Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari Temple

Overview

Kumararama is among the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to Shiva. The temple is located in Samarlakota in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in South India.

About The Temple

Sri Chalunkya Kumararama Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple is situated at Samarlakota in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The prime deity is Lord Shiva in the guise of Sri Bhimeshwara Swamy in this ancient temple. This is one of the famous Pancharama Kshetras. The white colored, lime stoned, Shivalingam is 14 feet tall which was installed by Lord Kumaraswamy, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at Samarlakota and hence the temple is also known as Kumararama. Lord Bhimeswara Swamy is seen with his consort Goddess Bala Tripurasundari. Two Prakara walls surrounding the temple are constructed from sandstones. The main entrance of the temple is known as Surya Dwaram. The temple is a two leveled rectangular structure. A 14ft tall shiva lingam is installed on the first floor which rises from the ground floor and reaches the second floor through the roof. Eka Sila Nandi can be seen at the temple entrance. The Vimana of the main shrine is consists of flat pattas, row of geese kutas, salas, simhalalatas, lotuses and Kalasa. It is a Dravidian style, dvitala vimana with regional variations. The temple also houses the shrines for Kala Bhairava and Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari.

The temple was built by King Chalukya Bhima between 892 to 922 centuries. The temple is constructed in Dravidian style. Later the Kakatiya rulers renovated the temple during 1340 to 1466 centuries. This temple is similar to Draksharamam. As per the Puranas, this temple is known as a Yogakshetram.

Legend and Stories

According to a legend, on the origin of Pancharamas, Lord Vishnu, in his attractive incarnation of Mohini, started distributing the nectar or divine Amritam to the asuras as well as Devtas which was obtained during the hazardous churning of the milk ocean. Dissatisfied with the distribution of the nectar, on the advice of the sage Narada the asuras lead by the lords of Tri-puras resorted to penance and were blessed with boons by Lord Shiva. Thus with the power newly acquired through the boon, they imposed barbarities on the Devtas, who sought help from Lord Siva. On hearing the plea of the Devtas, Lord Shiva killed the asuras with his spiritual Arrow of flame.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in a grand manner in this temple. During Karthika and Margashira month daily Abhishekam is carried out. The Kalyana Mahotsav is held during Magha Bahula Ekadashi time.

Accessibility

Rajahmundry Airport is the nearby airport which is 46km away. The nearest railway station is Samarlakota Railway Station which is 1km away. Bus services are available from all major places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to Sri Kumara Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple in Samarlakota.

Temple Address

Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari Temple,
Samalkot,
East Godavari District.