Sri Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple — Attraction in Andhra Pradesh

Kumararama or Bhimarama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Samalkota of East Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The other four temples are Amararama at Amaravati(Dist. Guntur), Draksharama at Draksharama (Dist. East Godavari), Ksheerarama at Palakollu and Somarama at Bhimavaram(both in Dist. West Godavari).[1] It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.[2]

Kumararama Bhimesavara swami temple

kumararama Bhimesvara Temple, Samalkota

GeographyCountryIndiaStateAndhra PradeshDistrictEast GodavariLocationSamarlakotaCultureSanctum

Siva(shiva)

Bala Tripura sundariMajor festivalsMaha ShivaratriArchitectureArchitectureChalukya and KakatiyaNumber of templesOneHistoryDate built9th century



Kumara Bhimarama Temple at Samalkota

TempleEdit

The temple is 1 kilometer from Samarlakota City. The limestone Linga, installed in the shrine, is 16 feet tall that it rises from the pedestal on the ground floor and enters the second floor by piercing the roof, where the Rudrabhaga is worshipped. The temple has a mandapam that is supported by 100 pillars and is of great architectural importance. The temple has an Ekasila Nandi (A Bull carved from a single stone) guarding the Shiva Lingam at the entrance of the temple. The temple resembles the other Pancharama temple at Draksharama which is also called Bhimeswara Alayam. To the East side, there is a mantap called Koneti. Pushkarni (Koneru) lake can be seen here.

The construction of the temple was started in AD 892 and was completed during 922.here the Linga is made of limestone and appears white. From 1340–1466 during kakatiyadynasty the temple was reconstructed.so one can see the sculpture design of both Turpu chalukyas' and kakatiyas. Here the Goddess known as Bala Trupura sundari.

FestivalsEdit

During November–December (Karthika and Margashira masam) months daily Abhisheka is carried out. There will be Utsavam (Kalyana Mahotsam) during February–March (Magha Bahula Ekadashi day) time. Till Maha Shivarathri grand celebrations in the temple can be seen. Temple timings are from morning 6.00am to 12.00 noon and after noon 4.00pm to 8.00pm.[3] Additional places of interest around Samalkot include Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli and Rajahmundry.

photo gallery

ReferencesEdit

^ Talbot, Cynthia (2001). Precolonial India in Practice: Society, Region, and Identity in Medieval Andhra. Oxford University Press. p. 272. ISBN 978-0-19-513661-6. Retrieved 5 June 2017.^ "Centrally Protected Monuments". Archeological Survey of India. Retrieved 27 May 2017.^ "Samalkot Chalukya Kumara rama Shri Bhimeshwara Swamy Pancharama temple". Go2india.in....

Visiting the Pancharama Kshetrams was definitely in our Andhra Temple visit.

Hence after visiting Annavaram, Pithapuram, we came rushing to the Kumararama Bhimeswara swamy since the temple was about to be closed at noon. This was the first pancharama temple that we visited.

There were lot of shocks for us as we rushed into the temple, we noticed that there was no Temple gopuram, and once we entered the temple, the construction was very different from many of the temples. It had rustic brown colour due to the stone used, which was kind of very good to look at, and more importantly there was continous, two tier pillared hall kind of structure running around the entire temple.

As we entered the garbha graham, we were shocked to find a huge Aavudayar (base of shiva linga) but we cant see the shiva lingam at all. It was confusing, shocking for us, since it didnt make sense to see something like this. Seeing our confused state the priest showed us in sign langauge to go up the steps.

As we climbed the narrow stair case upstairs, we were pleasantly surprised to see the beautiful, splendid, fully decorated Lingam on the top. The two tier system was kind of very unique and we have never seen anything like this before in our life.

We had a good darshan, we stood there mesmerised by the beauty of the lord. Finally as we came down, one of the temple priest sensing that we are not from local area, requested to come and have food in their Annadhanam centre.

For a second, i closed my eyes, to thank the lord for the kind gesture of someone calling us to have food with them.

We politely turned down the invitation. and went out of the temple.

Definitely worth a visit, in...

This temple is awesome with its Unique Architecture from Chalukyas Regime.. A rare masterpiece of Art.

The Shivalinga, installed by Sri Subramanya Swamy as I recall, is so tall that we take Darshan first from the Ground Floor then take stairs one level up for another Darshan, this time towards the top of Lingam.

There are other upa alayams around the Sanctum Sanctorum none to be missed!

Most dieties face Eastwards so you may have to peep a bit in some cases, like one at Ashta Matrukas upalayam for example. The premises is a fabulous marvel of ancient Architecture and the Pond, not clean and clear, but adds up to the view. It's not advised to take a dip, it's quite deep.

Don't forget to Take Darshan of Sri Vajra Vinayaka on your way out. As you walk out side the inner perimeter towards the exit, you can spot Sri Vajra Vinayaka on the perimeter wall atop... Mind you the entire idol is carved out of a single rock and the legend says there used to be a rare diamond on it, hence the title, Sri Vajra Vinayaka. You can imagine how and who may have plucked it out leaving a clear grove on the idol today.

It's usually a Very Pleasant Place...with decent parking space. I visited in the Evening about Sunset luckily which magnified the pleasant experience by a few notches.

This temple is about 3 kms from Samarlakota railway station... But no public transport is available.. Auto Rickshaws plight up and down..and charge about 200 - 250 for a return trip from Railway Station as on August 3025. I suggest to reserve a two...