Somaramam(somarama) Temple Bheemavaram

omarama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located at Gunupudi Bheemavaram, West Godavari district of Andhrapradesh in South India. Lord Siva is known as Someswara Janardhana Swamy here. This temple has got lot of power and it is believed by the Hindus that by visiting there, all wishes come true.

The face of Sivalingam in this Pancharama temple is called Sadyojathamukha Swaroopam. The consort of Lord Someswara is Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru. As per Puranas the Sivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Chandra and hence the temple is called Somarama, as Sanskrit word soma meens chandra (God Moon). The colour of the lingam is believed to change during full moon day and Amavasya. The temple is situated on the bank of Godavari River.

Maha Shivaratri and Sarannavarathrulu are the main festivals celebrated grandly at this temple. And in Kaartikamasam (falls in Oct. and Nov.Months) everyday Rudrabhishakam and bilvarchana are performed in the early hours from 4 am. People in these days visit temple with a lot of belief and devotion. They give their prayer by reading Vishnu Sahasra Nama and Akasadeepam is lighted whole the month. The temple timings are from 5.00am to 11.00am and 4.00pm to 8.00pm.

The main contribution for temple construction was made by the King Chalukya Bheema during 4th century. Over and above the Garbhalayam, Goddess Annapurna temple is situated, which is the speciality of this temple and cannot be seen anywhere else in India. This resembles the fact that Lord Siva holds the Goddess Ganga (Goddess of river Ganges) on His head. To the South of the Garbha Gruham, Goddess Adilakshmi can be seen and wedding hall at ground and first floor were constructed. Mass marriages (especially during Shivarathri) are being conducted at this temple premesis. The local people say that couple getting married at this Pancharama place have a peaceful understanding life. Marriages are conducted both in the new hall and also in Goddess Annapurna mantapam. To the East side of this temple, there is a Pushkarini pond which is also called Soma Gundam. Inside the temple, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, God Kumara Swamy, Navagraha, Sun God, Lord Ganesha can also be seen.

On hearing the pitiable plea of the devas, Lord Siva killed the asuras with His infallible Pasupatastram (a spiritual Arrow of flame), which reduced them and their kingdoms to ashes. This is better known as Tripurantaka. However, a huge stone linga, worshipped by Tripuras, remained intact after the encounter. This was cut into five lingas by Lord Himself and distributed for the purpose of installing (pratishtapana) at five different places which came to be locally known as Pancharamas. The other four temples are Amararama at Amaravati (Dist. Guntur), Draksharama at Draksharama (Dist. East Godavari), Kshirarama at Palakollu (Dist.West Godavari) and Kumararama at Samarlakota ( Dist.East Godavari).