About Somarama Temple
Somarama, the temple of Sri Someswara Swamy, stands in the Gunupudi area of Bhimavaram in the West Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, the group of ancient Shiva temples spread across the Godavari and Krishna delta, the others being Amararama, Draksharama, Ksheerarama and Kumararama. Many pilgrims try to visit all five, and Somarama is often covered together with Ksheerarama at nearby Palakollu.
According to the Puranas, the five Pancharama lingas came from a single linga held by the demon Tarakasura, which shattered when Kumara Swamy defeated him; its pieces fell at five places in Andhra. Tradition says the linga at Somarama was installed by Chandra, the Moon god, which is why it is called Someswara. A popular belief holds that the linga looks white around the full moon and darker, almost black, around the new moon. The temple is generally linked with the Eastern Chalukya period, though the exact date of the original shrine is not well recorded, and it has been renovated and repainted many times.
A large gopuram marks the entrance, and in front of the temple lies a pond known as Chandrakundam or Soma Gundam. Inside, a big Nandi faces the sanctum, where the linga is small compared with the other Pancharamas. Unusually, a shrine of the goddess Annapurna sits on an upper level directly above the sanctum, and the consort of Someswara here is worshipped as Rajarajeswari. Smaller shrines of Rama, Hanuman, Kumara Swamy, Ganesha, Surya and the Navagrahas surround the main temple.
Somarama Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning abhishekam and puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Somarama Temple
By air
Rajahmundry Airport is about 75 km away; Vijayawada Airport is about 110 km away.
By train
Bhimavaram Town and Bhimavaram Junction stations are both within about 3 km.
By road
Bhimavaram is well connected by bus to Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Eluru and Palakollu. Autos reach the temple from the town centre.
Festivals at Somarama Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Kartika MasamOct/Nov
- Sarannavaratri (Dasara)Sep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional or modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; tickets may be charged for special pujas and abhishekam.
- Visit on a full-moon or new-moon day if you wish to see the linga's colour, which devotees say changes with the moon.
- Kartika Mondays are very crowded; early morning is best.
- Plan a Pancharama circuit with Ksheerarama at Palakollu, about 25 km away.
- The delta is hot and humid from April to June, so carry water.
Places to visit near Somarama Temple
- Mavullamma TempleBhimavaram's guardian goddess, about 3 km away
- Ksheerarama, PalakolluAnother Pancharama Shiva temple, about 25 km away
- Antarvedi Lakshmi Narasimha TempleTemple where the Godavari meets the sea, about 60 km away
Frequently asked questions
What is Somarama?
Somarama is the Someswara Swamy temple in Bhimavaram, one of the five Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Shiva.
What are the five Pancharamas?
Amararama (Amaravati), Draksharama, Somarama (Bhimavaram), Ksheerarama (Palakollu) and Kumararama (Samalkot).
Does the Somarama linga change colour?
Devotees believe the linga appears white around the full moon and dark around the new moon.
How to reach Somarama?
The temple is within about 3 km of Bhimavaram's railway stations, and Rajahmundry Airport is about 75 km away.
What is the aarti time at Somarama Temple?
Morning abhishekam and puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening puja: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Somarama Temple timings?
Usually open from about 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Somarama Temple?
Traditional or modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
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