Located at the middle of River Godavari on Pattiseema island of West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple is a famous pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is presiding in the form of Lord Veerabhara Swamy. It is one of Pancha Kshetras and other four temples are at Kedarnath, Kashi, Kalahasthi and Srisailam. The temple was built by Reddy Raju Kings in the 12th century.

location Andhra Pradesh, West Godavari, Amaravathi

Legend

According to the legends, Daksha did not invite Lord Shiva at the Yagna conducted by him. Knowing about this, Sati went to the yagna uninvited even when Lord Shiva asked her not to go to the yagna. Sati reached the yagna place and asked her father Daksha the reason for not inviting Lord Shiva while Daksha invited all other Gods. Daksha insulted Lord Shiva and Sati became angry and felt sad for not obeying Lord Shiva. Sati immolated herself. Hearing about the death of Sati, Lord Shiva became angry and plucked a lock of hair from his head and smashed it on the ground, breaking it into two with his leg. From it emerged, Lord Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali. Lord Shiva ordered Veerabhadra to destroy the yagna and kill Daksha. Veerabhadra killed Daksha. Even after killing Daksha, the rage of Veerabhadra was at its height. Agastya muni embraced Lord Veerabhadra with his hands to calm him down. Then, Agastya muni requested Lord Veerabhadra to settle down on the hillock and Lord Veerabhadra agreed and settle down there in the form of Shivalinga. Agastya muni also collected the unbraided long hair and tied it into a knot on the forehead of Lord Veerabhadra now in the form of a Linga.

Architecture

The temple belongs to 12th Centuty. The temple has a beautiful Nandi Vigraha. Carved images of dancing people adorn the walls.

Culture

The place held a pleasant surprise for city dwellers. The famous temple of Sri Veerabhadra is picturesquely located on a hillock known as Devakuta Parvatha situated in the middle of the river Godavari. The backdrop of hillocks, the golden sand, undulating waters, the floral tips of wild grass waving in the cool breeze set the mood as one get ready for the visit to the ancient temple, considered to be one of the Panchakashi Kshetrams of the Shivaites, with a peaceful bent of mind.

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing suggested; avoid shorts.

Famous Festival

Mahasivaratri, Kalyanam of Lord Shiva on Bheeshma Akadashi and Karteeka masam.

Temple Rituals

Daily Morning pooja and abishekam starts from 7:30 AM onwards and thereafter astothram archana will be performed to Lord Shiva as per temple schedule.

Additional Info

 

Small Tiffen Shops are available nearby temple.