Description

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Context:

The Archaeological Survey of India has made a significant discovery at the Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh uncovering several copper plates and other ancient inscriptions in the temple's Ghantamandapam.

About Srisailam Temple

Srisailam Temple, or Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here in the form of Mallikarjuna Swamy.
- - It is located in Srisailam in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
  - It is surrounded by the forests of the Nallamala range overlooking the pristine waters of the Krishna River.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, divine manifestations of Lord Shiva spread across India.
Goddess Shakti is worshiped as Bramarambha in the temple and has a shrine dedicated to her.
Built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards, this ancient temple is one of the finest examples of Vijayanagara architecture.
- - Although the exact origins of the temple are not available, the Satavahanas of the 2nd century AD mentioned it.
The Kakatiyas and Vijayanagara kings made several legacies here.
The unique feature of this temple is the combination of Jyothirlingam and Mahasakthi (in the form of Bhramarambika) in one campus which is very rare and one of its kind.
The great religious leader Aadi Sankara is said to have visited this shrine and laid down his immortal Sivananda Lahiri

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the leading organization for archaeological research and protection of the nation's cultural heritage.
It manages more than 3,650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
Its activities include carrying out surveys of ancient remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments, etc.
It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham – the first director general of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the "Father of Indian Archaeology".

Important Temples in Indian History

Temple	Location	Dynasty/Period	Significance/Architectural Style
Brihadeeswarar Temple	Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu	Chola Dynasty (11th century)	Dravidian style, UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Raja Raja Chola I.
Sun Temple	Konark, Odisha	Eastern Ganga Dynasty (13th century)	Kalinga style, shaped like a chariot, dedicated to Surya (Sun God), UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Khajuraho Temples	Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh	Chandela Dynasty (10th-11th century)	Nagara style, famous for intricate carvings and sculptures, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kailasa Temple	Ellora, Maharashtra	Rashtrakuta Dynasty (8th century)	Rock-cut temple, part of Ellora Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Meenakshi Temple	Madurai, Tamil Nadu	Nayaka Dynasty (17th century)	Dravidian style, known for its massive gopurams (towers) and sculptures.
Jagannath Temple	Puri, Odisha	Eastern Ganga Dynasty (12th century)	Kalinga style, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, is associated with the Rath Yatra.
Virupaksha Temple	Hampi, Karnataka	Vijayanagara Empire (7th century onwards)	Dravidian style, part of the Hampi group of monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lingaraja Temple	Bhubaneswar, Odisha	Somavamsi Dynasty (11th century)	Kalinga style, one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Somnath Temple	Veraval, Gujarat	Chalukya Dynasty (originally built in ancient times)	Reconstructed multiple times, important in ancient maritime trade, and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Shore Temple	Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu	Pallava Dynasty (8th century)	Dravidian style, part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dilwara Temples	Mount Abu, Rajasthan	Chalukya Dynasty (11th-13th century)	Jain temples are famous for marble work and intricate carvings.
Ranakpur Temple	Ranakpur, Rajasthan	Mewar Dynasty (15th century)	Jain temple was noted for intricate marble architecture and unique symmetry.
Martand Sun Temple	Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir	Karkota Dynasty (8th century)	Kashmiri style, dedicated to the Sun God, is now in ruins.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	Ancient (rebuilt in the 18th century)	Dedicated to Lord Shiva, significant in Hindu pilgrimage.
Vithala Temple	Hampi, Karnataka	Vijayanagara Empire (16th century)	Dravidian style is famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars.

Source:

TOI

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The Srisailam Temple, an ancient and prominent pilgrimage site, is located in which of the following states of India?

Andhra Pradesh
Telangana
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3 only

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Srisailam Temple is located in the hill ranges of the Nallamala hills and is situated in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is an important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. The temple is renowned for its architectural splendor and religious significance in both states.