Religion is all about faith and beliefs than customs and traditions. Without having faith in God, one won't believe the fact of existence of god. Some places on our earth are considered more than the mother nature. They are popular because of the stories behind the discovery of those places. The Sikhareswaram temple on Sikharam, the highest point among Srisailam Hills is one such place where people visit in thousands after listening to the stories that are revolving in and around Srisailam.
Their faith in their beliefs in the existence of god is dragging them to visit this ancient temple constructed and developed by many kings in the history. Keeping the whole nature, scenic view and astonishing environment in and around Bhairani Konda/Sikharam peak apart, the belief of witnessing the whole Srisailam temple, especially the main mandir/gopuram in between the two horns of Nandi statue (the gate guardian deity of Lord Shiva) which existed on Sikharam mountain is literally a wonder.
People believe that if someone visits the temple of Sikhareswaram which is on top of the highest point, Sikharam which is 8 to 12 km away to Srisailam, there won't be rebirth as in another lifetime ever in one's life. The story of Sikharam is too interesting. Forget about believing the story, but the story itself is engaging. There exists the small statue of Nandi on the hill where people visit it by climbing stairs on the mountain from which a person can view the whole Srisailam Hill range including the forests, the Srisailam town, the temple, the dam, the river Krishna and everything else a person could see.
People's belief drags them till the statue and let them engage to see the Srisailam temple Gopuram in between the horns of the Nandi Statue. A person who can clearly say the Golden coated Mandir in Srisailam which is in between four main entries of Srisailam temple, they believe that the person would directly acquire the Nirvana of life. The fate of Moksha Margam (the path of Nirvana) would be in his/her life who could witness that particular gopuram.
Isn't it interesting? Of course, for some people, it's quite ridiculous, but why can't a person indulge himself/herself to believe in the fact like others and try to give a shot to look in between the horns of the statue. There won't be any harm right. Well, even though my eye sight wasn't clear because of the absence of my spectacles, I gave it a try.
South Indian families do believe in too many rituals, traditions and culture. My big family isn't an exception. Everyone of us, visited the temple and climbed all the stairs to view the Srisailam Mandir from the top of the highest peak of the hills. The view was stupendous and wonderful enough.
While climbing the stairs, one can find the huge iron welded set up in the Linga form of Lord Shiva with Trishul and Dhamarukam on the mountain near the statue. When we were in the queue, we came to know of a person who regularly visits the place, told us to see below the Dhamarukam from the horns of the statue, so that one can get clear sight of the center of the temple. That was like a clue for an exam. Due to heavy rush, people hardly focused on details. Because the excitement in the people's face has vanished after visiting the statue. Maybe some couldn't find the clear sight of the temple. Jokes apart, the experience of listening to these unbelievable beliefs of the people and involving in the faiths which are revolving in and around Srisailam was awesome.
We have visited in the evening during sunset and the view was indescribable. The whole existence of Nature at one place was too overwhelming and really different in a good way. Because, till then I haven't witnessed such a beauty. So, no matter you believe the faiths of the place, one should believe the reality of the breathtaking view of Nallamalla Hills, River Krishna, Srisailam temple, Sikharam peak, cloud range and sunset. In fact, that is what heaven must be like. Don't know whether the path of Nirvana has written in my fate, but I'm damn sure that witnessing a place like Sikhareswaram was like visiting an unknown heaven on the Earth.
So, don't miss the heavenly experience of the mountain ranges of Srisailam Hills. Next time you plan for Kurnool or you come with your family for a spiritual trip like we did, you must visit Sikharam to appreciate the nature!!
