Pancharamam

Pancharama is the name given to those five temples which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These places are distributed over three districts, East Godavari, West Godavari and Guntur of Andhra Pradesh in India. All Hindus consider visiting these temples as very sacred. Pancha means five and Aarama is peace. Aarama is something related to Buddhism which is actually aims at pleasant state of mind. So Pancharama means five pleasant and peaceful places.
There are two stories related to Pancharama temples. One story related to Pancharama temples is in Bheemeshwara Puranam written by Shree Nathudu. The Story goes like this...
Devatas and Asuras (Rakshasas) stirr the sea to get nectar (Amrit). After getting the Amrit, Devatas meet Lord Vishnu to avoid distributing the nectar to Asuras as it may lead to problems. Lord Vishnu takes the birth as Mohini and distributes Amruth only to Devtas. Asuras get angry and worship Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva gets satisfied by their worship and blesses Asuras with lot of powers.
With these powers Asuras start torturing people and Devtas. Again Devtas worship Lord Shiva to avoid this. Lord Shiva gets angry and starts punishing Asuras. During this war, a Shivalingam worshipped by Thripurasura (Tripurasura) remains un damaged even though all Asuras die. Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) makes this Lingam into five pieces and makes this installed in five different places. These five places (Prathishtapana) are now famous as Pancharama.
The second story begins from Hiranya Kashipu and his son Simuchi. The son of Simuchi, Tharakasura worships Lord Shiva and gets his Atma Linga. Then, Tharakasura starts troubling people and Devatas. As per blessings, Tharakasura dies only by a boy. Devatas go to Lord Shiva to find solution for finding a solution to punish Tharakasura. Lord Kumara Swamy Avtar thus happens and and boy kills Tharakasura. After when Tharakasura dies, the Athmalinga gets divided into five. Each one gets installed by Devatas in five different places. These places are called Pancharama Kshetras.
Below are the details of Pancharama Kshetras and the five faces of Lord Shiva

1. Amararama is installed at Amaravati in Guntur district of Andhrapradesh. The name of Lord Shiva is Amareshwarudu and considered incarnated as, Aghorarupam, installed by Lord Indra.

2. Draksharama located at Draksharamam in East Godavari District of Andhrapradesh. The lord Eshwara is called Bhimeshwarudu (Daksharama) and seen as Thatpurusha Mukha Swarupam.

Draksharama

Drakshrama is located in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state in India. This place is very famous for one of the pancharama temple, Draksharama Bheemeshwara Swamy and located in a green belt due to river Godavari. The temple (along with Kumararama Bheemeswara Swamy temple at Samalkot) has been constructed by the East Chalukyan king during Nineth century. The temple also consists one of the Shakti peetha, Sri Manikyamba. Irrespective of the kind, people who perfom puja here will be free of their sins.

Importance of Daksharama

 Daksha vatika was the name in use earlier for this place. Kaksha Prajapathi performs a yagna without calling his daughter Parvathi and Shiva. Parvathi attends the function, she gets ill treated. She jumps into fire without tolerating the insult. Later the name Daksha Vatika got changed to Draksharamam.
Once upon a time Draksharama was considered as a Buddhist complex. The speciality of this Shiva Lingam is that, the early morning tender Sun light falls on the Linga. There are nearly 800 ancient scripts on the walls of the temple. The celeberations in this Devalayam started during 14th century in the period of Reddy Kings. On the Eastern door (Dwara) Goddess Gogulamma, Western gate Nookambika, Northern side Moodhambike and at Southern side, Ghattambike can be seen.
Shiva Lingam is nearly 9 ft hight and the top part is seen at the first floor. There are other small temples inside the main temple premises. To name a few, Praakara Bhairavudu, Viroopa, Natarajeshwar, Vaamana, Visheshwara, Dancing Ganapati, Dundhi Ganapathi, Goddess Kanakadurga and Goddess Annapurna. To the right side of Bheemeshwara Swamy temple, Kashi Vishweshwara Swamy temple (South facing) is situated. For performing puja (Abhisheka), water from Sapta Godavari is used as it is considered sacred.
Devotees come in huge number during Kartika Masam (November-December) for performing puja in this temple. Grand celeberations can be witnessed during Janmadinotsav (Birthday) i.e during Margashira Shudha Chathurdashi.
There is a choultry in the front side of the temple where free food is served for visitors. Travellers can relax here and refresh. Well maintained toilet and bathroom facility available. The maintenance of the temple is taken care by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Photography is restricted inside the Garbha Gruham, allowed outside the temple premises. Dormitory facility available at a very nominal cost which is available at a distance of half kilometer from the temple. Bigger one INR 200 per day and smaller one is INR 100 per day. The temple timings are given below.
Daily Dharma Darshan: 6.00AM to 7.00AM and night 7.00PM to 8.00PM
Wednesdays: 6.00AM to 11.30AM and 3.00PM to 8.00PM
Rest of the days: 6.00AM to 12 noon and 3.00PM to 8.00PM
There is a pond nearer to the temple which is called Sapta (seven) Godavari Kundam (pond).

