Pancharama Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh

The Pancharamas are five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, tied together by the legend of demon Tarakasura. After his death, his powerful Shiva Lingam shattered into five pieces, each landing in different towns across Andhra Pradesh. These fragments became the Pancharama Kshetras, which continue to draw thousands of devotees every year.

1️⃣ Amaravati – Amararama (Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple)

• Location: Amaravati, Guntur District

• Presiding Deity: Lord Amareswara (Shiva) with Goddess Bala Chamundeswari

• Special Feature: The Shiva Lingam here is massive and believed to grow slowly in size over centuries.

• Significance: Situated on the banks of the Krishna River, Amaravati is also a Buddhist heritage site with stupas and monuments nearby.

• Temple Timings:

  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Accommodation Nearby: Amaravati town has guesthouses, Vijayawada (35 km away) has many hotels.

• Nearby Attractions: Amaravati Stupa (Buddhist site), Krishna River ghats, Undavalli caves (near Vijayawada).

2️⃣ Draksharamam – Draksharama (Bhimeswara Swamy Temple)

• Location: East Godavari District

• Presiding Deity: Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and Goddess Manikyamba Devi

• Special Feature: The Shiva Lingam is 18 feet tall, said to extend into the earth. Temple walls carry ancient inscriptions in Telugu and Sanskrit.

• Significance: Considered one of the five powerful temples (Pancharamas) and also one of the Shakti Peethas where Goddess Parvati is worshipped.

• Temple Timings:

  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Accommodation Nearby: Rajahmundry (30 km) has multiple hotels; local guesthouses also available.

• Nearby Attractions: Kotipalli Someswara Temple (river ferry crossing), Rajahmundry Godavari bridge.

3️⃣ Bhimavaram – Somarama (Someswara Swamy Temple)

• Location: Bhimavaram, West Godavari District

• Presiding Deity: Lord Someswara Swamy with Goddess Rajarajeswari Devi

• Special Feature: The Lingam here mysteriously changes color—white during full moon (Pournami) and black during new moon (Amavasya).

• Significance: Bhimavaram is a buzzing town known for its rich culture and food; this temple is one of its spiritual jewels.

• Temple Timings:

  • Morning: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Accommodation Nearby: Bhimavaram has good hotels and lodges; Eluru (50 km) is another option.

• Nearby Attractions: Mavullamma Ammavari Temple (local goddess), Bhimavaram markets for coastal Andhra sweets and pickles. 

4️⃣ Palakollu – Ksheerarama (Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple)

• Location: Palakollu, West Godavari District

• Presiding Deity: Lord Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy with Goddess Parvati

• Special Feature: The temple gopuram (tower) is one of the tallest in Andhra Pradesh at 120 feet. The Lingam is said to have been installed by Lord Indra himself.

• Significance: Palakollu is a coastal town with a rich history. The temple attracts thousands during Maha Shivaratri.

• Temple Timings:

  • Morning: 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

• Accommodation Nearby: Palakollu town has decent hotels; Narsapur (10 km away) also has guesthouses.

• Nearby Attractions: Antarvedi (confluence of Godavari River and Bay of Bengal), Narsapur lace crafts village. 

5️⃣ Samalkot – Kumararama (Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple)

• Location: Samalkot, East Godavari District

• Presiding Deity: Lord Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy with Goddess Bala Tripurasundari Devi

• Special Feature: The Lingam here is tall and narrow, and temple architecture has similarities with the Draksharamam temple.

• Significance: The temple is associated with Lord Kumara Swamy (Murugan), who is believed to have worshipped here after defeating demons.

• Temple Timings:

  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Accommodation Nearby: Kakinada (12 km away) has many hotels ranging from budget to luxury.

• Nearby Attractions: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kakinada beach, Uppada beach.

Why Visit All Pancharamas Together?

• A pilgrimage to all five Pancharamas in a single trip is considered very auspicious.

• Many devotees attempt to complete the circuit during Karthika Masam (November-December) or Maha Shivaratri.

• The experience is not just spiritual but also a cultural journey through coastal Andhra’s heritage, food, and architecture. 

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