bound to soar. Therefore, the best time to visit the Istakameswari temple is during the early hours of the day. Visiting during the early hours of the morning helps avoid crowds and heat while also allowing devotees to take their time visiting the goddess and asking for a blessing. July to September are considered the best times to visit the temple.
Suggested Read: Temples In Andhra Pradesh
How To Reach Srisailam Istakameswari Temple
The Istakameswari Temple is located amidst the lush green forest of Nallamala, around 20 km from Srisailam.
By Road:
To reach Istakameswari Temple Srisailam, visitors are recommended to go in groups. Since the temple is situated amidst the forest, tribals of the area provide jeep rides and are also responsible for food. The temple is set in the lush green Nallamala forest, making travelling to it a little difficult. Since the temple is situated amidst the forest, the forest department controls and manages the transportation to the main temple.
Moreover, the tribals of the area also provide jeep rides to reach the Istakameswari Temple. The road is rocky and muddy, restricting the jeep from going all the way to the temple. The jeep only covers a certain distance.
By Bus:
Visitors can consider taking the bus to get to the temple as another transportation option. However, it’s important to note that the bus does not directly transport visitors to the temple. Ultimately, reaching the temple requires visitors to rely on trekking, making it a more adventurous and immersive journey.
Further Read: Hill Stations In Andhra Pradesh
The Srisailam Istakameswari Temple in Andhra Pradesh is set in the scenic and beautiful landscape of the Nallamala forest. The temple is beautiful and offers peace and tranquillity to its visitors. Devotees can interact very closely with their goddess and feel a sense of unity. The temple boasts history, natural beauty, and spirituality and is perfect for the tranquillity one wants. So, on your next trip to Andhra Pradesh, remember to add this attraction to your itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Srisailam Istakameswari Temple
What is the significance of Istakameswari Temple?
The Istakameswari temple is dated back to the 8th to 10th century. The Temple is situated in lush forests and scenic landscape of the Nallamala forest in Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is significant for devotees of Goddess Parvati. The temple is dedicated to one of the avatars of the Hindu Goddess, Parvati. The temple is especially significant because of the closeness it allows devotees to have with the deity. The priests at Istakameswari temple allow devotees to apply red vermilion or sindoor to the forehead of the deity. The temple is visited both by devotees and history and nature enthusiasts.
What is the history of Istakameswari Temple?
Mythologically, the temple is associated with the goddess Parvati, a Hindu Goddess. The temple is believed to be dedicated to one of the avatars of goddess Parvati named the Istakameswari devi. The temple is set in a cave amidst the Nallamala forest that houses a tiger reserve. However, the exact time of construction of the Istakameswari temple remains unclear. Still, it is believed to have been constructed between the 8th and 10th century during the times of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty.
How to reach Istakameswari temple?
The temple is set in the lush green Nallamala forest which makes travelling to the Istakameswari temple a little difficult. Since the temple is situated amidst the forest, the forest department controls and manages the transportation to the main temple. Moreover, the tribals of the area also provide jeep rides to reach the Istakameswari Temple. The road is rocky and muddy, which restricts the jeep from going all the way to the temple. The jeep only covers a certain distance. Another option is taking the bus, which doesn’t transport visitors to the temple. Ultimately, to reach the temple, visitors have to rely on trekking.
How far is the Istakameswari Temple from Srisailam?
The temple is situated at a distance of 20 km from Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is fairly connected but offers a challenge to people who may be aged. Despite the distance, the temple is fairly connected and can be accessed by jeep and a bus. However, reaching the temple does become a little challenging.
Which temple to visit first in Srisailam?
The Sakshi Ganesh Temple in Srisailam is visited first, commonly. According to Hindu mythology, God Ganesha should be prayed to, first. It is believed that Lord Ganesha keeps track of the visitors to Srisailam. Therefore, devotees begin their journey to visit temples by visiting the Sakshi Ganesh Temple first and then proceeding to visit other temples to seek blessings from the gods.
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