On Kumara Bheemaramam

Temple tank - Koneru

Out of the five Pancha-Rama Kshetras, the temples at Draksharamam and Samarlakota stand out for their ancient feel, ambiance and sheer size - true and only examples of Eastern Chalukyan Architectural legacy. The temple of Kumara Bheemarama of Samarlakota, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kumara Bheemeswara Swamy, was built during the reign of Chalukya Bhima I (r.c.892-921 CE). Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Bala Tripura Sundari here.

Dancers Galore...

Recently discovered Inscription

Model of the temple

Lingodhbhava Murthi

There are many interesting features of this temple - The Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum) and main temple premises including the temple tank i.e, Koneru  are enclosed within a large boundary wall, separated by distinct Pradakshina Pathas (Circumambulation passege). To the left of the entrance, there is a detached shrine dedicated to KalaBhairava Swamy. Sculpted images of a bowman (perhaps alluding to the Eastern Chalukyan subjugation of Boya Kottams), Saptamatrikas, Iscriptions adorn the inner wall. Once inside the temple premises, many sculptures, recently excavated can be found, including the one allegedly belonging to a Chalukyan cheiftain named Chandarasi. Two dancing figurines, atypical of Chalukyan times adorn the west wall of the main shrine. Inside the Garbha Griha, on the West Pillar, there is a sculpted image of Lingodhbhava Murthi, along with dancers performing Kolattam. The Garbha Griha entrance has the GajaLakshmi Motif - another interesting Chalukyan symbolism. Although later day embellishments were made by Reddy Kings, Musunuri Nayakas etc, the temple retained it's own Chalukyan Anceint feel - there are no Gopurams! There is a small model of the temple too, inside, that probably served as an inspiration for the Shikhara/Vimana.

I'm extremely impressed at the balance of religiosity and historical curiosity that the temple offered me!
 

The temple

Mythoglogy - Sthala Purana of the Pancha Rama Kshetras
In Andhra Pradesh, there are five sacred temples of Lord Shiva called 'Pancha-Rama Kshetras' associated with the legend of 'Tarakasura Vadha' of Markandeya Purana. As per the legend, in a fierce battle between the Devas and Asuras,  the God of War Kartikeya defeated and slayed the demon king Tarakasura, who possessed a powerful symbolic Shaiva - Atma Linga. The Linga was subsequently destroyed and scattered into five pieces at five different places. In due course of time, these particles of Linga were consecrated and temples were constructed. These Pancha-Rama Kshetras are located at - Samarlakota & Draksharamam (East Godavari district), Palakollu & Bhimavaram (West Godavari district), Amaravati (Guntur District).



Maheeth Veluvali,
Wednesday - 05th of February, 2020.
Palakollu