Sri Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple – Samarlakota’s Pancharama Marvel

October 31, 2025 , , , , ,

 

Location

  • Town: Samarlakota 
  • District: Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
  • Access: Well-connected by road and rail; nearest major city is Kakinada

Main Deities and Subshrines

Primary Deity

  • Lord Shiva as Bhimeswara Swamy
    • Worshipped in the form of a 14-foot tall white crystal Shiva Linga spanning two floors
    • Believed to be consecrated by Kumara Swamy (Lord Kartikeya), hence the name Kumararama

Consort

  • Bala Tripura Sundari Devi
    • Housed in a separate sanctum within the temple complex

Subshrines

  • Ganapati
  • Subrahmanya (Kumara Swamy)
  • Navagrahas
  • Nandi Mandapam
  • Additional shrines for Vishnu and other deities in the prakaram

Temple Significance

  • Pancharama Kshetra: One of the five sacred Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh, alongside Draksharama, Somarama, Ksheerarama, and Amararamam
  • Historical Legacy: Built during the reign of Eastern Chalukya King Bhima I (892–922 CE), showcasing early Dravidian architecture
  • Spiritual Importance: The Shiva Linga is believed to be indestructible and spiritually potent; devotees believe that worship here grants liberation and health
  • Protected Monument: Recognized as a centrally protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India
  • Festivals Celebrated:
    • Maha Shivaratri
    • Karthika Masam rituals

History

  • Dynastic Patronage: Built during the reign of Eastern Chalukya King Bhima I (circa 892–922 CE), the temple reflects the early phase of Dravidian temple architecture in coastal Andhra.
  • Pancharama Legacy: It is one of the five sacred Pancharama Kshetras, each believed to house fragments of the demon Tarakasura’s Shiva Linga, destroyed by Lord Kartikeya.

Legends

  • Kumara Swamy’s Penance: After slaying Tarakasura, Lord Kartikeya installed the Shiva Linga here to atone for the sin of killing a Brahmin (Tarakasura was a Brahmin by birth).
  • Indestructible Linga: The Linga is said to be made of a unique white crystal and is believed to be spiritually indestructible. It spans two floors, symbolizing its cosmic stature.
  • Pancharama Mythology: Each Pancharama temple holds a piece of the original Shiva Linga shattered by Kartikeya’s divine spear (Vel), and Kumara Bhimeswara marks the site where he personally installed the fragment.

Architecture

  • Dravidian Style: The temple showcases classic Dravidian architecture with a tall Vimana, intricately carved pillars, and a spacious Mandapam.
  • Two-Level Sanctum: The Shiva Linga rises through two floors, allowing devotees to view it from both levels—a rare architectural feature.
  • Stone Craftsmanship: The temple is built with finely dressed stone blocks, featuring carvings of deities, floral motifs, and mythological scenes.

Rituals

  • Daily Pujas:
    • Suprabhata Seva, Abhishekam, Archana, and Harathi are performed to Lord Bhimeswara and Bala Tripura Sundari.
    • Devotees can offer Bilva leaves, cow ghee lamps, and rudraksha malas as part of their worship.
  • Special Sevas:
    • Rudrabhishekam and Ekadasa Rudra Homam during auspicious days
    • Kumara Swamy puja for youth and health
    • Navagraha Shanti rituals for planetary relief

Festivals

Festival Name

Month / Occasion

Highlights

Maha Shivaratri

Feb–Mar (Magha–Phalguna)

Night-long vigil, abhishekam, and cultural events

Karthika Masam

Nov–Dec

Daily deepa offerings, special Shiva pujas

Navaratri

Sep–Oct

Bala Tripura Sundari worship with alankaras

Sankranti & Ugadi

Jan & Mar–Apr

Regional celebrations with temple rituals

 

Beliefs

  • Moksha Kshetra: Worshipping Lord Bhimeswara is believed to grant liberation from rebirth and karmic cleansing.
  • Healing Powers: The crystal Shiva Linga is considered spiritually potent, offering relief from chronic ailments and mental peace.
  • Pancharama Circuit Merit: Visiting all five Pancharama temples (including Kumararama) is said to bestow complete Shiva blessings and dosha nivarana.
  • Youthful Energy: Devotees pray to Kumara Swamy for vitality, courage, and protection from evil forces.

Temple Hours

  • Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Note: Temple remains closed between 12 PM and 4 PM for rituals and cleaning.

Getting Here

  • By Train:
    • Samarlakota Junction is the nearest railway station, just 1 km from the temple. It’s a major stop on the Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam line.
  • By Road:
    • Samarlakota is well-connected by APSRTC buses and private vehicles from Kakinada (12 km), Rajahmundry (50 km), and Visakhapatnam (170 km).
  • By Air:
    • The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (approx. 60 km). Visakhapatnam Airport is another option (~150 km).

Tips

  • Footwear: Leave footwear outside the temple premises; designated racks are available.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred—men in dhoti/kurta, women in saree/salwar.
  • Best Time to Visit: Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam are spiritually vibrant and attract large crowds.
  • Photography: Restricted inside the sanctum; permitted in outer prakaram—check with temple staff.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Draksharama (another Pancharama Kshetra) – 25 km
    • Kakinada Beach – 15 km

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