Akkamahadevi attains salvation in Srisailam

Akka Mahadevi, one of the noted Kannada devotees had her abode in Srisailam, She is said to be a synonym for renunciation. Akka Mahadevi dedicated herself to Lord Siva who was in the form of Channa mallikajuna in her mind. She wrote many vachanas depicting His glory during her stint in Srisailam.

Kaushika, a Jain king wanted to marry her but she was not at all interested on temporal pleasures. But she accepted the marriage on the condition that the king should embrace her Veerasaiva religion and should not touch her as long as she performed pooja of Lord Siva. He accepted the terms but one day he embraced her with lust. She immediately left the palace.

Mahadevi reached Kalyan(Today's Basavakalyan) and attended a literary meet in which Allama Prabhu and Basavanna were preaching. She joined them and recited her vachanas which were attracted the audience. Her vachanas are well received by the scholars of today.

She expressed to Allama Prabhu her desire to get salvation and he directed her to go to Srisailam. Accordingly she reached Srisailam. A hermit advised her to go into the caves on the other bank of the river and start penance. One day the same hermit entered into the caves and advised her to go to nearby Kadaleevanam where Dattatreya undertook penance and attained salvation. She obeyed him and went to Kadaleevanam and prayed the lord for Salvation. Akka mahadevi is said to have attained lingaikyam in Srisailam. The caves are called Akka Mahadevi caves and Srisailam pilgrims are visiting them today.