How to reach:

Draksharama is situated just 6 Kms away from Ramachandra Puram in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Only bus facility is available to reach. Nearest Railway stations are Kakinada, Rajahmundry. Samalkot (junction) is one more nearest railway station where people can plan to get down in case they want to visit other places in this area. Few trains give stop at Annavaram also. Get proper information about the stoppage of trains in these stations as all the trains will not stop. Excellent bus facility is available from Kakinada and Ramachandrapuram.
People travelling by train from any part of the country, get down at Samalkot. If they get train upto Kakinada, get down at Kakinada. People can reach Kakinada by bus also. The distance between Samalkot and Kakinada is only 12Kms. From Kakinada, Draksharama is 28 Kms on the way to Kotipalli. There are frequent buses available to Kotipalli.
Visitors travelling by bus have several options. Travelling from Kolkata and other Northern part of India, have to take National Highway 5 and reach Annavaram after Visakhapatnam. After Annavaram take left turn at Kathipudi to proceed either to Samalkot or Kakinada. People coming from Hyderabad and other parts of the country, take right diversion at Ravulapalem before reaching Rajahmundry where green direction boards are installed on Highway. Ramachandra puram is only 45minutes journey from this point. From Ramachandrapuram, continue in the road going towards Yanam to reach Draksharama. Draksharama is at a distance of 470 Kms from Hyderabad.

Additional places of interest around Draksharama include Samalkot (Pancharama, Kumararama Bheemeshwara temple), Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli and Rajahmundry. Tourists better plan their stay either at Kakinada, Samalkot or Rajahmundry. Travellers can also make Rajahmundry as the center place for their trip.

 

3. Kumararama is available in Samalkot, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is called with same name as Daksharamam - Bheemeshwarudu. But Lord Shiva is seen here as Vamadeva Mukha Swaroopam. This Shiva linga is installed by Kumara Swamy.

Samalkot

This city is located in East Godavari district of Andhrapradesh in India. In Telugu (local language) the name is pronounced as Samarlakota. This town has the main railway junction connecting the broad gauge line between Chennai - Kolkata (and other places in North and South) to the district head quarters, Kakinada. Though this place is on the main lane of the broad gauge railway, it won't come in the National Highway 5 (between Chennai and Kolkata) path. Samalkot is famous for the Shiva temple which is considered as one of the Pancharama temples.

 

How to reach:

Samalkot is on the main railway path of broad gauge connecting Chennai and Kolkata. The station is after Rajahmundry if travelling from Vijayawada side. For travellers coming from Kolkata side, this station is after Annavaram (this is the main station and there are some more small stations in between Samalkot and Annavaram). Though Samalkot is the main Raiway junction, not all the trains stop in this station. So, select your journey and plan depending upon the train you are travelling by.

People travelling by bus from North have to reach Visakhapatnam and travel towards Rajahmundry in NH-5. After Annavaram ( approximately 120Kms by road) proceed in NH-5 upto Kathipudi and take left turn near an overhead bridge on Highway. Take the right turn before reaching the place called Pithapuram. And again after 8 Kms take right turn. Samalkot is 15 Kms from this turn. The distance between Annavaram and Samalkot is 40 Kms. It is 12 Kms from Kakinada. For travellers coming from Vijayawad side, have to reach Rajahmundry. After Rajahmundry, proceed in NH-5 to reach a place called Prathipadu. At prathipadu take right turn to reach Samalkot which 20Kms away.

