Ksheeraramam, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Deities: Ksheeraramam (Shiva)
Location: Narasapuram, (West Godavari belt of) Andhra Pradesh
Best time to visit: All year around
Known as: Five Pancharama Kshetrams, Ksheerarama, Palakollu, Paalakollu
Festival & Event: Mahashivaratri, Brahmotsavam

Ksheerarama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located in Palakollu near Narasapuram in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Lord Shiva is known as Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy here. The Shivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Vishnu.

Palakollu (also called as Palakol or Palacole) is a coastal town in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is an important trading town in West Godavari district and is in proximity with other trading towns such as Bhimavaram, Eluru, Tanuku and Narasapur. Palakol's population is about 80,000 and is well recognized for its surrounding fertile lands. Both Telugu and English are spoken here.

Legend:
Legend has it that Upamanyu, the son of Kaushika muni requested Shiva that he be granted the desired quantity of milk for the performance of his daily rituals and that Shiva caused the Ksheera Pushkarini tank to overflow with milk from the mythical Ksheera Saagaram (the milky ocean). Hence the names Palakollu, Dugdapovanam and Ksheeraramam.

Legend has it that Shiva was worshipped by Rama at this shrine as in Rameswaram.

This is a large temple with a towering Rajagopuram. The white marble Shivalingam worshipped in the sanctum is referred to as Ramalingeswara Swami as well as Ksheerarameswaraswamy.

This temple constitutes one of the five Pancharama Kshetrams in Andhra Pradesh.

1) Amareshwar / Amaravana
2) Draksharama
3) Kumararama at Kotipalli (Bhimaramam at Samalkot)
4) Ksheeraramam at Palakollu
5) Somaramam at Bhimavaram (Bhimeswara temples at Bhimeswara)

Attractions:
Ksheera Rama Lingeshwara Swami Temple (A 15th century temple built for the Hindu God Shiva. It is one of the five Pancharamas). The temple has a unique white Shiva lingam and tower was considered as one of the tallest among the temple towers in Andhra Pradesh. This place is earlier called as "Ksheera Puri" based on this temple. Later called as "Pala Kolanu", which all tries to convey the meaning of milk pond. Hearts of people here are as white as pure milk.

Ashtabhuga Lakshmi Narayana Swami Temple which is known for its traditions and festivities like Brahmotsavam draw large number of devotees from all over the town. Dhanurmasam is celebrated in the month of December in the remembrance of love of Andal for Lord Sri Krishna.

Festival & Event:
Mahashivaratri, Brahmotsavam in Dhanurmasam is celebrated in the month of December in the remembrance of love of Andal for Lord Sri Krishna.

How to reach:
by Road: Palakollu is located near Narasapuram in the West Godavari belt of Andhra Pradesh.
by Rail: This holy place is connected with major railway track of India.
by Air: HyderabadWhere to stay: Vijayawada

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