The Kumararama temple is one of the most revered temples of Bhagawan shiva in Andhra Pradesh and is the fifth temple in the Pancharama Kshetra circuit. The name Kumararamam comes from Kumaraswamy, who established the Shiva Linga here. The main deity is Bhagawan Shiva and homage is also paid to the female power Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari devi. Lord Shiva is represented by a massive Shivalinga which is made entirely of limestone and is sixteen feet tall and is fully white, making it one of its kind. The Linga is very similar to Draksharama temple and is said to be the twin temple. The Linga rises from the ground and is so tall that it pierces the roof and passes through the second storey where the Rudrabhaga is worshiped. The main entrance is famously known as Surya Dwaram meaning ‘door to the Sun’. This temple also houses the Eka Sila Nandi figure, which is fashioned from a single stone and is placed opposite the Shivalinga at the entrance. Kal Bhairav deity is also enshrined in the temple. The beautiful Lake Pushrani is clearly visible from the temple’s mandap. The lake is on the east of the temple. Kumararama Bhimeswara Swami Temple is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras of Bhagawan Shiva others being Amararama at Amaravati, Draksharama at Draksharama, Ksheerarama at Palakollu and Somarama at Bhimavaram.
This temple lies in Samarlakota, in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, around 10 km from Kakinada and 1 km from Samarlakota town.
One among the Pancharama Kshetras in Andhra Pradesh
The temple, being one of the Pancharama Kshetra, holds great significance in the Hindu philosophy of religion. The Shaivites consider Pancharama Kshetras as the most revered temples and hence a lot of religious importance is attached to the temple.
According to the Puranas, this temple is an important ‘Yogakshetram,’ meaning that it can only be visited by devotees who have been given the opportunity or boon by the almighty to get a chance to visit this temple.
Morning: 6.00A.M. – 12 Noon
Evening: 4.00 P.M. – 8.00 P.M.
Saswatha Abhishekam : Once in a year as requested by the devotee – Abhishekam to the Lord, Kumkum Pooja to the Goddess. Prasadam will be sent by post
Saswatha Prasadam : Once in a year as requested by the devotee – Pulihora will be offered for free to the devotees on the name of the ticket holder
Prasadam : One time only – 2 Kg will be offered for free to the devotees on the name of the ticket holder
Abhishekam : One time only – Abhishekam will be performed to the Lord for 30 days during Karthika Masam in the name of the ticket holder
In 892 CE, the Chalukya Kings of the South began building this temple. It was finished in the year 922 CE. King Chalukya Bhima commissioned this temple to commemorate his three hundred military triumphs, hence the name Kumara Swamy Bheemeswara, which honours both the God and the King who built it. The Katakiya monarchs that followed after them respected this place by erecting temple pillars with sharp finishes, which were created in the Dravidian style. Sasanas were scripted in the pillars between 1147-1494, which display the donations received by the temple. The touch of Chalukya and Katakiya times can be seen in the well distinguished pillars. The temple stands tall and strong and has not been damaged much, unlike other temples of the same period.
This temple is a monument with architectural masterpiece and has stood the test of time. The mandapam which is supported by a hundred pillars is a distinctive feature of this temple, the mandapa called ‘Koneti’ is on the eastern side of the temple. The Eka Shila Nandi is a statue of a bull carved out of a single stone. It stands in front of the Atma linga to protect it. The temple is a two levels rectangular construction, from the first floor you can see the Lingam. On the temple’s pillars, there are exquisite apsaras sculpted. The Surya Dwaram, which is a freestanding edifice in the midst of the inner enclosure, is the temple’s primary entrance. The construction of this temple is so strong that it has not changed much in so many years compared to Draksharama temple.
Rajahmundry is the nearest city at a distance of 42 km. One can reach Samalkot:
By Air: The closest domestic airport is in Rajahmundry and the International airport is in Vishakapatnam.
By Rail: Samarlakota is on the Vijayawada-Howrah railway line of South-Central railway. The nearest railway station is Kakinada, 12 km away.
By road: 15 kms away from Kakinada, 49 kms from Rajahmundry and 125 kms away from Visakhapatnam, Samaralkota is well connected with bus services from various cities.
Many options are available in Samarlakota for devotees to stay. One can also choose to stay in Rajahmundry. Some options are:
R & B Guest House is available at Peddapuram at a distance of 5 Kms
SR Grand Park Regency – Samarlakota, Andhra Pradesh
Hotel Shelton Rajamahendri – Rajahmundry
The following festivals are celebrated at the temple during the year:
Maha Shiva Ratri February – March
Saran Nava Rathrulu – Dessara 10 days
Karthika Masam October – November
This temple is one of the ancient Hindu temples that hold great spiritual powers. This is 1000 years old and was built with a strong foundation of architecture. It is a part of India’s rich heritage and culture and a proof of technology and wisdom that prevailed in ancient India, making it a must-visit for one and all.
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