Kumararama Swamy Temple

SAMARLAKOTA

  • Kumararama or Bhimarama (Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple) is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva.
  • The temple is located in Samalkota of Kakinada district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
  • The other four temples are Amararama at Amaravati(Dist. Guntur), Draksharama at Draksharama (Dist. East Godavari), Ksheerarama at Palakollu and Somarama at Bhimavaram(both in Dist. West Godavari).
  • It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.
  • It is renowned as a site of one of the Pancharama Temples, Pancharama being one of the forms of Lord Shiva known as Sri Kumararama Bheemeshwara Swami.
  • Also known as Samarlakota, this beautiful town sees an influx of devotees in large number especially during the festivals like Shivaratri.

Temple

The temple is 1 kilometer from Samarlakota City. The limestone Linga, installed in the shrine, is 16 feet tall that it rises from the pedestal on the ground floor and enters the second floor by piercing the roof, where the Rudrabhaga is worshipped. The temple has a mandapam that is supported by 100 pillars and is of great architectural importance. The temple has an Ekasila Nandi (A Bull carved from a single stone) guarding the Shiva Lingam at the entrance of the temple. The temple resembles the other Pancharama temple at Draksharama which is also called Bhimeswara Alayam. To the East side, there is a mantap called Koneti. Pushkarni (Koneru) lake can be seen here.The big Mandapam of the temple was built by Ganga Mahadevi ,daughter-In-Law of Eastern Ganga Dynasty king Narasingha Deva I of Odisha. The temple is historically prominent, as it was built by Chalukyas who reigned over this location. The construction of the temple was started in AD 892 and was completed during 922. It is similar to the temple in Draksharamam, but is also unique, such as the linga being white. The temple still stands strong, and it was made a National Heritage Site. It resembles a twin of Draksharam, with two staired Mandapa, and notable that it is in excellent condition, without any cracks.

Festivals

During November-December (Karthika and Margashira masam) months daily Abhisheka is carried out. There will be Utsavam (Kalyana Mahotsam) during February-March (Magha Bahula Ekadashi day) time. Till Maha Sivarathri grand celebrations in the temple can be seen.[4] Temple timings are from morning 6.00am to 12.00 noon and after noon 4.00pm to 8.00pm. Additional places of interest around Samalkot include Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli and Rajahmundry.

Tourism

The Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari temple is a temple in Samalkota. The presiding deity at this temple is Shiva, known as Kumara Bhimeswara. The most important festival that is celebrated in this temple is Maha Sivarathri. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Kakinada Depot runs circular tours covering all the 5 pancharamas (Amaravathi, Bhimavaram, Palakollu, Draksharama, and Samalkota) in a span of 24 hours. The journey starts at 8:00 pm every Sunday and ends at 8:00 pm next day covering 700 km (430 mi) approximately. Currently charges are Rs.350/- and are inclusive of darshan charges at the respective places.