Paladhara Panchadhara, Srisailam

This most beautiful scene spot is located about 4 km from Srisailam. Tradition records that Bhagavan Adisankara performed penance at this place and composed the famous ‘Sivanandalahari’ here. This spot is in a narrow valley approached by a flight of steps where subterranean streams of pure water with musical sounds reverberating the surroundings. These streams are known as ‘Phaladhara-Panchadhara’ and these signify their origin from the fore head of God Siva, the Phaladhara (Phala=fore head, dhara=stream) and denotes the five aspects of Siva, the Panchadhara (Pancha=five, dhara=stream). The water from this stream flows at all seasons uninterruptedly.

Paladhara Panchadhara has been described in holy Hindu texts Puranas as well. Ancient text Skanda Purana describes the flow of the stream as Bhogavathi, which later joins the River Krishna. As per legends, it at this place where Sri Adi Shankaracharya had stayed here doing meditation before he started his journey in the 8th century.

It is said that it was during this period that he has created renowned masterpiece Sivanandalahari where he had praised Lord Mallikarjuna in its verses. Sri Adi Shankaracharya has also written about Goddess Bhramaramba and praised her in another creation Bhramaramba Ashtaka. Owing to this, Statues of Sarada Devi and Sri Adi Shankaracharya have been built here.With glistening streams of water flowing all round the year amid the lush greenery of forests, Paladhara and Panchadhara create a scene worth remembering. Located in a narrow valley, it can be reached via 160 steps. These streams are located opposite to the Hatakeswaram. Hence tourists can club both the visits together.