Kundaleswara Swamy Temple, Kundaleswaram: The Southern Kashi of Andhra Pradesh

Sri Kundaleswara Swamy Temple, located in Kundaleswaram village, Katrenikona Mandal, Konaseema region, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, is a sacred and historically rich Shiva temple often referred to as Dakshina Kashi (Southern Varanasi).

Location

Nestled on the southern bank of the Godavari River, the temple is surrounded by lush greenery and serene backwaters.
Easily accessible from Rajahmundry (80 km) and Amalapuram, with local buses and autos available.

Deities & Subshrines

Main Deity: Sri Kundaleswara Swamy (Lord Shiva), enshrined as a 12-foot tall Lingam, believed to be self-manifested and worshipped with kundalams (earrings)
Consort: Sri Kundalambika Devi
Subshrines:

Sri Anjaneya Swamy (Shiva Anjaneya) – opposite the main sanctum
Lord Muruga with Valli & Deivanai
Vanadurga Devi
Village deity Chelliamman
Dakshinamurthy, slightly tilted to the right
Rukmini-Satyabhama Sameta Venu Gopala Swamy (within the temple complex)

History & Significance

Estimated Age: Over 1000 years, with architectural traces from the Chola dynasty
Praised in Thevaram hymns by Saint Tirunavukkarasar, marking it as one of the 28 sacred sites on the northern banks of the Cauvery
Spiritual Importance:

Believed to be older than Varanasi in sanctity by some traditions
Goddess Ganga is said to have gifted kundalams (earrings) to appease the angry flow of the Godavari, leading to the name Kundaleswaram
Vyasa Maharshi granted a boon that daily bathing in the Godavari here equals Pushkara Snanam, making it spiritually potent year-round

Legends

Ramayana Connection: Lord Rama asked Hanuman to fetch a Shiva Lingam for worship. Sita made one from sand in the meantime. Hanuman, disappointed, tried to replace it but failed. He then offered his kundalams to the deity, giving rise to the name Kundaleswara
Markandeya & Narada: Both sages are said to have bathed in the Godavari and worshipped here

Festivals Celebrated

Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar): The grandest annual celebration, drawing thousands of devotees for night-long abhishekams, bhajans, and cultural programs.
Hanuman Jayanthi: Honoring the unique presence of Shiva Anjaneya in the temple, with homams and special offerings.

Beliefs & Spiritual Significance

Dakshina Kashi: The temple is considered holier than Varanasi by some traditions. Devotees often visit here before going to Kashi, believing it purifies their karmas and enhances blessings.
Daily Pushkara Snanam: Sage Vyasa is said to have granted a boon that bathing in the Godavari here equals Pushkara Snanam every day, making it spiritually potent year-round.
Kundalams Offering: The name “Kundaleswara” comes from Hanuman offering his earrings (kundalams) to Lord Shiva after failing to replace Sita’s sand Lingam, symbolizing surrender and devotion.
Child Blessings: Devotees offer bangles to Goddess Kundalambika seeking progeny and family welfare.

Temple Hours

Session	Timings
Morning	5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Evening	5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Getting Here

By Train

Nearest Station: Rajahmundry Railway Station (~80 km)
From Rajahmundry, take a bus or taxi via Amalapuram or Yanam

By Road

From Amalapuram: Regular APSRTC buses and autos available to Kundaleswaram
From Kakinada or Yanam: Taxis and local buses connect easily
Route Tip: Travel via Muramalla or Katrenikona for scenic backwater views

By Air

Nearest Airport: Rajahmundry Airport
From the airport, hire a cab or take a train to Rajahmundry, then proceed by road

Tips

Start with Godavari Snanam: Bathing in the river here is believed to grant Pushkara Snana phalam every day
Visit Subshrines: Don’t miss Shiva Anjaneya, Kundalambika Devi, and Venu Gopala Swamy

Best Season: October to March for pleasant weather and festival ambiance
Language: Telugu is widely spoken; basic phrases or a guide can enhance your experience

Photography: Allowed outside; avoid clicking inside sanctum
Nearby Attractions: Combine your trip with visits to Antarvedi, Pithapuram, or Dwaraka Tirumala