Somarama

Somarama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.[1] It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.[2]

Somarama Temple, Bhimavaram
Somarama Temple, Bhimavaram
Somarama Temple, Bhimavaram
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	West Godavari
Deity	shiva
Festivals	Mahasivarathiri - February/March, Sarannavarathri – September/October
Location
Location	Bhimavaram
State	Andhra Pradesh
Country	India
Somarama Temple,Bhimavaram
Geographic coordinates	16°32′28.56″N 81°32′06.31″E
Architecture
Completed	AD 3rd century

Architecture and history

This temple is an old but looks like a new one because of paintings on the walls and sculptures.

At the front of the temple is a lotus covered pond called Chandrakundam, and there is a large Gopuram at the temple entrance. In the left side of temple there is a big hall in which temples of Lord Srirama and Hanuma are present.

On the right side of temple there is an open hall above the temple office. When a crowd is present, pujaris/pandits conduct puja here for individuals. The temple has many sculptures. In the hall of temple there is a big statue of Nandi. After crossing hall there is a room in front of sanctum. In that room there is a temple of Annapurna mata.

In the sanctum Lord Shiva is in the form of a beautiful Shivaling. Shivaling in this temple is small unlike in other Pancharamas. There is a specialty in this temple: Shivaling will change its color according to Lunar aspect. At the time of Pournami (full moon nights) shivaling will be in white color and during Amavasya days (dark nights) its color shades black.[3]

temple chariot during Mahasivarathiri festival

The temple was built during the 3rd century A.D. Another unique feature is that the temple of Goddess Annapurna was built on top of the Shiva temple, something that cannot be seen anywhere in the country. Surprisingly, the Goddess has the sacred thread around her neck and a baby near her feet.[4]

Here Lord Shiva is known as Someswara Swamy. The consort of Lord Someswara is Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru. The Sivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Chandra. Maha Shivaratri and Sarannavarathri are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.

To the south of the Garbha Gruham, Goddess Adilakshmi can be seen and wedding hall at ground and first floor are constructed. 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 be seen. In front of the main entrance, a 15-foot pillar is constructed. The pond in front of the entrance is always covered by lotus flowers.

Vaippu Sthalam

It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar.[5] [6]

References

1. "Toursim [sic]". Bhimavaram Municipality. Archived from the original on 16 March 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
2. "Centrally Protected Monuments". Archeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
3. http://www.shaktipeethas.org/pancharamas/topic176.html
4. http://www.gloriousindia.com/places/temples/bhimavaram_pancharama_lingam.html
5. பு.மா.ஜெயசெந்தில்நாதன், தேவார வைப்புத்தலங்கள், வர்த்தமானன் பதிப்பகம், சென்னை, 2009
6. மூவர் தேவார வைப்புத் தலங்கள், Muvar Thevara Vaippu Thalangal, விவீச்சுரம் (பீமாவரம்) Viveechuram (Bheemavaram), 6-70-8