Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Sri Someswara Swamy Temple at Gunupudi, on the edge of Bhimavaram in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, is Somarama – one of the five sacred Pancharama Kshetras of Lord Shiva. It is an ancient shrine, protected as a monument of national importance, and is also known locally as the Sri Someswara Janardana Swamy Temple. With this temple, the circle of five Pancharamas – Amararama, Draksharama, Somarama, Ksheerarama and Kumararama – is complete.
Main Deities
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Sri Someswara Swamy, and the Goddess is worshipped as Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru. The Shiva Lingam here is smaller than those of the other Pancharamas, and it carries a cherished tradition: devotees believe that its colour changes with the phases of the moon – appearing white around the full moon (Pournami) and turning dark, almost black, around the new moon (Amavasya).
A rare feature of the temple is the shrine of Goddess Annapurna, built on the upper floor, directly above the Shiva sanctum. Her image is unusual – she is shown wearing the sacred thread, with a child near her feet. The complex also has shrines of Sri Rama and Hanuman, and a large Nandi faces the Lord.
Sthala Puranam
According to tradition, the Lingam here was installed by Chandra, the Moon God (Soma), who worshipped Shiva to be freed from a curse – which is why the Lord is called Someswara and the shrine Somarama. The temple tank in front, the Chandrakundam (also called Soma Gundam), is linked with the Moon God's worship. Like the other Pancharamas, the shrine is connected with the legend of Kumaraswamy's victory over the demon Tarakasura, when the Lingam the demon wore broke into five pieces that fell at five holy places.
History and Architecture
The shrine is very old, and the present temple was rebuilt by the Eastern Chalukya king Chalukya Bhima in the 9th century – the same ruler associated with the Pancharama temples at Draksharama and Samalkot. A large gopuram rises at the entrance beside the Chandrakundam, and the two-level design, with the Annapurna shrine above the main sanctum, is one of the temple's most distinctive features.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March): the main festival, with special abhishekams and large gatherings of devotees.
- Sharan Navaratri (September–October): special worship of Sri Rajarajeswari and Goddess Annapurna.
- Karthika Masam (October–November): lamps and special worship, especially on Mondays and Karthika Pournami; many devotees visit all five Pancharamas during this month.
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: Gunupudi is about 2 km from the centre of Bhimavaram. Bhimavaram is well connected by APSRTC buses with Rajahmundry, Eluru, Vijayawada and other towns; autos run to the temple.
By Train: Bhimavaram Town and Bhimavaram Junction railway stations are close by.
By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (RJA), about 90 km away. Vijayawada International Airport, Gannavaram (VGA), about 115 km away, is the other option.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional dress is recommended.
- Annapurna darshan: remember to climb to the upper floor for darshan of Goddess Annapurna.
- Moon phases: devotees who wish to see the Lingam's traditional colours often plan their visit around Pournami or Amavasya.
- Pancharama yatra: complete the circle with Ksheerarama (Palakollu), about 25 km away, Draksharama (Draksharamam), Kumararama (Samalkot) and Amararama (Amaravathi).