Importance of Samalkot

The very famous Pancharama Shri Kumararama Bheemeshwara Swamy temple is situated in Samalkot. The temple is just beside the railway station. So no transportation is needed for people travelling by rail to reach the temple. This temple is dedicted to Lord Shiva (Adhi Devudu). This was known as Purva Chalukya Bhimavaram because the Eastern Chalukyans ruled this place. Now, a canal of Godavari river flows between Bhimavaram and Samalkot. The temple was built by Chalukya Kumara rama (son of Vikramaditya) during the end of 9th century. He got this temple constructed to register his victories in more than 300 wars.

 

The temple premesis almost resemblance the other Pancharama temple at Draksharama which is also called Bhimeswara Alayam. There are carvings of Apsaras on pillars in the temple. A mantapam supported with one hundred pillars can be seen. Eka Shila Nandi is kept at the temple entrance opposite to Shiva lingam. Darshan of Shiva lingam is at the first floor. Steps are available at both the side. Goddess Shri Bala Thripura Sundari (Tripura Sundari) statue can be seen at temple premesis. To the East side, there is a mantap called Koneti. Pushkarni (Pushkarini) lake can be seen here. The main entrance to the temple is called Surya Dwaram.

 here are quite a good number of devotees visiting this temple. The total maintenance activities are taken care by the Government of Andhrapradesh. Several parts of the temple are in a very bad shape and renovation activities are going on. Along with this activity, a garden is also being made for visitors to make this place a picnic spot. During November-December (Karthika and Margashira masam) months daily Abhisheka is carried out. There will be Utsavam (Kalyana Mahotsam) during February-March (Magha Bahula Ekadashi day) time. Till Maha Shivarathri grand celebrations in the temple can be seen. There will be a car festival during Sivarathri. Lord Bhimeswara Swamy is installed (Prathishthapana) by Kumara Swamy (son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) and hence the temple is called KumaraRama. Temple timings are from morning 6.00am to 12.00 noon and after noon 4.00pm to 8.00pm.

Additional places of interest around Samalkot include Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli and Rajahmundry. Budget hotels are available in Samalkot to stay. Travellers can also make Rajahmundry as the center place for their trip.

4. Somarama is at Bheemavaram situated in West Godavari district of Andhrapradesh. Lord Eswara is called Someshwarudu (Somarama) in this temple and considered as Sadyojatha Mukha Swarupam, Siva linga is installed by Lord Chandra.

Bhimavaram

Gunupudi Bheemavaram is located in West Godavari district of Andhrapradesh in India. This place is well known for the temple Soma Rama which is considered as one of the Pancharama temples. The temple here is called Sri Someshwara Janardhana swamy. Very good bus and train facility is available to Bheemavaram from all other places of India. One more Pancharama Kshetra called Palakollu is located just 20Kms away. One more major city of West Godavari called Narsapur is 45Kms away from here and one of the tributory of Godavari called Vasishta Godavari meeting the sea is very nearby. This place is called Antarvedi. Very frequent buses run towards Narsapur from all other parts of Andhra Pradesh (by APSRTC). The temple is situated nearly one kilometer from bus stand. Take a cycle rikshaw or auto to reach there. One more temple called Goddess Maullamma is situated in the city itself. As per the local people, this temple has got lot of power and by visiting there, all wishes come true. The face of Shiva lingam in this Pancharama temple is called Sadyojathamukha Swaroopam. 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.

