Temple

In the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, stands the Pancharama temple of Lord Shiva, the Sri Kumara Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple or Kumararama. Mythology believes that it was Lord Kumara Swamy who installed the idol of Shiva in this shrine. The inscriptions in the temple states that it was constructed by the famous Eastern Chalukya king Chalukya Bhima-I in the 9th century. The temple is believed to have been renovated under the Kakatiya dynasty later in the 14th century

Legend

The legend regarding the origin of temple describes the war between Lord Kumara Swamy and Tarakasura. As per the legend, Kumaraswamy broke the Lingam worn by Tarakasur as instructed by Lord Vishnu as he could not defeat the demon who had the Lingam on him. One of the places where the fragmented Lingam was installed by Kumara Swamy is the Kumararamam Temple. It is hence known as one of the Pancharama khsetras of Lord Shiva.

This temple is part of the famous Pancharama Kshetra Darshan Yatra.

Architecture

The temple is built along the architectural styles of Chalukyas and Kakatiyas. It has two parakaras, and the outer parakara has entrance on all four sides. The main entrance is called the Surya Dwaram. The temple has a mandapam supported by 100 pillars. The sanctum is inside the main shrine in the centre of the site. Lord Shiva is in the form of Lingam, 14 feet in height, that stands tall through the ground to the second floor. There is a Nandi monolith opposite to the sanctum of Lord Shiva. There is a shrine for Goddess Bala Tripurasundari, the consort of the Lord.

Darsan Info

Sri Kumara Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple timings - 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM. The temple is part of the Pancharama darshan yatra, the pilgrimage of the five Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

February - Kalyana Mahotsavam (Feb/Mar)

Culture

Kakinada is the head quarters of the East Godavari district. It is known for its traditional Andhra cuisine especially pickles and Kakinada Kaaja. Kakinada Beach festival, a music extravaganza see many artists and music lovers from all over the country visit the place.

Temple Rituals

The priests perform regular puja and abhisheka to the deity

Special Rituals

Special pujas and daily abhisheka are carried out during the karthikai month(Nov/Dec)

Additional Info