Hatkeshwaram Temple, Srisailam

The Hatkeswaram temple is the another popular temple in Hatkeswaram village in Srisailam mandal which is located near Srisailam Mallikarjuna swamy temple. There are stories that Sri Adi Shankaracharya lived in this premises. 

Lord Shiva was born in the attic (Utti, Kunda Penku), so the lord of this temple was called Atikeswara, later on changed to Hatakeswara Swamy. There are many ashrams and monasteries in the temple surroundings. 

SIgnificance:

There lived a great devotee potter Kesappa, who had received the blessings of lord Shiva with his selfless service and devotion. He is fro the potter caste and he used to arrange food for the devotees who came to visit Srisailam temple.  With that, the name of potter Kesappa became popular. 

With jealousy, neighbours damaged his pots and attic(pot making place) which made Kesappa shocked. He was upset not knowing what to do, with the arrival of Shivarathri festival. He somehow managed the attic, then neighbours sent devotees to his house for food. He welcomed the devotees and sat crying in the yard not knowing how to arrange the meals. Lord Shiva then appeared in the attic and told him to serve the food to devotees. He went inside and saw pots full of food and served it to the devotees.

As lord Shiva appeared in the attic it came to be known as Atikeshwaram and over time became famous as Hatakeswaram.

How To Reach:

Srisailam bus stand is located at a distance of around 4.4 KM from the temple. You can take a bus from Srisailam devasthanam to reach the Hatakeswaram temple.