Kotipalli Someswara Swamy Temple

Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari, Amaravathi

Sri Someswara Swamy Temple also known as Uma Parvathi Devi Sahita Someswara Swamy Vari Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on River Gautami at Kotipalli in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Koteswara Swamy and Sri Someswara Swamy. The temple has two Shivalingas namely Koteswara Swamy Linga installed by Lord Indra and Someswara Swamy Linga installed by Lord Soma. Koteswara Lingam is a Yoga Lingam and Someswara Lingam is a Bhoga Lingam.The Kshetra Palakas of the temple Sri Siddi Janardhana Swamy, Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhoodevi are installed by Kasyapa Maharshi. The temple also houses the shrines of Goddess Raja Rajeswari Ammvaru, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Kalabhairava and Navagrahas.

Legend

Sri Koteswara Lingam: According to the legends, when Lord Indra disguised as Gauthama Maharshi and embraced Ahalya, wife of Gauthama Maharshi, Gauthama Maharshi got angry and cursed Lord Indra with life disease and Ahalya to change into a rock. When Ahalya and Lord Indra pleaded for shaapa vimochana, Gauthama Maharshi asked Ahalya to wait till Lord Rama touches her with His feet. Gauthama Maharshi told Lord Indra to take bath in Gauthami River and perform pooja to Lord Shiva. As per the advise, Lord Indra installed a Shivalinga named Koteswara Linga and performed pooja to get rid of his sin.

Sri Someswara Lingam: Lord Chandra lost chaya in his face due to his mistake for liking Tara, wife of his guru. Lord Chandra approached Lord Vishnu and prayed for shaapa vimochana. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu told him to take bath in Gauthami River and install Shivalinga and perform pooja to get rid of sin. As per the instruction, Lord Chandra installed a Shivalinga with Goddess Rajarajeswari and he was relieved from the sin. Therefore, the Shivalinga is also named as Chaya Someswara Swamy Lingam.

Architecture

The temple architecture is based on Dravidian style of construction. There is Soma Pushkarini with a beautiful statue of Shiva sitting in meditating posture in front of the temple. The temple is not so big. It has mandapams on four sides. The internal mandpam of the temple are sculpted with different god and goddesses idols. In the inner sanctum, there is a very tiny Shiva Lingam covered with flowers and decorated with a serpent kavacha. There is a very small statue of Nandi in front to the Lingam. Just beside the Lord, the idol of Goddess Annapurna is seen.

Darsan Info

06:00 AM To 09:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are requested to attire themselves in traditional/conventional dresses while visiting the temple.

Famous Festival

Magha Bahula Chaturdashi also known as Maha shivaratri which is celebrated in the month of Feb/Mar, Sri Swami Vari Kalyanam (Visakha Suddha Ekadashi) celebrated in the May, Navarathri festival (Aswayuja Suddha Padyami to Dwadashi) celebrated in the month of October), and Ksheerabdi Dwadashi Teppotsavam during Kartika Masam also known as the month of November.

Culture

The culture of East Godavari district is a rich traditional one in all parts of the district, and reflects the true culture of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for Veda-pandits, the Godavari River and the hospitality of the people.