Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Uma Someswara Swamy Temple, known locally as the Someswara Alayam, is a temple of Lord Shiva as Someswara – the Lord of the Moon – together with Goddess Uma (Parvati), in Sajjapuram, Tanuku, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the most visited Shiva temples of Tanuku, and its crowds swell in the holy month of Karthika.
Lord Someswara
The name Someswara means "Lord of Soma", the Moon. Tradition tells that the Moon god, cursed to wane, worshipped Lord Shiva and was restored, and Shiva placed the crescent moon on his head. Shiva is therefore worshipped as Someswara at many sacred places – among them Somarama at Bhimavaram, one of the Pancharama Kshetras not far from Tanuku. Here, he is worshipped with his consort Uma as Uma Someswara.
About the Temple
The temple's founding year and history have not been published. It is a centre of Shaiva worship for Sajjapuram and the town of Tanuku, and devotees come in especially large numbers on Mondays, the day dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Karthika Masam at Sajjapuram
The month of Karthika (usually October–November) is the high point of the temple's year. On the Mondays of Karthika – and above all on the last Monday of the month – the temple sees a heavy rush of pilgrims, who come for abhishekam to the Lord and to light Karthika lamps. During the month the temple has also arranged special rituals such as Laksha Bilvarchana (worship with a lakh of bilva leaves) and Kumkumarchana for the Goddess.
Festivals
- Karthika Masam – Karthika Mondays, lamps and special archanas (usually October–November).
- Maha Shivaratri – abhishekams and night-long worship (usually February–March).
- Mondays – the weekly day of Lord Shiva.
Visitor Information
- Timings: official timings are not published; the temple is usually open in the morning and evening. Please check locally before a special visit.
- Crowds: Karthika Mondays, especially the last one, and Maha Shivaratri are very busy; come early.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Road: Sajjapuram is part of Tanuku town, about 2 km from the town centre; autorickshaws are easily available. Tanuku is well connected by APSRTC buses with Rajamahendravaram, Bhimavaram, Eluru and Vijayawada.
- By Train: Tanuku railway station is about 2.5 km away.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (RJA), about 55 km away by road.
Nearby Temples
About 2 km away in Tanuku town are the Sri Kesava Swamy Temple, one of the Pancha Kesava Kshetras, the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Venkatarayapuram and the Ganesh Chowk Temple. Just outside the town is the Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Palangi, whose Shiva Linga always rests under water.
