Sri Amareswara Swamy Temple- Andhra Pradesh

Address

Amaravathi, Palnadu district

Andhra Pradesh 522020

Moolavar

Amareswara Swamy

Amman

Bala Chamundika

Introduction

Amararama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, sacred to Lord Shiva, located in Amaravathi, Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, on the southern bank of the Krishna River. The presiding deity, Lord Amareswara Swamy (also called Amaralingeswara Swamy), is worshipped alongside his consort Bala Chamundika. The Sivalinga at the temple is said to have been installed by Lord Indra. The temple is approximately 40 km from Guntur and is accessible via state-run APS RTC buses from Guntur, Vijayawada, and Mangalagiri.

Puranic Significance

Amaravati, also known as Dhanyakataka or Dharanikota, was historically a center of Buddhist culture, with an ancient stupa built in pre-Mauryan times. It was once the capital of the Satavahana dynasty after the fall of the Mauryas.
The temple is believed to have originally been Buddhist, with its foundation reflecting Buddhist architectural styles, including a white marble lotus medallion in the sanctum, a feature typical of Buddhist design.
The Gopuram (temple tower) was renovated in 1796 by Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, and during this renovation, artifacts dating back 1800 years were discovered.
The temple’s renovation was completed in 2014 at a cost of ₹1.56 crore after cracks were discovered in the structure.

Pancharama Kshetrams

According to the Amareshwara Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva granted the Amruthalingam to Tharaka after his penance, which made him invincible. However, Tharaka’s abuses led to a celestial war. To defeat him, Lord Vishnu suggested breaking the Lingam into five pieces, which were scattered across different locations, becoming the five Pancharama Kshetrams:

Amararama (Amaravati)
Bhimeshwara (Draksharamam)
Somarama (Bhimavaram)
Ksheerarama (Palakollu)
Kumararama (Samalkot) Devotees believe worshipping these Lingams brings peace and bliss.

Bheemeshwara Puranam

The Bheemeshwara Puranam states that after the battle between the Devas and Asuras, a Sivalingam, worshipped by Tripurasura, remained intact. Lord Shiva divided this Lingam into five parts, and these were installed in the Pancharama Kshetrams.

Unique Features of the Sivalinga

The Sivalinga at Amararama is known for having scaly markings on it, believed to be caused by the Agni Asthra that broke the Amrutha Lingam.
A red mark on the top of the Lingam is said to be the bloodstain that resulted when a nail was hammered into the Lingam to stop its growth.

Legends and Beliefs

Shukra, the preceptor of the Asuras, is believed to have worshipped Lord Amareshwara here with the help of Brihaspati, the Guru of the Devas.
Salvation: It is believed that anyone who worships Lord Amareshwara with devotion and bathes in the holy waters of the Krishna River will attain salvation. Those who die in Amaravati are said to be absorbed into Lord Shiva.

History and Name Origins

The name Amaravati originates from the legend of gods residing here to defeat the demons, who had received a boon from Lord Shiva that made them invincible. Once the gods defeated the demons, the place came to be known as Amaravati.

Beliefs

Devotees believe that worshipping at the Amaravati temple will cure all diseases and bring peace and prosperity.

Special Features

The Sivalinga is notably tall, and rituals and Abhishekas are performed from a platform mounted at its base.
Inscriptions: The temple features inscriptions by the Kota chiefs of Amaravati and the great Vijayanagara Emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya.
Red stain: The blood stain on the top of the Sivalinga is believed to have been caused when a nail was hammered into it to stop its growth.

Festivals

The Amaravati temple is known for curing diseases and blessing devotees with peace and prosperity. Specific festivals are observed to honor Lord Amareshwara and other deities, drawing large crowds, especially during Maha Shivaratri and Sankranti.