Situated on the heart of Nallamala Hills in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, Bhairavakona temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are a total of eight temples carved in the hill. The temples were built during the period 600 - 630 AD by Pallava ruler Mahendra Varma and later renovated by Chola rulers during 7th and 11th centuries. There are 101 shivalingas encarved on the bhairaveswaralayam rock. During the Karthika Poornima day, moonlight falls on the idol of Goddess Parvati.

location Andhra Pradesh, Prakasam, Amaravathi

Legend

According to the legends, there lived a shepherd named Kalabhairava Kondaiah at this hill. Once when the water flow was very low, Kalabhairava was unable to provide enough water to his cattle. He prayed to God that he will offer himself to God, if spring flows high. Suddenly, water started flowing high and cattle quenched their thirst. As promised, Kalabhairava chopped his head and offered himself to the God. The body of Kalabhairava was buried at this place therefore,the place got its name as Bhairava Kona. According to another legend, the Kalabhairava Kona is named after the King Kalabhairava who ruled this region for a very long time. It is also believed that Sage Bhrugu did penance here for a very long time; therefore, the main idol in this temple is called as Bhrugeswara Swamy.

Architecture

The temple is in the form of cave. There are a total of eight temples out of which 7 shrines faces towards the East and one is towards the North. The temple which faces towards the North have the idols of Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma in it. Only Shiva Linga is made out of granite rock rest of the idols were sculptured on the rock itself.

Culture

Prakasam district is an administrative district in the Coastal Andhra region of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Bhairavakona is a pilgrim centre that attracts tourists from all around the country. The area is surrounded with lush green forests offering splendid views of the glory of the nature to the visitors. Bhairavakona Waterfalls is also a major tourist attraction of the area, which offers breathtaking views to the visitor when the water falls from the picturesque mountains of 200 metres.

Darsan Info

07.00 AM to 07:30 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear modest Clothes and avoid shorts & skirts

Famous Festival

Karthika Pournami and Maha Shivarathri

Temple Rituals

Morning pooja and arathi starts from 07:30 AM onwards. Thereafter, daily astothram to be performed to lord shiva(form of linga) as per the temple Schedule.

Additional Info

 

As it is in the middle of Forest, temple staff is providing free and quality food to the devotees (Nitya Annadanam)