Bhimavaram Somarama Someswara Swamy Temple – Andhra Pradesh

Address

Bhimavaram Somarama Someswara Swamy Temple – Gandhinagar, Bhimavaram,

West Godavari district, 

Andhra Pradesh 534202

Moolavar

Somarama Someswara Swamy

Amman

Sri Rajarajeswari

Introduction

Location and Importance:

• Situated in Bhimavaram, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
• One of the five Pancharama Kshetras sacred to Lord Shiva.
• A centrally protected monument of national importance.

Puranic Significance:

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Someswara Swamy.
• The temple is linked to the moon god, Lord Chandra, who installed the Shiva Linga here after retrieving the moon from the Gandarvas.
• Part of the Pancharama Kshetras, marking the spots where pieces of the Amrutha Lingam fell.

Unique Features:

• The Shiva Linga changes color according to the lunar cycle: white on full moon days and black on new moon days.
• The temple has a rare feature with Goddess Annapurna’s shrine located above the Shiva sanctum, with a sacred thread around her neck and a baby at her feet.
• Other deities in the temple include Lord Anjaneya, Lord Kumara Swamy, Navagraha, Lord Ganesha, and the Sun God.
• A 15-foot pillar is placed at the main entrance, and a lotus-covered pond (Soma Gundam) is situated in front of the temple.

Festivals:

• Major festivals include Maha Shivaratri (February/March) and Sarannavarathri (September/October).
• The temple observes daily worship and special ceremonies during auspicious occasions.

Architectural Features:

• The temple has a large Gopuram (tower) at the entrance.
• A spacious hall with sculptures and a prominent Nandi statue.
• A wedding hall and a sacred Pushkarini pond (Soma Gundam) are also part of the temple complex.

Century/Period

3^rd century AD

Nearest Bus Station

Bhimavaram

Nearest Railway Station

Bhimavaram

Nearest Airport

Rajahmundry and Vijayawada

Location on Map

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