Kotipalli Temples Andhra Pradesh

Someswaram or Kotipalli (Kumararama) an important pilgrimage center in coastal Andhra Pradesh, one of the five well known pancharama shrines dedicated to Shiva in Andhra Pradesh is rich in legend and tradition and is held in great regard. Kotipalli also known as Koti Theertham is located at the confluence of the river Godavari with the sea. This holy river which is very famous for its sacred water was brought by Gowtham Maharshi. If a person takes a bath in these holy waters of Gowthami at Kotipalli they will be purified from all kinds of sins. For time immemorial it has been believed that a ritual bath in the river Godavari at Kotipalli is symbolic of a new beginning in life, a change in direction, of forgiveness of heinous sins committed by repentant souls especially in the month of Kartika, and on Maha Shivaratri. Every day in the early hours the Abhishekam for the Lord is done with this Koti Theertham water which is brought by Archakas (priests).

Shiva is worshipped here as Someswara Swamy or Koteeshwara Swamy and his consort Parvati as Rajarajeswari Devi. Here there are three famous idols which have been installed and established by Lord Indra, Lord Chandra and Kashyapa Maharshi. Siddhi Janardhana Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi were established as Kshetra Palaka by Kashyapa Maharshi, Lord Indra in order to wash away his sin installed Koteswara Lingam, which is a Yoga Lingam, along with Sri Rajarajeswari Devi, and Further Lord Chandra established Sri Someswara Lingam, which is a Bhoga Lingam, with Sri Ananpurna Devi to wash away his sin. This Someswara Lingam, which is 5 feet in height, is a crystal Lingam and is said to glow with differing levels of brightness depending on the phase of the moon and is housed in a two storied sanctum, with Annapurna Devi on the 2nd floor.

There is a big water tank in front of the temple which is known as Soma Pushkarini. His Holiness Kanchi Kama Koti Peethadhipathi and his Holiness Shringeri Jagadguru visited this holy kshetram. In the premises of the temple there are 4 Pradakshina Mandapams. In this Mandapams there is a Kalabhairava Swamy temple and Shankaracharya Mandir along with Chandra Mouliswara Lingam, and a Navagraha temple along with Uma Sametha Mrityunjaya Lingam.

FESTIVALS

every year there are some festivals and events which are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. They are: 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.

ACCOMMODATION

As there are no facilities of stays at Kotipalli, one can book their stay at the Irrigation Bungalow and for that one has to contact Controller/ Executive Engineer, Godavari Eastern Division, Dowleswaram. Or one can even stay at Kakinada where there are unlimited options of stays.

HOW TO REACH

Kotipalli is located at a distance of 38 Km from Kakinada, 60 Km from Rajahmundry and can be accessed only by bus which is available quite frequently. It can be accessed through Amalapuram which is 15 Km from Kotipalli and can be accessed via Ferry/Boat.
CONTACT

Executive Officer
Sri Someswara Swami Vari Devasthanam,
Kotipalli,
K.Ganagavaram Mandal (Pamarru Mandal),
East Godavari District.
Pin: 533 306.