Someswara temple or Somarama temple or Janardanaswami temple is one of the famous five Pancharama Kshetras of Lord Shiva. It is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.
According to the legend in the scriptures, demon Tarakasura after doing great Tapasya was gifted an Atma Linga by Lord Shiva which was a very powerful one. Later Tarakasura committed many crimes and tormented the Devatas. So the Devas arranged Goddess Parvathi’s marriage with Lord Shiva and Lord Kartikeya was born. Kartikeya killed Tarakasura and destroyed the Atmalinga. The broken pieces of the Atmalinga fell at 5 places which became holy places known as ‘Pancharamams’.The piece of Shiv linga at Bhimavaram was installed and worshiped here by Lord Chandra and is one of the famous Pancharama places of Andhra Pradesh.
According to mythology the sage Mandavya meditated at this spot where the temple now stands and hence it was known as Mandavya Kshetra. It is believed to be in existence since the Chola period. That dates it to a millennium ago.
Here Lord Shiva is known as Someswara Swamy. The consort of Lord Someswara is Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru. The Sivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Chandra.
The temple is built according to Vijayanagara architecture style and has many exquisite sculptures, including the gopuram with carvings of gods and goddesses, the mantapa with each of its 48 pillars telling a story and sculptures that depict Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga slaying Mahishasura. Girija kalyana (wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati) on the outer wall of the garbagriha, and the sri chakra inside the Kamakshi temple are also rare sightings. Another unique feature is the Navanatha (nine saints) sculptures on the outer wall of the temple.
In the sanctum Lord Shiva is in the form of a beautiful Shivaling. Shivaling in this temple is small unlike in other Pancharamas. There is a specialty in this temple: the Shivaling will change its color according to Lunar day. At the time of Pournami (full moon) the Shivaling will be in white color and during Amavasya days (dark nights) its color changes to black.
Another unique feature is that the temple of Goddess Annapurna was built on top of the Shiva temple, something that cannot be seen anywhere in the country. Surprisingly, the Goddess has the sacred thread around her neck and a baby near her feet.
Inside the temple, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, God Kumara Swamy, Navagraha, Sun God, Lord Ganesha can be seen.
Festivals: Shivratri is the major annual festival.
Timings: 5 AM – 11 AM and 4 PM – 8 PM
How to reach:
Air: Rajahmundry Airport is 76 kms away.
At a distance of 1.2 km from Bhimavaram New Bus Station, 65 km from Eluru, 76 km from Rajahmundry, 117 km from Vijayawada, 116 km from Kakinada, 22 km from Palakollu and 277 km from Visakhapatnam. It is well connected by bus, train and taxi.
