Kumararama, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Deities: Kumararama (Shiva)
Location: Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
Best time to visit: All year around
Known as: Someswara or Kotipalli & Five Pancharama Kshetrams
Festival & Event: Mahasivaratri

Legend:
One of the five well known Pancharama shrines dedicated to Shiva in Andhra Pradesh.Koti Palli or Koti Theertham is located at confluence of the river Godavari with the sea. At the origin of the river is the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga shrine in Maharashtra. The river Godavari is revered as one of the gifts of nature and is held in great regard both at its origin Trimbakeshwar and at its confluence with the ocean. Thus, worship at Someswara or Kotipalli is closely associated with a ritual bath in the river Godavari.

Shiva is worshipped here as Someswara or Koteeswara and Parvati as Rajarajeswara. The Mahasivaratri festival is celebrated in great splendour here. Legend has it that the moon God Chandra was cursed by Daksha to lose his brilliance and that he was relieved of his curse after he offered worship to Shiva at Koti Theertham at the mouth of the river Godavari. This legend is very similar to the one held at Somnath Jyotirlinga shrine in Gujarat. It should also be noted that Draksharama - one of the Pancharama shrines, is associated with the legend of the destruction of (the vain) Daksha's ritual sacrifice.

For time immemorial it has been believed that a ritual bath in the river Godavari at Kotipalli is symbolic of a new beginning in life, a change in direction. Legends illustrating this symbolism have a common theme, that of forgiveness of heinous sins committed by repentant souls.

The most classic of these legends is that of Ahilya-Indra saapa vimochanam. This legend occurs in the grand epic Ramayana. Gautama believed to be one of the foremost Rishis of ancient India was married to Ahilya. Indra the king of the Devas lusted after Ahilya and using a ploy, diverted Gautama and assuming the disguise of Gautama led Ahilya in his embrace. An enraged Rishi cursed his wife who petrified into a rock immediately and was absolved of her curse by Rama (incarnation of Vishnu). Indra the king of Devas was cursed with a life of disease. Legend has it that he lived through his curse and performed severe penances (at the instance of Gautama Rishi) and finally was absolved of his curse and forgiven when his penance concluded with a ritual dip in the Godavari River at Someswara.

It is to be known that the one of the characters in this legend, i.e. Gautama Rishi is believed to have brought the river Godavari down to the earth at Trimbakeshwar where the Godavari is referred to as the Ganga.

There are several other local legends associated with Kotipalli, all based on the theme of forgiveness of sins of lust.

A ritual bath in the river is considered special in the month of Kartika, and on Mahasivaratri day earlier on in the calendar year.

It should be noted that Bhimavaram in West Godavari district also bears a temple dedicated to Someswara and it is also considered to be Somaramam. This temple is associated clearly with legends related to the moon God Soma. The temple tank here is known as Chandra Pushkarini. The Someswara lingam (crystal) is said to glow with differing levels of brightness depending on the phase of the moon. This Shivalingam is 5 feet in height and is housed in a two storeyed sanctum, with Annapurna - Parvati on the 2nd floor.

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:
Kumararama (Someswara) is rich in legend and tradition. This temple is of historic significance as it was patronized to a great deal by the Chalukyas.

How to reach:
By Road: Someswara or Kotipalli (Kumararama) is an important pilgrimage centre in coastal Andhra Pradesh, located near Rajahmundry. Located nearby is Draksharama, Andhra Pradesh.
By Rail: This holy place is connected with major railway track of India.
By Air: Hyderabad

Where to stay:
Vijayawada.

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