Kumararama or Bhimarama, also called Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Samalkota of Kakinada district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.
It was built by Chalukyas who started in AD 892 and completed IN 922. The temple is 1 kilometer from Samarlakota City. The limestone Linga, installed in the shrine. As per legend it was installed by Kartikeya. is 16 feet tall that it rises from the pedestal on the ground floor and enters the second floor by piercing the roof, where the Rudrabhaga is worshipped.
The temple has a mandapam that is supported by 100 pillars and is of great architectural importance. The temple has an Ekasila Nandi (A Bull carved from a single stone) guarding the Shiva Lingam at the entrance of the temple. Balatripura sundari is the Goddess. Kala Bhairava is also of importance here.
Festivals: Maha Shiva Ratri(February/March)
Saran Nava Rathrulu(Dessara 10 days)
Karthika Masam(October/Novermber)
Timings: Temple opens from 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Accommodation: There are the lot of budget hotels available in Samalkota or else stay in Kakinada or Rajahmundry in premium hotels.
How to Reach:
By Road:
People can access the busses that are well connected with National Highway Road, passes through Samarlakota in Andhra Pradesh
By train:
The nearest railway station is at Kakinada that is 12 km away from a temple
By Air:
The nearest international airport is Visakhapatnam that is 156 km away
The domestic airport is at Rajahmundry that is 46 km away
