Sri Sakshi Ganapathi Swamy Temple. — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

Sakshi Ganapathi The sacred Srisailam is ancient and elaborate in its historic significance. This holy precinct is home to many sacred temples, Ashrams, Mutts, water bodies and picturesque beauty. This is why it is believed that Siddhis and the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva travel from the Himalayas down to Srisailam to offer their prayers to Mallikarjuna Swamy. The compassion of God is in every bit of Srisailam in the form of holy water bodies, holy precincts and sacred trees. This is because the Lord has come down to reside in Srisailam along with all his beloved water bodies, trees and other gods to bless his devotees.

Sakshi Ganapathi temple is located 2 km east of the main temple. Since Ganapathi presents proof that each devotee has visited Srisailam to Lord Shiva in Kailasa, he is called Sakshi Ganapathi.

He is sculpted beautifully out of a black stone. His trunk is folded to his left and seems to write down the names of the devotees who visit Srisailam. The devotees who worship Srisailam visit Sakshi Ganapathi and tell him their Gotra names.

The Aaagamas detail the significance of Sakshi Ganapathi. He represents time. Time is the observer of all and holds proof. Sakshi means that which holds proof of each second. Sakshi Ganapathi observes all, holds proof of their acts and delivers good and bad that they deserve. We can live in peace if we know someone holds proof of our good acts. Even if we forget, he never does. Such god who holds the power of many destinies is Sakshi Ganapathi. While Ganesh considered his parents his whole world, Kumaraswamy established that the whole world is filled with Shiva-Shakti. World's Mother and Father, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi with all the powers vested in them start their journey towards, Earth's Kailasa, the world's centre, home to Vedas, Upasanakendra, their new called home, Srisaila Kshetram. Ganapathi also joins them to reside in Srisailam.

The idol that can be seen now is placed here 3 and a half decades ago. There used to be an ancient idol here which has been replaced by a new one. The 16 columns of the front facing hall along with four columns of the inner hall have been brought together by walls to form a sanctum in which the idol has been placed. The cemented walls of the front facing wall have been inscribed with Naradatumbarulu.

On the three sides on the outside of the sanctum are depictions of NatyaGanapathi and Shivarchana made using cement. Skanda Puranas and other Puranas have not mentioned this Ganapathi. Devasthanam has organised Paroksha seva facility for devotees to take part in Ganapathi homam that takes place here. Also, daily prayers and rituals are offered here. So all devotees are requested to abide by the devasthanam regulations and worship the ancient and significant Sakshi Ganapathi at...

The Sakshi Ganapathi Temple, located approximately 3 kilometers from the main Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this temple holds significant religious importance for devotees visiting the Srisailam area.

According to traditional beliefs, Lord Ganesha at this temple serves as a divine witness ('Sakshi') for pilgrims visiting the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. The deity is depicted holding a book in his left hand and a pen in his right, symbolizing the recording of devotees' names. It is customary for pilgrims to visit this temple to ensure their pilgrimage is acknowledged by the divine.

The temple's architecture is modest yet captivating. The black idol of Lord Ganesha is intricately carved, exuding a serene ambiance that enhances the spiritual experience. The temple's surroundings, characterized by dense forests, offer a tranquil environment, allowing devotees to meditate and reflect.

Visitors have shared positive experiences about the temple. One devotee noted that the temple is a "nice peaceful temple on your way to Jyotirlinga," suggesting it as a good spot to spend about half an hour. Another visitor mentioned that the temple is "on the way to Shri Sailam temple," describing it as a beautiful place to relax and worship.

The temple operates daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, accommodating the schedules of most pilgrims. There is no entry fee, making it accessible to all devotees. While photography inside the temple premises is prohibited, visitors can capture the scenic beauty of the surrounding areas.

In conclusion, the Sakshi Ganapathi Temple is a must-visit for those traveling to Srisailam. Its unique tradition of acknowledging pilgrimages, coupled with its serene environment, offers a fulfilling...

According to the Sthala purana, 'Sakshi' means that which holds proof of each second. So, Ganapathi presents proof that each devotee has visited Srisailam to Lord Shiva in Kailasa 🕉️. Thus, the name 'Sakshi Ganapathi'. God's trunk is folded to his left and seems to write down the names of the devotees who visit Srisailam. Devotees while worshipping the God must tell their Gotra names 👍.

1. We visited this temple in April'22. It was scorching summer time 🔥.
2. It is situated 2km east from the main Mallikarjuna Swamy Srisailam temple.
3. I have heard mixed opinions regarding the worshipping of this temple. Few say we must worship this temple before worshipping the main Mallikarjuna Swamy temple and few say vice-versa. But, any way of worshipping is fine unless we miss the main temple darshan. Because, God didn't mention any order of worship and only records our visit to the Main temple darshan.
4. You're better off visiting in the early morning. Because, we had darshan at 7:30AM in the morning. There was absolutely no rush. The same day around 3 PM there was a big queue.
5. Car parking is a big problem. As said above, in the early morning parking is not a concern.
6. Devotees can take part in Nitya Ganapathi Homam everyday from 9AM by paying Rs. 1,116/- for 1 ticket. Couples or an individual is allowed for 1 ticket. On Wednesdays and Chavithi days, special homam is done. By doing homam, our obstacles are cleared, wishes are fulfilled and wellbeing can be obtained. Mainly, for students, thinking power increases and excel well in...