| Samalkot - Bhimeswaraswamy Temple |
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Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari
temple (Kumararama, one of the Pancharama Kshetras) . The presiding deity at
this temple is Lord Shiva known as Kumara Bhimeswara. Maha Sivarathri is the
most important festival which is celebrated in this temple.
The temple is historically prominent, as it was built by
Chalukyas who reigned over this location. Construction of the temple started in
892 A.D. and completed around 922 A.D. It is similar to the temple in
Draksharamam, but is also very unique in its own right, such as the linga being
white. The temple still stands strong and it was made National Heritage Site
.and its resemblance of twin of Draksharam ,with two staired mandapa ,really
amazes more as its so well without any cracks, though the temple is not in a
populated place, people do come here. |
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The Linga is a limestone ,14 feet high .The temple was built in
Dravidian style ,by the King Chalukya Bhima,Hence the god name is Bhimeswara
(between 892-922 A.D) .The Kakatiya rulers (in the period 1340-1466 A.D)have
added and renovated the temple pillars with a very fine sharp finishes .The work
of CHalukyas and Kakatiya's is very easily distinguished ,by the well decorated
and polished pillars in the temple to the rest of the temple.both new and
old.the construction of this temple is so well that it has not changed much thru
all years, when compared to Draksharaam temple .Kala Bhairava is also of
importance and Balatripura sundari is the Goddess.Shaasanas between 1147-1494
A.D were scripted into pillars of the temple,which also have list of gifts given
,thru the ages, for the temple. |
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| In Puranas its been written that its a Yogakshetram,which
means ,the person who has the "yogam"(kind of "fated to have" "opportunity given
by god" ""boon") to visit ,will visit the temple. The Andhra Pradesh State Road
Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Kakinada Depot runs circular tours covering all
the 5 Pancharamas (Amaravathi, Bhimavaram, palakollu, Draksharama & Samalkota)
in a span of 24 hours. The journey starts at 8.00PM evey Sunday and ends at
8.00P.M next day covering 700 km approximaely. Currently charges are Rs.350/-
and are inclusive of darhan charges at the respective places. |
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| This 1 km from samalkot Railway Station. |
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