Somaramam, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Deities: Somaramam (Shiva)
Location: Kotipalli village located in Gangavaram Mandal in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Best time to visit: All year around
Known as: Five Pancharama Kshetrams, Somarama, Somaramam, Somaprabhapuram, Ramachandrapuram
Festival & Event: Mahashivaratri, Sarannavarathri

Somarama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located in Ramachandrapuram Taluk in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Lord Shiva is known as Someswara Swamy here. The temple is situated on the bank of Godavari River. The consort of Lord Someswara is Sri Raja Rajeswari Amma varu. The Shivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Chandra. Maha Shivaratri and Sarannavarathri are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.

Legend:
Kotipalli is located at a distance of 38 Km from Kakinada, 60 Km from Rajahmundry and 15 Km from Amalapuram (Via Ferry/Boat). Kotipalli is a famous pilgrimage center, which is situated on the Bank of River Godavari according to Brahmanda Puranam and Gowthami Mahatmya. Here three famous idols are situated by Lord Indra, Lord Chandra and Kashyapa Maharshi.

Siddhi Janardhan Swamy along with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi were established as Kshetra Palak by Kashyapa Maharshi. Lord Indra in order to wash out His sin He founded Koteswara Lingam along with Amma varu. Further Lord Chandra established Someswara Lingam with Raja Rajeswari Amma varu to wash out his sin.

The Holy River is very famous for its sacred water it was brought by Gowtham Maharshi. If any person take a bath in these Holy Water of Gowthami at Kotipalli will purify himself from all kinds of sins. It was written in Sri Gowthami Mahatmya. It is also known as Koti Teerth Kshetram as a number of water currents are flowing in these waters.

A holy dip in Gowthami waters at this Kshetram is very famous for the removal of sins completely. Here there is no difference between Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. Koteswara Lingam is a Yoga Lingam, Someswara Lingam is a Bhoga Lingam. Raja Rajeswari Amma varu is famous for satisfying the wishes of Devotees.

Every day in the early hours Koti Theertham water is brought by Holy Archakas and Abhishekam is done with those waters. In the evening Dhupa Seva and Astana Pooja, Pavalimpu Seva will be celebrated with devotion. From times of in memorial Devotees are visiting these Holy Kshetram and worshipping the Lords with devotion. Janardhan Swamy Kshetra Palak is known as Siddhi Janardhan Swamy who grants wishes of the devotees.

Once upon a time it was called as Somaprabhapuram. There is a big water tank in front of the temple which is known as Soma Pushkarini. His Holiness Kanchi Kama Koti Peethadhipathi and his Holiness Shringeri Jagadguru visited this Holy Kshetram. In the premises of the temple there are 4 Pradakshina Mandapams, in the Northern Mandapam Kalabhairava Swamy temple and Shankaracharya Mandir along with Chandra Mouliswara Lingam, further Navagraha temple along with Uma Sametha Mrityunjaya Lingam are situated for benefit of Devotees.

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:
Lord Somaramam temple.

Festival & Event:
--- Magha Bahula Chaturdashi (Mahasivaratri) (Feb/Mar).
--- Sri Swami Vari Kalyanam (Visakha Suddha Ekadashi) (May).
--- Sarannavarathri festival (Aswayuja Suddha Padyami to Dwadashi) (October).
--- Ksheerabdi Dwadashi Teppotsavam during Kartika Masam (November).

How to reach:
by Road: Lord Somaramam temple at Kotipalli is near to Kakinada.
by Rail: Kakinada-Kotipalli Railway line lies between Kotipalli and neighbouring Kakinada.
by Air: Hyderabad

Where to stay:
Dowleswaram, Kakinada, Vijayawada

Destination Address:
Sri Someswara Swami Vari Devasthanam
Kotipalli
K.Ganagavaram Mandal (Pamarru Mandal) 533 306
East Godavari District
Andhra Pradesh
India.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.