Samalkota Kumararama Bhimesvara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Samalkota Kumararama Bhimesvara Temple, Andhra Pradesh.

Jaggamma Garipeta, Samarlakota,

Andhra Pradesh 533440

Moolavar

Kumararama Bhimesvara

Amman

Bala Tripura Sundari

Introduction

Kumararama or Bhimarama (Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple) is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the 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,Draksharama at Draksharama, Ksheerarama at Palakollu and Somarama at Bhimavaram ^. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

Puranic Significance

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. Though the temple is not in a populated place, people do visit there.

Pancharama Kshetrams:

According to Amareshwara Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva who was pleased with the austerities performed by Tharaka presented him with the Amruthalingam. He further assured Tharaka invincibility against enemies, from defeat and death, so long as the Lingam was in his possession. Tharaka sported this Amrutha Lingam around his neck, and on the strength of the boon, wrought untold misery upon the Devas and other celestial beings. Lord Karthik, who led the deities to a battle against Tharaka, was unable to vanquish him even after using the most potent Shakti weapon on him. Much to the deity’s distress and mortification, though the weapon cut the demon into several pieces, they reunited to give life to Tharaka. An exasperated Karthik approached Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu revealed to Karthik that in order to destroy the demon, he had to first break the Amrutha Lingam and also prevent the broken pieces from reuniting. Acting upon Lord Vishnu’s suggestions, Karthik used his Agni Asthra to break Taraka’s Lingam. The Lingam exploded into five pieces, tried to unify by chanting Omkara Nadha. At that very instant, Indra, Surya, Chandra and Vishnu himself, joined Karthik in fixing these broken pieces in the locations where they fell. Thus, were born the Pancharama (Pancha meaning five and Aarama meaning peace) Kshetrams, in five different areas of Andhra Pradesh — Amararama in Amaravati, Bhimeshwara in Draksharamam, Somarama in Bhimavaram, Ksheerarama in Palakkolu and Kumararama in Samalkot. It is believed that the worship of these Lingams, or mere darshan of these shrines, would bestow peace and bliss upon the devotees.

Kumara Bheemeshwara Swamy:

Lord Shiva here is called as Kumara Bheemeshwara Swamy. This name is because this was the place Lord Kumaraswamy worshipped Lord Shiva. After the war with Tharaka, Lord Kumaraswamy won and he came here to get rid of his sin of breaking Shiva Linga worn by Tharaka.

Yogakshetram:

In Puranas it has been written that it is a Yogakshetram, which means, the person who has the “yogam” (“fated to have” or “opportunity given by god” or “boon”) to visit, will visit the temple.

Special Features

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 linga is a limestone, 14 feet (4.3 m) high. The temple was built in Dravidian style, by the King Chalukya Bhima. Hence, the god name is Bhimeswara. The Kakatiya rulers (in the period 1340-1466CE; Musunuri Nayaks) have added and renovated the temple pillars with very fine sharp finishes. The work of Chalukyas and Kakatiyas is very easily distinguished, by the well-decorated and polished pillars in the temple to the rest of the temple, both new and old. The construction of this temple is so solid that it has not changed much through all the years, when compared to the Draksharaam temple. Kala Bhairava is also of importance, and Balatripura sundari is the Goddess. Sasanas between 1147-1494 were scripted into pillars of the temple, which also have lists of gifts given, through the ages, for the temple. In Puranas it has been written that it is a Yogakshetram, which means, the person who has the “yogam” (“fated to have” or “opportunity given by god” or “boon”) to visit, will visit the temple. Here the Goddess is also known as Bala Tripura Sundari.

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.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/