Information of Saleshwaram Cave Temple (Saleshwaram Lingamayya Swamy Temple), Srisailam, Mahbubnagar, Telangana

Saleshwaram Temple is located in the "Tiger Reserve Nallamala Forest" in the district of Mahabubnagar, in the state of Telangana, in South India. It is about 30 KM from Mannanur and 50 KM from Srisailam. It is to be noted that this shrine is situated in deep valley filled with dense forest. It is to be remembered that the shrine and associated road will be closed throughout the year. It will be broadly opened for just five days during the month of March-April. It is considered very auspicious to visit the temple on chaitra pournima in moon light. During this auspicious season TSRTC arranges special buses for yatra from Acchampeta and Kalvakurthi depots for the adherent devotees and pilgrims.

Saleshwaram Cave Temple Religious Significance

Saleshwaram temple is an ancient Lord Shiva Temple so it is also called Saleshwaram Lingamayya Swamy Temple. It is situated in a deep area of the "Tiger Reserve Nallamala Forest". It is located near Near Mannanur checkpost on the Srisailam Road in the district of Mahabubnagar. It is an ancient Lord Shiva temple that untouched by modernism of present Hindu religious custom and tradition. It gained momentum in the medieval period in this region because of the patronage of local people and devotees from far and near belonging to this particular region. Actually, after independence, this shrine really gained significance with facilities to reach the spot through private and government authorities. It is to be remembered that the religious importance of this temple was spread through word of mouth publicity. People visit this temple along with their family members, close friends and relatives.

Saleshwaram Cave Temple Architectural Significance

Saleshwaram temple is based on the South Indian Hindu temple style and pattern with a lot of perfection. It is a Lord Shiva temple which is small size in this region. The building structure is moderate in height when compared to other Lord Shiva temple in this particular region. It looks like a local temple. The tower of this temple is very moderate in height. The idol of Lord Shiva is installed on a raised platform. The fleets of step lead to this shrine. The walls and pillars of this shrine are dotted with images of major and minor Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The courtyard of this shrine is apt for various types of religious functions and activities. The interior and exterior of this ancient temple is very attractive in several aspects. On the other hand, this ancient temple doesn't have any medieval touch in any aspects. The stone and other construction material used in this temple belong to this forest area only. The artisans used in this temple were very skilled and talented with a great extent. The shrine is unique is several aspects from the common Hindu temples in the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It has certain aspects of North Indian Hindu architectural styles and patterns.

Festivals at Saleshwaram Cave Temple

Saleshwaram temple is considered very auspicious to largely visit this shrine on chaitra pournima or in moon light. It is to be remembered that the temple is opened for just five days in the whole year. This particular season is during Chaitra Pournima. At this shrine, various types of poojas, homams, yagnas and other religious functions and activities are conducted in a religious manner. It is the only Shiva temple of the state where Shivarathri isn't celebrated because the shrine remains closed during this festive day with roads closed towards it. The five days when the temple is kept wide open then it looks like a fair is happening in the deep forested area to a great extent.