Sri Umamaheswara Swamy Temple, Sri Umakoppeswara Swamy Temple

Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari, Amaravathi

Located at Palivela, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, Sri Umakoppeswara Swamy Temple is a famous pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the bank of Kowsiki River. The idol in the temple was installed by Sage Agastya. Therefore, it was called as Lord Agasteswara Swamy and later it came to be known as Uma Koppulingeswara Swamy. The temple was renovated by Raja Raja Narendra in 11th century.

Legend

According to the legends, Sage Agastya who was meditating on the banks of River Kowsiki came to know about the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and wanted to attend it. However, Indra and other Gods were afraid that if sage witnessed the wedding it would result in the destruction of the world. They came to earth and convinced the sage that the wedding was over. Through his divine vision, the Sage wanted to see the wedding and prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared in Sage’s Vision in their wedding attires. Sage requested Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to reside there as Lord Agasteswara Swamy on a single Peetham (throne) which they obliged. In the course of the time Lord Agasteswara Swamy came to be known as Uma Koppulingeswara Swamy. According to the legends, the head priest of the Lord Agasteswara Swamy Temple had a mistress although he is married. People of the village complained about the priest to King. King decided to visit the temple and enquire about it. When head priest came to know the visit he went to temple along with a garland that he actually given to his mistress. Priest welcomed the King to the temple with the garland. King saw a long black hair in the garland. When questioned, the priest lied that it was the hair of Lord Agasteswara Swamy. King insisted on seeing the lOrd’s hair. The priest again lied that the pooja is over and the idol is decorated with ornaments andit could not be taken away till next morning. The priest told that King that he will saw the Lord’s hair next morning and King agreed to it. King told priest that he will be beheaded if he failed to show the Lord’s hair. Terrified by this,the priest prayed to Lord all nigh and confessed his sins. He begged the Lord to wear hair around his head and started beating his head on the Lingam. The priest became unconscious. Pleased with the prayer of the priest, Lord wore the hair. When priest regained consciousness, he saw the Lord’s hair and he thanked the Lord. Next day, priest showed the hair to the King. People told the king that there is something fishy about it. The king asked the priest to pluck a hair of the Lord. The priest plucked the hair and gave it to the King. The King saw the blood on the hair and at that time, King lost his eyesight. Realizing his mistake, King prayed to Lord to pardon him. The King got his eye sight back. Even today one can see the magnificent Lingam of the lord with matted locks around it in the sacred temple of Sri Koppulingeswara Swamy.

Architecture

The temple have 7 mandapa's which was renovated in 11th century. Other than the shrine of Sri Koppulingeswara Swamy, Goddess Uma Devi, the temple also houses the shrines of Sri Vigneswara Swamy, Sri Subrahmanya Swamy, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, Sri Papanaseswara Swamy, Sri Chandiswara Swamy. There are 2 mandapams (halls) in this Temple viz. Kaylana Mandapam, and Nandi Mandapam. There is a small pond near to this temple for performing poojas to the Lord.

Darsan Info

06:00 AM To 08:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear traditional attire in festival days while visiting the temple.

Famous Festival

Ganapathi Navarathrulu,Devi Navarathrulu,Karteeka Masam,Subrahmanyeswara Swamy kalyanam and Sasti Dhanurmasam,Kalyana mahothsavam Lord Sri Uma Koppeswara Swamy Kalyanam.

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. The Telugu language originated in this district (in Rajahmundry or Rajamahendri).