Palivela Uma Koppulingeswara Temple Timings, Festivals & Pilgrimage Tips

November 02, 2025 , , , ,

Location

  • Village: Palivela
  • Mandal: Kothapeta
  • District: East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
  • Route Access: Located on the road between Rajahmundry and Amalapuram, near Kothapeta.

Deities and Subshrines

  • Main Deity: Sri Uma Koppulingeswara Swamy (Lord Shiva) – the lingam is unique, adorned with matted locks (jata) and believed to be self-manifested.
  • Consort: Goddess Uma Devi – worshipped alongside Lord Shiva.
  • Subshrines: The temple complex includes smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, though specific names are not widely documented online. It is common to find shrines for Ganapati, Subrahmanya, and Navagrahas in such Shaiva temples.

Temple Significance

  • Mythological Roots: Sage Agastya Maharshi is said to have installed the lingam here after being denied the chance to witness the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati. Using his divine vision (Divyadrishti), he visualized the wedding and consecrated the deity.
  • Name Origin: The name "Palivela" is believed to derive from a myth where demons hid the Amrutalingam in a pit (palvala), which later became Palivela.
  • Bhima Mandalam Legacy: Historically, the temple was part of the sacred region known as Bhima Mandalam, a prominent Shaiva pilgrimage zone.
  • Mahasivaratri Kalyanotsavam: The temple celebrates a grand Kalyana Mahotsavam on Mahasivaratri, said to be initiated by Raja Raja Narendra in the 11th century.

History

  • Ancient Origins: The temple is part of the sacred Bhima Mandalam, a historic Shaiva pilgrimage region in coastal Andhra.
  • Agastya Maharshi’s Installation: Sage Agastya, meditating on the banks of the River Kowsiki, installed the lingam here after visualizing the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati through his Divyadrishti.
  • Royal Patronage: The temple’s Kalyana Mandapam was renovated by Raja Raja Narendra in the 11th century, indicating its prominence during the Eastern Chalukya period.

Legends

  • Celestial Wedding Vision: Devas feared Sage Agastya’s presence at the divine wedding might disrupt cosmic balance. They sent Vishwakarma to convince him it was over. Agastya, using his divine sight, visualized the wedding and consecrated the lingam at Palivela.
  • Origin of “Palivela”: One legend says demons hid the Amrutalingam in a pit (palvala), which later became Palivela. Another version attributes the name to the divine installation by Agastya.

Architecture

  • Lingam with Jata (Matted Locks): The main Shiva lingam is adorned with carved jata, a rare depiction symbolizing ascetic power and divine energy.
  • Post-Medieval Style: The temple reflects post-medieval South Indian architecture with a traditional gopuram, mandapam, and stone carvings.
  • Kalyana Mandapam: This hall, used for the annual Mahasivaratri Kalyanotsavam, showcases period-specific design and royal influence.

Rituals

  • Daily Worship:
    • Abhishekam to the lingam with water, milk, and sacred substances.
    • Alankaram (decoration) of the deities with flowers and ornaments.
    • Aarti and Archana performed morning and evening.
    • Devotees offer bilva leaves, rudraksha malas, and modakam.
  • Special Observances:
    • Sankashti Chaturthi and Pradosham days are marked with additional pujas and crowd gatherings.
    • Monday Worship is considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva.

Festivals

  • Mahasivaratri (Maga Bahula Ekadasi):
    • The temple’s most important festival.
    • Celebrated with Kalyana Mahotsavam (celestial wedding) of Uma and Koppulingeswara Swamy.
    • Held in the Kalyana Mandapam, renovated by Raja Raja Narendra in the 11th century.
    • Includes cultural programs, devotional music, and night-long vigil.
  • Kartika Masam:
    • Month-long observances with deepa alankaram (lamp decorations), special abhishekams, and Shiva bhajans.
  • Sravana Masam:
    • Devotees perform special pujas to Goddess Uma Devi, especially on Fridays.

Beliefs

  • Darshan of the Divine Wedding:
    • Sage Agastya Maharshi, denied physical presence at Shiva-Parvati’s wedding, visualized it through Divyadrishti and installed the lingam here.
    • Devotees believe they too receive spiritual darshan of this divine union.
  • Lingam with Jata (Matted Locks):
    • The unique lingam symbolizes Shiva’s ascetic power and divine energy.
  • Palivela Name Origin:
    • One legend says demons hid the Amrutalingam in a pit (palvala), which became Palivela.
  • Bhima Mandalam Legacy:
    • The temple is part of the ancient Shaiva pilgrimage region known as Bhima Mandalam, enhancing its spiritual significance.

Temple Hours

6.00 am to 12.00 noon

5.00 pm to 8.00 pm

Getting There
  • Location: Palivela village, Kothapeta Mandal, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
  • By Road:
    • 50 km from Rajahmundry
    • 25 km from Amalapuram
    • 90 km from Kakinada
    • Located on the Rajahmundry–Amalapuram route, near Kothapeta.
    • Well-connected by APSRTC buses and private vehicles.
  • By Rail:
    • Nearest major station: Rajahmundry Railway Station
    • From there, take a bus or cab to Palivela.
  • By Air:
    • Nearest airport: Rajahmundry Airport
    • Taxis and autos available for onward travel.

Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6–8 AM) or evening (5–7 PM) for peaceful darshan.
  • Festivals: Visit during Mahasivaratri for the grand Kalyana Mahotsavam and cultural programs.
  • Offerings: Bilva leaves, rudraksha malas, and modakam are traditional offerings.
  • Footwear: Remove shoes before entering the temple premises.
  • Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with other Bhima Mandalam temples in East Godavari for a spiritual circuit.
  • Local Facilities: Basic amenities and prasad counters available; plan food and water accordingly.

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