Srisailam Temple Trust Board Big Announcements: Free Laddu Prasadam, Monthly Sparsha Darshan for Chenchu Tribals, Kolanubharati Temple Adoption!

In a major boost to devotees of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, the Srisailam Devasthanam Trust Board has taken several devotee-friendly decisions in its meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Pothuganti Ramesh Naidu.

These historic decisions, effective from December 1, 2025, include free laddu prasadam with paid darshan tickets, special monthly sparsha darshan for local Chenchu tribal communities, and adoption of the famous Kolanubharati Temple in Hyderabad.

Key Decisions of Srisailam Trust Board Meeting:

1. Free Laddu Prasadam for Paid Darshan Tickets (From Dec 1)

• Devotees availing ₹500 Sparsha Darshan ticket will get TWO 100-gram laddus FREE.
• Devotees with ₹300 darshan ticket will receive ONE 100-gram laddu FREE. This move brings the famous Srisailam laddu prasadam within easy reach of more pilgrims, similar to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) model.

2. Monthly Sparsha Darshan for Local Chenchu Tribals

In a heartwarming decision, the Trust Board has approved one full day of Sparsha Darshan every month exclusively for the native Chenchu tribal community living in and around Srisailam forests. The Chenchus are traditionally considered the protectors of the sacred Nallamala forest and have a deep spiritual connection with Lord Mallikarjuna. This privilege honors their centuries-old bond with the deity.

3. Adoption of Kolanubharati Temple, Hyderabad

On the request of the Andhra Pradesh government, the Srisailam Trust Board has officially agreed to take over the maintenance and development of the historic Kolanubharati Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple near Charminar, Hyderabad. This will ensure better facilities and systematic management of the ancient temple.

Other Major Approvals:

• Construction of 150 A-grade cottages, 50 community halls, and massive parking facilities across 1,000 acres.
• Comprehensive development on the lines of tirumala/" class="auto-interlink" data-interlink="1">Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
• New road from Mallamma Konda to dumping yard.
• Dedicated shed at Pathala Ganga for performing rituals.
• Immediate allocation of newly built ₹50-crore staff quarters in Sunnipenta.

Speaking after the meeting, Trust Board Chairman Sri Pothuganti Ramesh Naidu said, “Our only goal is the welfare and comfort of Mallanna devotees. These decisions are a step forward in making Srisailam a world-class pilgrimage center like Tirumala.”

Devotees across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have welcomed these announcements with joy, especially the free laddu prasadam and special privilege for Chenchu tribals.

Jai Mallikarjuna! Jai Bhramaramba!

(Source: Official announcement from Srisailam Devasthanam Trust Board & verified media reports)

How to Reach — Travel Guide — Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

✈️ By Flight

Hyderabad International Airport (HYD, ~210 km) is the most-used. Vijayawada (VGA, 280 km) is an alternative. Pre-paid taxis from Hyderabad take ~4.5 hours through the Nallamala forest.

🚂 By Train

Markapur Road Railway Station (MRK, ~85 km) and Cumbum (90 km) are the nearest, both on the Vijayawada–Bengaluru main line. Hyderabad Deccan / Secunderabad Junction (~210 km) has the best long-distance connectivity.

🚌 By Bus

Srisailam APSRTC Bus Stand is ~1 km from the temple. Frequent services from Hyderabad (5 hrs, multiple Garuda AC), Vijayawada (8 hrs), Kurnool (3 hrs), Tirupati (12 hrs overnight), Bengaluru (overnight, 12 hrs).

🚗 By Road / Car

Reached via the Nallamala forest road (NH-167 + SH-39). From Hyderabad (210 km via Mannanur — closed at night for tiger reserve), Kurnool (180 km), Vijayawada (280 km), Tirupati (450 km).

Best Places to Visit Near Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga

Combine your darshan at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga with these well-known nearby attractions for a complete pilgrimage and travel experience:

• Bhramaramba Devi Temple (within main complex) — the consort Shakti Peetha shrine; both darshans together complete the kshetra.

• Srisailam Dam & Reservoir (2 km) — massive Krishna river dam; viewpoint and ropeway.

• Akka Mahadevi Caves (10 km, boat from Srisailam) — caves where the 12th-century saint-poet meditated; reached only by boat across the reservoir.

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• Pathala Ganga (1 km) — sacred Krishna river ghat at the foot of the temple hill; ropeway descends to it.

• Sikharam Viewpoint (5 km) — peak from where the temple gopuram is visible; sighting is said to free the devotee from rebirth.

• Hatakeshwaram & Phaladhara-Panchadhara — sacred springs and minor shrines en route.

All distances are approximate; please verify on Google Maps and check current road, weather and local conditions before travelling. For latest darshan timings and special pilgrim arrangements, refer to the temple's official authority website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Srisailam Temple Trust Board Big Announcements located?

In a major boost to devotees of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, the Srisailam Devasthanam Trust Board has taken several devotee-friendly decisions in its meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Pothuganti Ramesh Naidu. These historic decisions, effective from December 1, 2025, include free laddu prasadam with paid darshan tickets, special monthly sparsha

Who is the presiding deity of Srisailam Temple Trust Board Big Announcements?

The temple's presiding deity and its significance are described in the guide above.

What are the timings and how do I reach Srisailam Temple Trust Board Big Announcements?

Temples typically open early morning and evening; confirm current darshan timings before visiting. The nearest airport, railway station and road routes are covered in the guide above.

What is the best time to visit Srisailam Temple Trust Board Big Announcements?

Major festival days and the cooler months are popular, though weekday mornings offer a calmer darshan. Plan around the temple's key festivals for the most vibrant experience.