Importance of Bhimavaram

 

The attraction of Bhimavaram is spiritual as the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Someswara Janardhana swamy which is considered as one of the Pancharama Kshetras is situated here. The main contribution for temple construction was made by the King Chalukya Bheema during 4th century. The Shiva lingam is called someshwara as it is believed that this lingam has been installed by Lord Chandra. The colour of the linga is believed to change during full moon day and Amavasya. 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 Shiva holds the Goddess Ganga on his head. 
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 also be seen. In front of the main entrance, 15ft pillar is constructed. The temple timings are from 5.00am to 11.00am and 4.00pm to 8.00pm.
In the center of the city, the temple of Rain Goddess (Varala Thalli) Maullamma is situated. The statue is 8ft hight. Each Fridays special poojas are performed at this temple. Yearly grand celeberations are held during Maha Shivarathri festival.

Reaching Bhimavaram

ne more route to reach Bheemavaram from Visakhapatnam is to proceed upto Kathipudi on NH5 and take left turn. Reach Kakinada in this route and proceed towards Rajole via yanam and Amalapuram. From Rajole make your journey towards Palakollu and then to Bhimavaram. From Kakinada, one can reach Bhimavaram via Ramachandrapuram, Ravulapalem and Palakollu also. There are only two bridges to cross River Godavari one at Yanam and the other near Ravulapalem. So, tourists have take either Yanam or Ravulapalem route.
People travelling by bus from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and other parts of the country can travel upto Tadepalligudem on NH5 and take right diversion to reach Bhimavaram.
Only few trains reach Bheemavaram. Trains running from Kolkata side take left diversion at Nidadavole to travel towards Bhimavaram. After Bheemavaram, trains reach the main broad gauge before Vijayawada through Kaikalur. Travellers willing to visit Palakollu can reach by bus. Few trains proceed towards this place to reach Narsapur which is the final station in this route. Confirm before booking the tickets for stops at these stations. The total time of journey from Visakhapatnam to Bhimavaram is 8 hours by bus. Private bus transportation exists between Narasapur and Bheemavaram via Palakollu.

Additional places of interest around Bhimavaram include Palakollu, Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli, Rajahmundry, Antarvedi, Ryali and Vadapalli. Very good South Indian food is available in the town.

Bhimavaram is 20 Kms from Palakollu. Palakollu is on the National Highway 214 located at interior Andhra Pradesh called Kona seema. This National highway starts at kathipudi (on National Highway 5) after Annavaram coming from Vizag and ends at National Highway 9 in between Vuyyuru and Machilipatnam. Excellent bus service available to Bhivaram from all parts of Andhra Pradesh moving towards Narsapur or Palakollu. Continuous buses available between Palakollu and Bhimavaram. Though the distance between Palakollu and Bhimavaram is only 20Kms, it takes 45minutes to reach.  People travelling by road from Kolkata and Orissa side, have to reach Visakhapatnam and proceed in NH5 upto Ravulapalem. After Ravulapalem, take left turn where the boards points towards Narsapur. Palakollu is just 45minutes journey from this place via Siddhantam and Martair (Marteru). The distance between Ravulapalem and Vizag is 230Kms and 70Kms from Rajahmundry. From Palakollu proceed towards Bheemavaram which is only 20Kms.

5. Ksheeraramam is situated at Palakollu, West Godavari Districtof Andhra Pradesh. Rama Lingeshwarudu (Kshirarama) is the name given to the Lingam installed in this place and Lord shiva is Eshanya Mukha Swarupam, installed by Sri Rama.

Palakollu

Palakollu is located in West Godavari district of Andhrapradesh in India. Thhis place is famous for Lord Shiva (Eshwara) temple which is considered as one of the Pancharama temples. The temple here is called Sri Kshira Rama Lingeshwara swamy. Excellent transportation facility available to reach Palakollu. Very good service available for trains and buses from other places of India. One more Pancharama Kshetra called Bhimavaram is located just 20Kms away from Palakollu. One more major city of West Godavari called Narsapur is 25Kms away from here. Very frequent buses run towards Narsapur from all other parts of Andhra Pradesh (by APSRTC). The temple is situated very nearer to Bus station and no additional transportation is needed. The temple is located beside a very narrow road. Palakollu is 20Kms from Bay of Bengal.

