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The
Mathas played an important role in the History
and Cult of Srisailam. They are well associated with
the religious and social activities of the temple in the
medieval times. These Mathas acted as educational
institutions dedicated to higher learing in various
branches and catered to the intellectual and
spiritual needs of the society. Srisailam became a
powerful saivate centre because of the existence and
activities both spiritual and profane of these Mathas.
The origin of the Mathas seems to be as early as 7th
Century A.D. The historical inscriptions related to
Srisailam speak about eleven Mathas in Srisailam. But
only 5 Mathas are still in existence and all of them are
in dilapidated condition. These Mathas are rich in
sculptural and architectural wealth, where several
Sivalingas were installed and worshipped since
centuries.
These
Mathas also looked after the administration of
the temple and its rituals along with the revenue
accured from more than 70 Villages in various parts of
Andhra which were donated to the temples by various
rulers in the medieval period. The
existing Mathas are located with in a distance of 1 Km
to the west of the main temple.
The
Devasthanam is planning to renovate all these Mathas.
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