Important information

Address: Jaggamma Garipeta, Samarlakota, Andhra Pradesh 533440.
Open and Close Timings: 06:00 am to 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
Nearest Railway Station: Samalkot Junctionat a distance of nearly 850 metres from Sri Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple.
Nearest Airport: Rajahmundry Airport at a distance of nearly 47.2 kilometres from Sri Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple.

Kumaarama or Bhimarama, also known as Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple, is one of the Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva in Hinduism. This sacred temple is located at Samalkota in Kakinada district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The other four Pancharama temples are: Amararama in Amaravati (District Guntur), Draksharama in Draksharama (District East Godavari), Ksheerama in Palakollu and Somarama in Bhimavaram (both District West Godavari). This temple is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

History and Importance of the Temple

Kumaarama Temple is located just 1 km from Samarlakota town. This temple houses a 16 feet high linga made of limestone, which rises from the pedestal on the ground floor and penetrates the roof to the second floor, where Rudrabhaga is worshipped. The mandapam of the temple is supported by 100 pillars, which is architecturally significant. Ekashila Nandi (bull made of a single stone) guarding the Shiva Linga is installed at the entrance of the temple. The temple resembles another Pancharama temple of Draksharama also known as Bhimeswara Alayam. The Pushkarni (Koneru) lake can also be seen here. The large mandapam of the temple was built by Ganga Mahadevi, daughter-in-law of King Narasimha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of Odisha.

The temple is historically significant as it was built by the Chalukya rulers who ruled the region. The construction of the temple began in 892 AD and was completed in 922. The lingam of this temple is made of white limestone, which is 14 feet (4.3 m) high. The temple was built in Dravidian style by King Chalukya Bhima. Hence, the Lord was named Bhimeswara (between 892-922 AD).

Features of the Temple

The temple has special worship of Kala Bhairava and Goddess Balatripura Sundari. The pillars of the temple have inscriptions dated between 1147-1494, which also list the gifts given to the temple. Recent excavations in the temple premises have unearthed many 1000-year-old figures which are now present inside the temple. According to the Puranas, it is a Yogakshetra, which means that a person who has a "yogam" ("fortune-bound" or "opportunity given by God" or "boon") must visit the temple.

Festivals and Events

Abhishekam is performed daily during the months of November-December (Karthika and Margashirsha months). Utsav (Kalyan Mahotsav) is celebrated during February-March (on the day of Magha Bahula Ekadashi). Grand celebrations can be seen in the temple till Maha Shivaratri. The temple timings are from 6.00 am to 12.00 pm and from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Other places of interest around Samalkot include Draksharama, Annavaram, Thallupulamma Thalli and Rajahmundry.

Tourism

Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy Vari Temple is a major tourist destination in Samalkot. The main deity of this temple is Shiva, known as Kumar Bhimeswara. The most important festival celebrated in this temple is Maha Shivaratri. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Kakinada Depot runs circular trips covering all the 5 Pancharamas (Amaravati, Bhimavaram, Palakollu, Draksharama and Samalkot) in a period of 24 hours. The yatra starts every Sunday at 8:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm the next day, covering a distance of about 700 km (430 mi). Currently the fee is Rs.350/- and it includes darshan fee at the respective places.