Importance of Palakollu

he main attraction of Palakol is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Ksheera Rama Lingeswara which is considered as one of the Pancharama Kshetras. The height of the temple is 120fts and constructed during Chalukya period by Chalukya Bheema. The construction took place during 9th century. The lingam, which is white in colour, is believed as the tallest. There are 72 pillars made of black stone. Inside the Garbhalaya (Garbha Gruha), Gokarneshwara and Vigneshwara (Ganapati) alayas are situated at the left with Kshiralingam located at the center. To the right, Subramanya Swamy and Janardhana Swamy alayas with Nandi at the centre are situated. Gostani river flows through the town Palakollu and there is a sangam place near Narsapur with river Godavari. From here the river enters the sea at Antarvedi. Once upon a time this place was a thick forest with natural greenary.
The Shiva Lingam (Moola Virat) can be seen from all the four sides through windows in the Garbha Gruharam. Additionally, Sun God, Kashi Vishweshwara, Goddess parvathi, Goddess Lakshmi, Nagareshwara Lingam, Dundi Vigneshwara, Veera Bhadra, Sapta Matruka, Kanaka Durga, Brahma, Saraswathi, Kumara Swamy, Kartikeya, Mahishasura Mardhini, Naga sarpa, Nataraja, Dattatreya, Kala Bhairava, Nageshwara, Shaneeshwara, Shankara, Radha Krishna can also be seen in the temple. There is a belief that the Shiva lingam is installed by Lord Vishnu. People say that, staying one day in Kshirarama is equivalent to staying one year in Varanasi.
The Prakara is designed by Sri Velupathi during 10th century. The art of temple construction resembles those constructed during Chalukya period. Gopuram is constructed by Sri Alladu Reddy during 14th Century. During 17th century, Kalyana mantapam (choultry) and Ashtha Bhuja Lakshmi Narayanaswamy alaya have been constructed.

How to reach Palakollu

Highway 214 located at interior Andhra Pradesh. The highway starts from kathipudi (on National Highway 5) near Annavaram and ends at National Highway 9 between Vuyyuru and Machilipatnam. Very frequent buses available to Palakollu from all parts of Andhra Pradesh moving towards Narsapur or Bhimavaram.
People travelling by road from Kolkata and Orissa side, have to reach Visakhapatnam and proceed in NH5 upto Ravulapalem. After Ravulapalem, take left turn where the boards points towards Narsapur. Palakollu is just 45minutes journey from this place via Siddhantam and Martair (Marteru). The distance between Ravulapalem and Vizag is 230Kms and 70Kms from Rajahmundry.

There is an Alternate way to reach Palakollu from Visakhapatnam. Proceed upto Kathipudi on NH5 and take left turn. Reach kakinada in this route and proceed towards Rajole via yanam and Amalapuram. From Rajole make your journey towards Palakollu. From Kakinada, one can reach Palakollu via Ramachandrapuram and Ravulapalem also. There are only two bridges to cross River Godavari one at Yanam and the other near Ravulapalem.

People travelling by bus from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and other parts of the country can travel upto Tanuku on NH5 and take right diversion to reach palakollu.
Not all the trains reach Palakollu. Trains running from Kolkata side take left diversion at Nidadavole to travel towards Palakollu via Bhimavaram (junction). Some trains proceed towards Vijayawada from here via Kaikalur. After Palakollu, trains reach the last station Narsapur. Confirm before booking the tickets for stops at this station. Tourists get down at Bhimavaram and take private vehicle or travel by bus to reach Palakollu. The total time of journey from Visakhapatnam to Palakol is 7 hours by bus. Private bus transportation exists between Narsapur and Bheemavaram via Palacole.

The temple timings are, 5.30am to 11.30am and 4.00pm to 8.30pm. Additional places of interest around Palakollu include Bhimavaram, Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli, Rajahmundry, Antarvedi, Ryali and Vadapalli. In the temple premesis choultry facility is available for tourists to stay. Photography is allowed inside the temple premesis but for Garbha gruham. Very good South Indian food is available in the town.

There is a saying that all these temples are installed by Gods (Devatas) and visiting all in one day (especially during Karthika Masam, i.e., during November-December month) is very sacred. During this season special bus arrangement is made by APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh Road Transport corporation) to visit all the temples in one day. Contact any of the nearby APSRTC offices for details during these months.