Pancharama Kshetras – “Pancharamalu”

Om Namah Shivaya !

The Pancharama Kshetras, also known as the Pancharamas, are a quintet of venerable Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh, each consecrated to the worship of the deity Shiva.

Myth of Pancharama Kshetras:

The Pancharama Kshetras, also known as Pancharamas, are a group of five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Andhra Pradesh. The unique aspect of these temples is that the Sivalingas they house are all derived from a single original Sivalinga.

According to mythological tales, the demon king Tarakasura possessed a powerful Shivalinga that rendered him invincible. During a celestial battle, Kartikeya, the son of Shiva, confronted Tarakasura. Despite shattering Tarakasura’s body with his divine weapon, the Shakti Aayudha, Kartikeya was bewildered to see the pieces reassemble, reviving Tarakasura repeatedly.

In this moment of perplexity, Lord Vishnu appeared and advised Kartikeya that the destruction of Tarakasura was impossible without first breaking the Shivalinga he wore. Vishnu forewarned that even upon shattering, the fragments of the Shivalinga would attempt to reunite. To thwart this, he instructed that each piece must be enshrined and worshipped where it fell, necessitating the construction of temples at those sites. Heeding Vishnu’s counsel, Kartikeya employed the Aagneasthra, a fiery weapon, to fragment the Shivalinga adorning Tarakasura. The Shivalinga split into five pieces, each attempting to coalesce with the sound of ‘Omkara’ or the chanting of ‘Om’. By divine command, Surya, the Sun God, anchored these fragments, venerating them with temples, thus halting their movement. These sanctified sites came to be known as the Pancharama Kshetras. Remarkably, the Shivalingas at these temples bear scale-like markings, believed to be the imprints of the Aagneasthra wielded by Kartikeya.

pancharamam Kshetras — **Pancharamam Kshetras**

Pancha means Five and Aaramalu means Living places. Five different Shivalinga temples by Indra, Surya, Chandra, Vishnu and Kumara Swamy at the respective places installed

The names of the Pancharama temples, which are ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Andhra Pradesh, are as follows:

Amararama at Amaravathi in Guntur district.
Draksharama at Draksharamam in Ramachandrapuram.
Somarama at Bhimavaram.
Ksheerarama at Palakollu.
Kumararama at Samarlakota near Kakinada

These temples are revered for their historical and spiritual significance, each representing a unique aspect of Lord Shiva.

Embarking on a pilgrimage to the revered Pancharama temples in Andhra Pradesh is indeed a journey that can enrich the soul. Here’s a rephrased plan for an optimal spiritual experience:

Begin your sacred journey at Amararama in Amaravathi, nestled in the tranquil Guntur district, where the presiding deity is the revered Lord Maheswara.
Make your way to Somarama in Bhimavaram, within the West Godavari district, a site renowned for its rich historical essence.
Venture next to Ksheerarama in Palakollu, a beacon of ancient Dravidian architectural prowess.
Continue to Draksharama in Draksharamam, located in the East Godavari district, and marvel at the temple’s splendid architecture while paying homage to Lord Bhimeswara Swamy.
Complete your holy circuit at Kumararama in Samarlakota, East Godavari district, a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Kumara Swamy.

These stories not only add to the spiritual significance of the temples but also offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and the cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

Enclosed are the directions from Google Maps for reference – https://maps.app.goo.gl/HTGsbBz3Q1KhNj64A