Sri Umakotilingeswara Temple, Rajahmundry – The Southern Kashi on Godavari

 

Location

• Place: Rajahmundry, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh
• Setting: On the banks of the sacred Godavari River, near the ghats

Presiding Deities

• Main Deity: Sri Kotilingeswara Swamy — a form of Lord Shiva, associated with the legend of ten million lingas (Koti Lingas) installed by Indra to absolve his sins
• Consort: Goddess Uma , a manifestation of Goddess Parvati
• Shakti Peetham: Believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where Sati Devi’s left cheek is said to have fallen

Subshrines and Features

• Sitarama Mandir: Located within the temple complex
• Temple Pond: In front of the sanctum
• Dwajasthambham: Installed before the Garbha Griha
• Mukha Mandapam: Broad hall with 36 intricately carved pillars

Temple Significance

• Historical Roots: Said to be built in the 10th century CE by the Chalukyas, later renovated during the Vijayanagara period
• Spiritual Importance:
• Known as Dakshina Kashi due to the sacredness of the Godavari River
• Associated with Sage Gautama’s legend and the descent of the Dakshina Ganga
• Considered highly auspicious during Pushkaram, Navaratri, and Shivaratri
• Architectural Highlight: The temple houses a 108-foot Shiva Linga, one of the tallest of its kind

History

• Era of Origin: Believed to be built in the 10th century CE by the Chalukya dynasty.
• Renovation: Extensively restored during the Vijayanagara period in the 16th century.
• Sacred Geography: Located on the banks of the Godavari River, the temple is part of the spiritual landscape known as Dakshina Kashi.

Legends

• Indra’s Redemption: As per local lore, Lord Indra, cursed by Sage Gautama, installed a Shiva Linga and anointed it with waters from ten million rivers to absolve his sins. Hence the name Kotilingeswara — “Lord of Ten Million Lingas”.
• Sati Peetha: The temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where Sati Devi’s cheek is said to have fallen.
• Sri Rama’s Worship: It is believed that Lord Rama installed the Shiva Linga here during his exile.
• Manjunatha’s Transformation: A local legend speaks of a Brahmin named Manjunatha, initially an atheist, who became a devout Shaivite and contributed to the temple’s spiritual legacy.

Architecture

• Main Features:
• A towering 108-foot Shiva Linga, one of the tallest of its kind.
• A three-tiered Gopuram (temple tower) marking the entrance.
• A Dwajasthambham (flagstaff) placed before the sanctum.
• A temple pond in front of the Garbha Griha.
• A Mukha Mandapam with 36 intricately carved pillars, showcasing Chalukyan and Vijayanagara craftsmanship.

Daily Rituals

• Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deity with Vedic chants.
• Abhishekam: Performed to the Shiva Linga with sacred substances like milk, curd, honey, ghee, and vibhuti.
• Archana & Alankarana: Floral offerings and decoration of the deity.
• Naivedyam: Offerings of cooked rice, pulihora, pongal, and seasonal fruits.
• Harathi: Morning, noon, and evening deepa aradhana with bells and conches.
• Special Fridays: Goddess Uma is worshipped with kumkumarchana and guggillu offerings.

Major Festivals Celebrated

• Maha Shivaratri: Grand night-long vigil with Rudrabhishekam, cultural programs, and lakhs of devotees.
• Koti Lingarchana: Symbolic worship of one crore Shiva Lingas, often performed during auspicious months.
• Navaratri & Dasara: Goddess Uma is worshipped in nine forms with special alankarams and homams.
• Karthika Masam: Daily deepa danam, Shiva pujas, and temple lighting rituals.
• Pushkaralu (once every 12 years): Massive spiritual gathering on the banks of Godavari, with special rituals and annadanam.
• Sankranti, Ugadi, Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated with temple processions and special naivedyam.

Beliefs and Devotional Significance

• Shakti Peetha: Believed to be the spot where Sati Devi’s cheek fell, making it a powerful site for Shakti worship.
• Dakshina Kashi: Due to its location on the Godavari River, devotees believe that a dip here equals Ganga snanam.
• Kotilinga Legend: Worshipping here is said to absolve sins, as Lord Indra did by installing a crore lingas.
• Couples Seeking Blessings: Many visit for marital harmony and fertility blessings.
• Prasadam Belief: Naivedyam offered here is considered highly potent and spiritually purifying.

Temple Timings

• Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Note: Timings may extend during festivals like Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Pushkaralu

Getting Here

• By Train:
• Nearest station: Godavari Railway Station (~2 km)
• Rajahmundry Junction (~4 km) is also well-connected
• By Bus:
• APSRTC Rajahmundry Bus Stand (~4 km)
• Local autos and cabs available to reach the temple
• By Air:
• Rajahmundry Airport (~13 km)
• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs available
• Landmark:
• Located near the Godavari River ghats, close to Pushkar Ghat

Tips

• Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred; modest clothing recommended for darshan
• Best Time to Visit: During Karthika Masam, Shivaratri, or Pushkaralu for vibrant rituals and spiritual ambiance
• River Bathing: A dip in the Godavari River before darshan is considered highly auspicious
• Shakti Peetha Belief: Many devotees perform kumkumarchana to Goddess Uma for marital harmony and fertility
• Nearby Facilities: Shops selling pooja items, prasadam counters, and vegetarian eateries
• Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; permitted in outer areas
• Special Darshan: On Maha Shivaratri, expect long queues — arrive early or opt for special darshan tickets.