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

Location:

• Situated in Samalkota, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Part of the Pancharama Kshetras—five sacred Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh.
• Other temples in this group: Amararama (Amaravati), Draksharama (Draksharamam), Ksheerarama (Palakollu), and Somarama (Bhimavaram).

Historical Background:

• Built by the Chalukyas during the reign of King Chalukya Bhima.
• Construction began in 892 AD and completed in 922 AD.
• The temple shares architectural similarities with the Draksharama Temple but is also unique in its design.
• It was made a National Heritage Site and is well-preserved.

Puranic Significance:

• According to the Amareshwara Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva granted the Amruthalingam to the demon Tharaka, making him invincible.
• To defeat Tharaka, Lord Karthik broke the Lingam, which exploded into five pieces that were scattered across Andhra Pradesh.
• These five pieces were fixed by Lord Vishnu, Indra, Surya, Chandra, and Karthik in five locations, resulting in the creation of the Pancharama Kshetrams.

Lord Kumara Bheemeshwara:

• The temple’s deity is Kumara Bheemeshwara Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva.
• The name comes from the belief that Lord Kumaraswamy (Karthik) worshipped Shiva here after his victory over Tharaka.

Yogakshetram:

• The temple is referred to as a Yogakshetram, meaning that only those destined by divine will visit this sacred place.

Architectural Features:

• The main Shiva Linga is 16 feet tall, made of limestone, and rises through the roof into the second floor.
• The temple has a mandapam with 100 pillars, showcasing great architectural significance.
• Ekasila Nandi (a single-stone bull) guards the temple entrance.
• The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture.
• The pillars were renovated by the Kakatiya rulers (1340-1466 CE), with polished and well-decorated pillars contrasting with the original Chalukya work.

Special Features:

• The Koneru (Pushkarni) Lake is located nearby.
• The temple is an excellent example of Chalukya and Kakatiya architectural styles.
• Kala Bhairava and Bala Tripura Sundari (the Goddess) hold significant importance in the temple.

Festivals:

• Daily Abhisheka during Karthika and Margashira months (November-December).
• Kalyana Mahotsavam during Magha Bahula Ekadashi (February-March).
• Grand celebrations leading up to Maha Shivaratri.

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Century/Period

892 AD

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Samalkot

Nearest Railway Station

Samalkot Station

Nearest Airport

Visakhapatnam

Location on Map

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