Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple, Amaravati – A Pancharama Kshetra on the Banks of Krishna

Location

• Town: Amaravati
• District: Palnadu (formerly part of Guntur)
• State: Andhra Pradesh
• Nearby Landmark: Situated on the banks of the River Krishna, making it a spiritually potent site.

Presiding Deity

• Main Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Amaralingeswara Swamy
• The name combines “Amara” (immortal) and “Linga” (symbol of Shiva), signifying Shiva’s eternal presence.

Subshrines (Upadevathas)

• Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari – Consort of Amaralingeswara
• Lord Ganesha
• Lord Subrahmanya (Murugan)
• Nandi (Shiva’s vahana)
• Navagrahas (Nine planetary deities)
• Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, and other Shaivite forms in sculptural niches

Temple Significance

• Pancharama Kshetra: Amaralingeswara is one of the five sacred Shiva temples known as Pancharamas, revered across Andhra Pradesh.
• Legend: It is believed that Lord Indra installed the Shiva Linga here, making it a divine site of celestial origin.
• Historical Patronage: Built during the 11th–12th century, with contributions from the Reddy dynasty, especially King Anavema Reddy, a devout Shaivite.
• Spiritual Belief: Worshipping here is said to grant moksha (liberation) and remove sins. The temple is especially powerful during Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Purnima.
• Architectural Style:
• Dravidian architecture with a tall gopuram, pillared mandapa, and intricately carved sanctum.
• Inscriptions in Telugu and Sanskrit adorn the temple walls.

History

• The temple’s roots go back to the 2nd century BCE, during the Satavahana dynasty, making it one of the oldest Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh.
• It was later renovated and expanded by several dynasties, including the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara rulers, with significant contributions from King Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, a devout Shaivite.
• Amaravati itself was a prominent Buddhist and Hindu center, and the temple reflects this layered spiritual heritage.

Legends

• According to local lore, the Shiva Linga was installed by Lord Indra, the king of the Devas, to atone for his sins and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
• The name “Amaralingeswara” combines Amara (immortal) and Linga (symbol of Shiva), signifying the eternal presence of Shiva at this site.
• The temple is also associated with the Pancharama legend, where pieces of the demon Tarakasura’s broken linga fell at five places—Amaravati being one of them.

Architecture

• The temple is built in Dravidian style, featuring a tall gopuram, pillared mandapas, and a square sanctum.
• The Shiva Linga is unique—it is tall, cylindrical, and made of white marble-like stone, believed to be self-manifested.
• Inscriptions in Telugu and Sanskrit adorn the temple walls, chronicling donations and renovations by various rulers.
• The temple’s location on the banks of the Krishna River adds to its sanctity and visual grandeur.

Daily & Special Rituals

• Abhishekam: The Amaralinga is bathed with water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee, accompanied by Vedic chants.
• Aarti & Archana: Performed in the morning and evening, with offerings of flowers, incense, and lamps.
• Rudrabhishekam: A powerful Shaivite ritual performed especially during Shravan and on request by devotees.
• Pradakshina: Circumambulating the sanctum is considered spiritually purifying.
• River Dip: Devotees often bathe in the Krishna River before entering the temple, believing it cleanses sins.

Major Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri (February–March):
• Celebrated with night-long bhajans, fasting, and elaborate abhishekams.
• Thousands of devotees gather for darshan and special pujas.
• Kartika Purnima (November):
• Lamps are lit throughout the temple, symbolizing spiritual illumination.
• Devotees perform deepa daanam (lamp donations) and river worship.
• Shravan Maas (July–August):
• Mondays are sacred; devotees offer bilva leaves and chant Shiva mantras.
• Other Observances:
• Pradosham, Navaratri (for Bala Tripura Sundari), and Sankranti are also marked with rituals.

Beliefs & Spiritual Significance

• Pancharama Power: As one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, Amaravati is believed to hold immense spiritual energy.
• Indra’s Installation: Legend says Lord Indra installed the Amaralinga, making it a celestial shrine.
• Liberation & Blessings: Worship here is believed to grant moksha, remove doshas, and fulfill family and progeny-related desires.
• River Krishna’s Sanctity: Bathing in the river before darshan is said to cleanse karmic impurities.

Temple Hours

• Opening Time: 6:00 AM to 1.00 PM
• Closing Time: 4:00 PM to 8.00 PM
• Darshan Duration: Suggested visit time is 1–2 hours, especially during early morning or evening aarti for a peaceful experience.

Getting There

By Road

• From Guntur: ~35 km
• From Vijayawada: ~40 km
• Transport Options: Regular buses, autos, and taxis available from both cities.

By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Guntur Junction
• From there, take a bus or taxi to Amaravati.

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Vijayawada International Airport (~50 km)
• Taxis and app-based cabs are available to reach the temple.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6–8 AM) or evening (6–8 PM) for serene darshan and cooler weather.
• Dress Code: Traditional or modest attire is recommended.
• Footwear: Carry a bag for shoes as they must be left outside.
• Festivals: Expect large crowds during Maha Shivaratri, Kalyanotsavam, and Navaratri—plan accordingly.
• Photography: Allowed in outer areas; avoid flash near sanctum.

Accommodation

• Local Lodges & Guesthouses: Available near Amaravati town and bus stand.
• Temple Guesthouses: Basic rooms may be available for pilgrims—check with temple office.
• Nearby Cities: For better amenities, stay in Guntur or Vijayawada, which offer hotels across all budget ranges.