Bhaktikalpa

Sthalam

Sakshi Ganapati Temple is located on the way to Srisailam. An important part of any Srisailam tour, this temple is visited by every devotee who comes to seek blessings of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy. Amid the panoramic background of nature, this temple is located just a few km away from the Shikaram.

It is believed that a visit to Srisailam goes unrecorded if a devotee doesn’t visit Sakshi Ganapati Temple. The main deity of this temple is Lord Ganesha. The word Shakshi means the one who witnesses, which is representative of the belief that Lord Ganesha keeps a record of everyone who visits Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, which is then shown to Lord Shiva.

Hence, devotees visit this temple to register their visit in front of the Lord Ganesha in order to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. The common practice is to visit and offer prayers at Sakshi Ganapati Temple first and then the other temples in Srisailam. Once in the temple, devotees inform their gotra and name for the Lord to take a note of.

Puranam

The idol of Lord Ganesha is also representative of the belief. The black idol of the Lord is shown holding a book in the left hand and a stylus in the right hand as if recording the names of the pilgrims coming to this temple.Structurally Sakshi Ganapati temple is small temple. Its outer walls have carved with various sculptures. One can see statues of Ganesha defeating a demon and Ganesha honouring Lord Shiva.

The mandapam of the temple is also small, which is adorned with pillars. To reach the sanctum of the temple, devotees have to climb not more than 10 steps, making it accessible to even older visitors.A known poet of 14th century, Srinatha has mentioned Sakshi Ganapati Temple in Kasi Khandam. It states that this ancient temple and Lord Ganpati idol was envisioned by great saint Agasthya which was during his visit to Srisailam.

Along with its religious importance, another reason to visit this temple is for mesmerising location. Nestled amid the lush greenery of dense forest, this temple offers calm surroundings, which promise devotees peacefulness and tranquility.

Varnam

Located amidst beautiful surroundings, the Sakshi Ganapati Temple is a small little shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees believe that Lord Ganesha knows who visits the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. He keeps a record and shows it to Lord Shiva.