Appikonda Someswara Swamy Temple – Vizag’s Ancient Shiva Shrine

Location

Sri Someswara Swamy Temple is located in Appikonda, a coastal village about 30 km from Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh. Nestled near the Appikonda Beach, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience with the sea breeze and sacred ambiance.

Declared a Protected Monument: By the Archaeological Survey of India, due to its historical and architectural significance.

Deities and Subshrines

Main Deity:
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Sri Someswara Swamy, enshrined in a swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam, believed to have emerged naturally on a Monday.
Subshrines Include:

Lord Vinayaka (Elephant-headed God)
Lord Kumaraswamy (Murugan)
Nandi – A majestic, life-sized black stone sculpture seated before the sanctum
Multiple Shiva Lingams – Originally 101 were installed by Kapila Maharshi, though only four remain visible today
Sacred Well – Located near the temple, used for celestial baths during festivals; its water remains pure despite proximity to the sea

Temple Significance

Historical Legacy:
Built around 1070 CE by King Kulottunga I of the Chola dynasty, the temple is often referred to as a Chola Monument. Locals believe it may be even older, dating back 1400 years.
Kapila Maharshi’s Legend:
The sage attempted to install 101 Shiva Lingams before sunrise. He succeeded in manifesting 100, but the sun rose early, leaving one incomplete. In disappointment, he cursed the hill to remain “Appukonda” (debt-ridden), which evolved into Appikonda over time.
Spiritual Magnetism:
The temple is a major pilgrimage site during Maha Shivaratri, drawing over 1 lakh devotees for three days of celebrations. Worship here is believed to bring purification, prosperity, and karmic relief.

History & Legends

Ancient Origins:
The temple dates back to around 1070 CE, built by King Kulottunga I of the Chola dynasty, and is often referred to as a Chola Monument. However, local traditions suggest the temple may be over 1400 years old, with deep spiritual roots.
Kapila Maharshi’s Penance:
According to legend, Sage Kapila Maharshi halted at this coastal site to perform intense penance. He attempted to install 101 Shiva Lingams before sunrise using his cosmic powers.

He succeeded in manifesting 100 Lingams, but the sun rose early, leaving one incomplete.
In disappointment, he cursed the hill to remain “Appukonda” (debt-ridden), which evolved into Appikonda over time.

Swayambhu Lingam:
The main deity, Sri Someswara Swamy, is a self-manifested (swayambhu) Shiva Lingam, believed to have emerged naturally on a Monday, hence the name “Someswara” (Lord of Mondays).
Disappearing Lingams:
Of the original 101 Lingams, 95 were buried under sand dunes, and one was damaged. Today, four self-manifested Lingams remain visible within the temple complex.

Rituals & Festivals

Daily Worship

Traditional Shaiva rituals are performed with abhishekams, archana, and deepa aradhana.
Devotees offer bilva leaves, milk, and Iluppai oil lamps to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and karmic relief.

Maha Shivaratri

The temple’s grandest festival, celebrated over three days, draws over 1 lakh devotees from across Andhra Pradesh.
Ritual highlights include:

Night-long abhishekams and chanting
Special alankaram for the Shiva Lingam
Celestial bath (abhishekam) using water from the temple’s ancient well, which remains pure despite its proximity to the sea

Other Observances

Karthika Masam: Devotees light lamps and perform special pujas throughout the month.
Pradosham Days: Observed with focused Shiva worship and circumambulation.
Monday Worship: Considered especially auspicious due to the temple’s association with Someswara (Monday deity).

Beliefs and Spiritual Significance

Swayambhu Shiva Lingam: The main deity, Sri Someswara Swamy, is believed to have self-manifested on a Monday, hence the name “Someswara” (Lord of Mondays). Worship here is considered especially powerful on Mondays.
Kapila Maharshi’s Penance: Devotees believe that Sage Kapila installed 100 Shiva Lingams before sunrise, and the incomplete 101st led to the name “Appukonda” (debt hill), later evolving into Appikonda. Worship here is said to remove karmic debts and grant spiritual purification.
Healing and Prosperity: Lighting lamps with Iluppai oil, performing abhishekams, and offering bilva leaves are believed to bring family welfare, health, and material blessings.
Maha Shivaratri Darshan: Devotees believe that darshan during Maha Shivaratri at this temple is equivalent to visiting Kashi, due to the temple’s coastal sanctity and ancient lineage.

Temple Timings

	Morning Hours	Evening Hours
	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM	4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Extended hours during Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Pradosham days

Getting There

By Air:

Visakhapatnam Airport – ~27 km from the temple

By Train:

Marripalem Station – ~11 km
Duvvada Station – ~18 km
Visakhapatnam Junction – ~26 km

By Road:

From Vizag City Center – ~25 km
Local buses, autos, and taxis are available from Vizag, Simhachalam, and Madhurawada

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings for peaceful darshan; Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam for festival experience
Bring Offerings: Bilva leaves, milk, and Iluppai oil for lamp lighting
Photography: Avoid photos inside the sanctum; permitted in outer areas
Spiritual Reflection: The temple’s coastal setting is ideal for meditation and journaling
Prasadam: Available during festivals; check with temple staff for distribution times