- Shiva
Sri Ksheera Ramalingeshwara Swami Temple
- Palakol,Andhra Pradesh
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Overview
Located at Palakol of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, Sri Ksheera Ramalingeshwara Swami temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva who is worshipped here as Sri Ksheera Ramalingeshwara Swami.
About The Temple
Shiva lingam in the temple can be seen from the windows of the Garbha graha (sanctum sanctorum) on all four sides. The Shiva lingam is milky white in colour and the tallest. The height of the temple tower is 120 ft with 9 floors. It is believed that staying one day in Ksheera Rama is equivalent to staying one year in Varanasi. The places of interest around Palakol include Bhimavaram, Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli, Rajahmundry, Antarvedi, Ryali and Vadapalli. Gostani River flows through Palakol.
Legend and Stories
This temple was constructed during the reign of Chalukya King Bhima in 9th century. The Prakara (corridor) was designed by Sri Velupathi during 10th century. The Gopuram (tower) was constructed by Sri Alladu Reddy during 14th Century. Kalyana mandabam and Ashta Bhuja Lakshmi Narayana Swami temple were constructed during 17th century. There are seventy two pillars made of black stone in the mandapam.
As per legend, Upamanyu, the son of sage Kaushika, asked Lord Shiva for plenty of milk supply so that he can carry out the rituals during festivals in the temple. Lord Shiva filled the whole Ksheera Pushkarni Tank with the milky ocean (Ksheera Sagaram). Since then, this place is known by various names such as Ksheerarama, Palakol, and Dugdhapovanam. According to hearsay, Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana had worshipped Shiva at this spot. Once, Maharishi Agasthya told Lord Rama that his complexion has become black after killing Ravana who was a Brahmin. In order to get rid of it, Lord Rama was advised to take a dip in the holy river and also install Shiva Lingams. After installation of various Shiva Lingams, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana decided to visit Gosthani River to install Shiva Lingam. Goddess Sita had asked Hanuman to acquire it. Hanuman couldn’t bring it on time and Sita made a Shiva Lingam containing sand and snails. When Hanuman saw this, he got disappointed. Hence Lord Rama assured Hanuman that first, devotees would pray in front of the Shiva Lingam brought by him and then that of Sita’s.
Festivals
Maha Shivarathri and Navrathri festivals are celebrated in this temple.
Accessibility
Airport
Nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport.
Railways
Nearest railway station is Palakol Railway Station.
Road
Government and private bus services are available from all major places to reach Palakol.
Temple Address
Sri Ramalingeshwara Swami Temple,
Palakol,
West Godavari District,
Andhra Pradesh
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
Temple opens from 5.30 am to 11.30 am and from 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm.