Somarama temple is located at Bhimavaram of west
Godavari District, State of Andhra Pradesh, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Somarama temple is one of the Pancharama kshetras (five temples). This temple is
believed to be built during 3rd century A.D with a big Gopuram in the
entrance of the temple.
It is believed that the Shiva Linga was positioned by Lord Chandra (The
Moon God), to remove his sins by worshipping Lord Shiva.
As per purana, during the Tarakasura vadha the
Shivalinga which was present on the throat of Tarakasura broke into five pieces
fell at different places on earth.
And the places where five pieces were fallen
the Pancharama Temples were built. The main contribution of the temple?s
construction was the King Chalukya Bheema during 4th century.
Somarama
temple is also known as Someswara temple and Bhimavaram temple. Bhimavaram is
located 107 km from Vijayawada and 207 km from Visakhapatnam. The Presiding
here is Lord Shiva with his consort Sri Rajarajeswari Mata.
The unique feature
of this temple is Shiva Linga, which is smaller than other Pancharama Kshetras.
It is believed that the colour of the Shiva Linga will change during lunar
aspects. Hence during pournami (Full Moon light) the Shivalinga will be in white
colour and in Amavasya days (Dark nights) it will be in black colour.
Annapurna temple
built on the top of the Somarama temple,where we can worship Goddess Annapurna with a sacred thread on Her neck and a baby near to Her holy
feet.
The local people said that the marriage which was conducted in Pancharama
temples will lead a peaceful and understanding life for the couples. The pond
is found in front of the entrance and it is always covered by lotus flowers. To
the East side of this temple, there is a Pushkarini pond which is also called Soma Gundam. Lord SriRama and Lord Hanuman found in this temple at separate
shrines.
The other deities of this temple are Goddess Adilakshmi, Lord Anjaneya
Swamy, Lord Kumara Swamy, Sun God, Lord Ganesha, Navagraha (the nine planets)
and Nandi (the mount of Lord Shiva). There is a 15 foot pillar in front of
entrance.
Do:
- Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
- Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
- Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
- Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
- Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
- Do maintain silence and recite Om Namahsivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
- Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
- Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
- Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.
Don't s:
- Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
- Do not smoke at Temple.
- Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
- Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
- Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
- Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
- Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
- Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
- Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
- Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
- Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
- Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.