Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Sri Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple – also called Amareswara Swamy Temple – stands on the southern bank of the Krishna river in the historic village of Amaravathi, Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh. It is Amararama, one of the five sacred Pancharama Kshetras of Lord Shiva, and the only one of the five on the banks of the Krishna; the other four lie in the Godavari region.
Please note: this temple is in the old riverside village of Amaravathi in Amaravathi mandal. It is a different place from the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh, which shares the name and is being developed some distance away, around Thullur and Velagapudi. Travellers should search for "Amareswara Temple, Amaravathi" when planning directions.
Main Deities
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Sri Amaralingeswara Swamy, worshipped in the form of a remarkably tall, white Shiva Lingam, about 15 feet high. The Lingam is so tall that the priests climb onto a raised platform to perform abhishekam and alankaram. The Goddess is worshipped here as Sri Bala Chamundika.
Sthala Puranam
The legend of the Pancharamas tells of the demon Tarakasura, who held a powerful Shiva Lingam and could not be defeated while it was with him. In the great battle, Kumaraswamy (Lord Subrahmanya) shattered the Lingam, and its pieces fell at five places, which became the five Pancharamas – Amararama, Draksharama, Somarama, Ksheerarama and Kumararama. The Lingam at Amaravathi is said to have been installed and worshipped by Indra, king of the Devas (the Amaras) – hence the names Amararama and Amareswara.
A popular local story says that the Lingam here kept growing taller and taller, until a nail was driven into its top to stop it; devotees point to a reddish mark near the top of the Lingam as the sign of that event.
History
Amaravathi is one of the oldest places of worship and learning in the Telugu lands. Inscriptions at the temple go back to the early 12th century, and the shrine received support from many rulers over the centuries. In the late 18th century, Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, who made Amaravathi his seat, is remembered for his generous patronage and renovation of the temple. The village is also known for the remains of the ancient Amaravati Buddhist stupa nearby, reflecting its long history as a sacred centre.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March): the biggest festival, with special abhishekams, the Kalyanotsavam and large gatherings of devotees from Guntur, Palnadu and Krishna districts.
- Karthika Masam (October–November): lamps, holy dips in the Krishna and special worship, especially on Mondays and Karthika Pournami. Many devotees try to visit all five Pancharamas during this month.
- Devi Navaratri (September–October): special worship of Sri Bala Chamundika.
- Krishna Pushkaralu: held once every twelve years, when the ghats here draw huge numbers of pilgrims.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from morning until midday and again in the evening.
- Timings change on Shivaratri and during Karthika Masam; please check locally.
How to Reach
By Road: Amaravathi is about 35 km from Guntur and about 40 km from Vijayawada. APSRTC buses run regularly from both cities.
By Train: the nearest major railway stations are Guntur and Vijayawada.
By Air: the nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport, Gannavaram (VGA), about 45 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional dress is recommended.
- Krishna ghat: devotees often bathe at the river ghat before darshan; take care when the river is in flood.
- Pancharama yatra: devotees who visit all five Pancharamas often travel on to the Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam and the other shrines in the Godavari districts.
- Nearby temples: the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada and the Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri.
- Heritage: the Amaravati archaeological museum and stupa site are close by.
