At the main entrance of the temple, which is also called as Surya Dwaram, there is an Eka Sila Nandi (made of single stone), facing the Lord. To the east side of the temple, there is another mantapam called as Koneti. You can also see a Pushkarini (holy pond) in the temple premises. Nine feet white Linga is the form in which Lord Shiva exists here and you will have to take the steps to reach first floor, to get the glimpse of the Lord. There is an idol of Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari or just Tripurasundari in the temple premises.
Sri Kumararama Bheemeshwara Swami Temple History
The temple was built during 9th century by an Eastern Chalukyan King Bhima, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He got the temple constructed as the mark of representation of his victory in more than 300 wars.
There goes an interesting legend behind the existence of the Lord in this place. It is said that once a demon by name Tarakasura was on penance to please Lord Shiva. The demon had a boon given by Lord Brahma that he would be the most powerful of all and that his death would be in the hands of a son born to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati who should kill him on seventh day of his birth. Over a period of time, Lord Shiva was pleased with his devotion and appeared before him. Tarakasura desired for a boon that he should have a Linga in his throat and that his life should end only when the Linga is broken. As the Lord is always benevolent towards his devotees, he blessed Tarakasura with his desire and said that, it will be fulfilled once the churning of the ocean, for the Amrutham (divine nectar) is completed.
In the due course, Tarakasura attained his wish and became one of the powerful demons. He was very confident that no one would dare break the Shiva Linga in his throat and thus started troubling all the Saints and Gods by marring their peace. Worried over the issue, all the Gods went to Lord Vishnu, who is said to be the saviour. Lord Vishnu comforted them saying that the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati would come to their rescue. Over a period of time, a son was born to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati who was named as Kartikeya.
Then as predicted, on the seventh day, Kartikeya, along with other Gods, went to fight the demon and kill him. A fierce battle started between them and went on to the extent of the Gods withdrawing out of fear of losing their lives. It was then that Kartikeya prayed his father Lord Shiva, for forgiveness as he was about to break the Shiva Linga and threw his spear to hit the neck of Tarakasura. The Shiva Linga broke into five pieces and fell at five different places -Kumararama, Draksharamam, Ksheerarama, Bheemarama and Amararama. Hence Kumararama at Samarlakotaa became famous for the Bheemeshwara Swami temple.
As per some inscriptions in puranas, Sri Bheemeshwara Swami temple is also termed as Yogakshetram, meaning; only opportunistic persons get a chance to visit the temple. While on your trip to Kakinada, not to be missed is this temple at Samarlakota.
Sri Kumararama Bheemeshwara Swami Temple Local Info
There is a R & B Guest House at Peddapuram, which is at a distance of 5 Kms from the temple.
You can also contact:
Temple Authorities
Executive Officer,
Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari Temple
Samalkot
East Godavari District.
The peak time in the temple is during Maha Shivarathri in the month of February/March. There are grand celebrations in the temple premises with a ceremony called Rathayatra where the Ratham (chariot) is taken around the village. Lots of devotees' horde the place to take part in this ceremony. During the months of November and December, abhishekam (anointing the God) is performed daily. Kalyana Utsavam is held on Magha Bahula Ekadashi day in the month of February/March.
The temple opens daily from early morning 6:00am to 12:00 noon and closes during afternoon. At around 4:00pm in the eve, the temple reopens for darshanam and closes down by 8:00pm at night. The local language used is Telugu while English is also spoken by many denizens. There are some special poojas and services, which can be performed by paying some extra amount.
How to reach Samarlakota
Samarlakota can be reached either by rail or by road. It is at a distance of 12kms from Kakinada, 40kms from Annavaram and 49kms from Rajahmundry.
The town lies on the main railway path of broad gauge connecting Chennai and Kolkatta. This is the main station but there are limited trains that stop here. The station arrives after Rajahmundry, if you are travelling from Visakhapatnam and if you are travelling from Kolkatta, it comes after Annavaram.
If you are travelling from Northern parts of India, you have to reach Visakhapatnam and travel towards Rajahmundry on NH-5. Take the road to Annavaram and proceed up to Kathipudi. From here, take a left turn near an overhead bridge on the highway. Just before you reach the place called Pithapuram, take the right turn and after travelling 8kms, again take a right turn, from where Samarlakota is just 15kms away. From Rajahmundry, take the NH-5 to reach Prathipadu from there a right turn on the road to Samarlakota, which is at a distance of 20kms.
There are regular buses from Kakinada and Rajahmundry. The APSRTC at Kakinada depot runs a bus-service that takes you to all the five Pancharama Kshetrams (Kumararama, Draksharamam, Ksheerarama, Bheemarama and Amararama). The trip takes 24 hours, starts at early morning 8:00pm every Sunday, and ends the next day at 8:00pm at night. The fare generally is charged as Rs.350 that includes the darshan charges at various temples.
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