Sarapalli Dibbeshwara Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Sarapalli Dibbeshwara Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Sarapalli village, Vizianagaram district,

Andhra Pradesh 535002

Moolavar

Dibbeshwara Swamy

Introduction

Dibbeshwara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Sarapalli village in Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the banks of Champavathi River. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms from Vizianagaram to Srikakulam route.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to be built in 10th century AD based on the architectural style.

Special Features

The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

This temple is oriented towards the east and belongs to the Rekha Deula architectural style. The sanctum of the temple is square in shape. Inside the sanctum, you will find a Shiva Linga placed on a circular yonipitha. There is also a newly installed Nandi statue and a damaged sculpture of Bhairava.

The lintel above the door jamb is adorned with a depiction of Gaja Lakshmi, flanked by the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities). The base of the temple, known as the adhistana, features various decorative elements such as upana, jagati, tripatta kumuda, and recessed pattika mouldings. On the exterior walls of the temple, particularly on the south, west, and north sides, there are three niches, with the central one being larger than the others. Some of these niches contain damaged sculptures, including depictions of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Mahisasuramardini, and various forms of Lord Shiva like Ekapada Murti and Harihara.

The Vimana (tower) above the sanctum follows the Rekha Nagara architectural style. Unfortunately, the griva (neck), stupi (amalaka), and kalasa (a decorative finial) of the superstructure are missing. Notably, images of Nataraja and Nasikas can be observed on the central projections of the vimana. Additionally, there is a broken sculpture of Nandi in front of the shrine.

References

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/05/dibbeshwara-swamy-temple-sarapalli-andhra-pradesh.html