Samalkot is located in Samalkot, East Godavari District Andhrapradesh. The temple is known as Bhimavara Kshetram with its famous Kumararama Bhimesvara temple. The town, was known as Chalukya Bhimavaram according to the inscriptions found in the temple. Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple Samarlakota is dedicated to Lord Siva. This temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras in Andhra Pradesh. This temple was built by Eastern Chalukyan king Bhima during the 9th and 10th centuries.
Samarlakota Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Samarlakota Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple History:
The demon Tarakasura stole Amrutha Atma Linga which emerged during Ksheerasagar Mathanam. Tarakasura weared this Linga around his neck, with his supernatural powers, was was unable to defete. Kumara Swamy, son of Siva and Parvathi, was the commander-in-chief of the deities, fought with Tarakasura in the war and used his Sakthi weapon to kill Tarakasura. Kumaraswamy repeatedly broke Tarakasura’s body in pieces but the pieces are joining again again. Subramanaya Swamy was confused and requested Sri Vishnu for help.
Sri Maha Vishnu advised Kumara Swamy to break the shiva linga into pieces, then only the demon can be killed. Sri Vishnu also told that even after breaking the shiva linga, the pieces will try to join again. To avoid this reunion, all of these broken pieces must be fixed where they fall, by worshiping and constructing temples over them.
As advised by Maha Vishnu, Lord Muruga used his Agni weapon to break Siva Lingam. The Atma Lingam was divided into five pieces, the broken pieces tried to join together by chant “om”. To avoid this, Indra, Surya Bhagawan, Chandra, Sri Vishnu and Kumara Swamy worshiped Linga in the respective places. Kumara Swamy installed Siva Linga here.
Samarlakota Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple Significance:
- The temple has apsara sculptures on its walls.
- King Chalukya built this temple to record his history of 300 victories in wars.
- There are 100 pillars that supports the Mandapam.
- Eka Shila Nadi is opposite Lord Shiva Lingam at the entrance of the temple.
- The main entrance to the temple is also popular under the name of Surya Dwaram. The main sanctuary is an independent monument located in the center of the inner enclosure. The temple is a rectangular structure and has two floors.
- We can see the design of the sculpture of Turpu chalukyas and kakatiyas. Here the goddess known as Bala Trupura sundari.
Samarlakota Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple Festivals:
Kalyana Mahotsam & Mahashivratri are most celebrated festivals here.
Maha Shiva Ratri celebrated in February/March.
Saran Nava Rathrulu celebrated in Dessara 10 days.
Karthika Masam celebrated in October/November.
Places Near Samarlakota Bhimeswara Temple:
Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swamy temple
Annavaram Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple
Thalupulamma Thalli
Bhavanarayana swamy temple
Sri Golingeswara Swamy temple
Ayyappa Swamy Temple / Andhra Sabarimala
How to Reach Samarlakota Bhimeswara Temple:
By Air:
Visakhapatnam International Airport is 157 km and Rajahmundry domestic airport is 49 kms.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Kakinada is 12 km away.
By Road:
Samarlakota is 15 Kms from Kakinada, 49 kms from Rajahmundry, and 125 kms from Visakhapatnam.
Samarlakota Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple Accommodation:
Guest Houses available near Samalkot Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy Vari Temple are 1.R & B Guest House at Peddapuram which is at a distance of 5 Kms.
Samarlakota Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple Address:
Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy Vari Temple
Ryali,
East Godavari District – 533 236.
