The Sakshi Ganapati Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the banks of the Krishna River, at the entrance to the Srisailam Gorge. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Andhra Pradesh, and is visited by millions of devotees every year.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century by the Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI. The temple is named after the legend that Lord Ganesha acted as a witness (sakshi) to the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
The temple is a three-storeyed structure, with the sanctum sanctorum located on the first floor. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Ganesha, which is carved out of black stone. The idol is four-armed, and is seated in a lotus pose. The trunk of the idol is turned to the left, and is holding a pen and an ink pot.
The temple is surrounded by a number of smaller shrines, dedicated to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, and Nandi. The temple complex also has a number of mandapams (pavilions), where pilgrims can rest and relax.
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The best time to visit the temple is during the early morning or late evening hours, when the crowds are smaller.
The temple is located about 200 kilometers from Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The nearest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is located about 150 kilometers from the temple.
The temple can be reached by road or by rail. The nearest railway station is the Srisailam Railway Station, which is located about 10 kilometers from the temple.
There are a number of hotels and guesthouses located near the temple, where pilgrims can stay. The temple also has a number of restaurants, where pilgrims can eat.
The Sakshi Ganapati Temple is a must-visit for pilgrims and tourists alike. The temple is a beautiful example of Hindu architecture, and is a place of great religious significance.