1/ 6
2/ 6
3/ 6
4/ 6
5/ 6
6/ 6
❮
❯
Maha Shivaratri Mahostavamulu, Sree Chalukya Kumararama Bheemeswara Swami Temple, Jaggamma Garipeta, Samarlakota, Kakinada Dist., Andhra Pradesh - 533440
Kumararama, also known as the Chalukya Bhimeswara Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located in Samalkota in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Lord Siva, it is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, revered pilgrimage sites in the state. The temple is renowned for housing a 14-foot tall white crystal Siva Linga, which spans two floors, believed to have been conse....
Kumararama, also known as the Chalukya Bhimeswara Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located in Samalkota in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Dedicated to Lord Siva, it is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, revered pilgrimage sites in the state. The temple is renowned for housing a 14-foot tall white crystal Siva Linga, which spans two floors, believed to have been consecrated by Lord Kumara Swamy himself, giving the temple its name.The temple is traditionally attributed to the Eastern Chalukya king Chalukya Bhima I, who ruled from 892 to 922 CE. Its architecture reflects the Dravidian style, featuring intricate designs and elements that highlight its historical and cultural significance. Kumararama is a centrally protected monument of national importance and continues to draw devotees from across the region. The Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is situated approximately 1 kilometre from the town of Samalkota. Historical inions in the temple identify the area as Chalukya Bhimavaram in earlier times. Samalkota is located 12 kilometres from Kakinada and 52 kilometres from Rajahmundry, making it easily accessible by road. The temple is a part of the Pancharama Kshetras, a group of five prominent Siva temples in Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) organizes a circular tour that includes all five temples—Draksharamam, Samalkota, Amaravathi, Palakollu, and Bhimavaram—within 24 hours. This tour, covering approximately 700 kilometers (430 miles), begins at 8:00 PM every Sunday and concludes at 8:00 PM the following day, offering devotees the opportunity to visit and worship at each temple.
Read More
Activities
The Chalukya Bhimeswara Temple is traditionally believed to have been established during the reign of Chalukya Bhima I (ruled 892–922 CE), the ruler of the Eastern Chalukyas.[1] Epigraphical evidence, including an inion at Pithapuram, supports the identification of Chalukya Bhima as the founder of the temple. The inion mentions that Chalukya Bhima constructed a shrine dedicated to Lord Siva near Samalkot in Kakinada District. The inion describes his victories in numerous battles and his 30-year reign. However, there is scholarly debate about whether Chalukya Bhima I or II was the founder of the temple. Some scholars, like M. Venkatarangaiya, argue that it was Chalukya Bhima II (ruled 934–945 CE), while others, such as N. Venkataramanayya and B.V. Krishna Rao, identify Chalukya Bhima I as the temple's founder. The presence of a sculptural panel depicting a royal couple at the temple, believed to represent Chalukya Bhima I and his queen, adds weight to the view that he was the founder. Further epigraphical evidence supports this connection, suggesting Chalukya Bhima I was indeed responsible for the temple's construction. The temple epigraphs refer to the construction of a mukhamandapa at the eastern entrance in 1394 CE. Furthermore, the erection of additional structures, such as the Srimukhamandapam and niluvu mandapam on top of it, is recorded in inions dated to 1422 C.E. The Bhimeswara Temple at Samalkot shares an architectural resemblance with the Bhimeswara Temple at Draksharamam, showcasing the traditional Dravidian style characterized by six fundamental components. Constructed from robust basalt stone, the temple exemplifies the medieval Chalukyan engineering tradition, where precisely cut stones are balanced using gravity without adhesives. Additionally, the Eastern Chalukyas employed soft sandstone in the construction, combining durability with intricate design elements to enhance the temple's aesthetic and structural integrity.
Social Media
Organized By
Endowment
E.O
Sree Chalukya Kumararama Bheemeswara Swami Temple, Jaggamma Garipeta, Samarlakota, Kakinada Dist., Andhra Pradesh - 533440
9848332933
kumararama[at]gmail[dot]com
How to reach
The nearest airport is Rajamahendravaram,
which is 48 KMs away.
The nearest convenient railway station is Samalkota,
which is 2 KMs away.
The nearest major city is Kakinada,
which is 15KMs away.
