Hatakeswara Temple

Hatakeswara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Hatakeswaram, about 5 kilometres from the main Mallikarjuna Temple in Srisailam, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. Situated within the dense forests of the Nallamala Hills near the Krishna River, it is part of the Srisailam pilgrimage circuit. The temple is noted for its Shiva lingam, simple stone architecture, and serene forest setting attracting devotees and visitors.

Visitors can expect a small, ancient stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva set in a forested valley of the Nallamala Hills. The complex includes the main shrine with a Shiva lingam, open courtyard and surrounding forest landscape. The approach involves a short drive and walk through wooded terrain near a stream. The atmosphere is quiet and devotional, with pilgrims performing darshan and prayers. Basic amenities are limited due to the forest location.

Hatakeswara Temple is an ancient shrine in the Srisailam region, which has been a prominent Shaivite centre for centuries. The Srisailam area is associated with early historic and medieval periods and is mentioned in connection with the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga tradition. The temple at Hatakeswaram is traditionally regarded as an old Shiva shrine worshipped by pilgrims visiting Srisailam.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds religious importance for devotees visiting Srisailam, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites. It is part of the sacred circuit around Srisailam and is visited for darshan, prayers and rituals, especially during Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam.