Sri Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple , Shiva Temple , Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh 522020

Sri Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple , Shiva Temple , Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh 522020 - History , Timings, Pancharama Temple

Sri Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple, located in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh (522020), is an ancient and highly revered Shiva temple and one of the five sacred Pancharama Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (Siva). The presiding deity Amaralingeshwara Swamy, worshipped in the form of a powerful Shiva Lingam, is believed to bestow health, prosperity, and spiritual liberation. According to legend, the temple has strong connections to Daksha Yagna and Lord Kartikeya, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Shaivites. The temple witnesses grand celebrations during Maha Shivaratri, when thousands of devotees perform Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, and night-long Shiva pujas. Surrounded by rich history, sacred vibrations, and Vedic traditions, Sri Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple stands as a divine center for Shiva bhakti, meditation, and devotion.

The Amaralingeswara (Amareswara) Swamy Temple at Amaravati traces its sacred origins to the Skanda Purana and the legendary episode of Tarakasura Samharam. According to the Puranas, the demon king Tarakasura, empowered by a boon from Lord Shiva, wore a Shiva Lingam around his neck and became invincible. When the Devas were defeated, Lord Shiva deputed Kumara Swamy (Lord Kartikeya) to lead them. Using the Agni Astra, Kartikeya shattered the Lingam during the battle, causing it to break into five divine fragments. These fragments were installed at five sacred locations, forming the Pancharama Kshetras. The largest fragment fell on the banks of the Krishna River at Amaravati, where Indra, along with Brihaspati, consecrated it as Lord Amareswara, giving the place its name—Amaravati, the City of the Immortals. A unique miracle associated with the temple is the living nature of the Shiva Lingam. Even after its installation, the white marble Lingam continued to grow skyward. To prevent it from becoming inaccessible, sages drove a golden nail into its crown, at which moment blood is believed to have oozed from the stone, leaving a permanent red mark that is visible even today. This phenomenon is revered as evidence of the Prana (life-force) within the Lingam, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s boundless patience and protective grace. The Krishna River flowing unusually from north to south at Amaravati further enhances the site’s spiritual significance. Historically, Amaravati stands as a symbol of spiritual harmony, having flourished both as a Shaivite center and a renowned Buddhist hub under the Satavahanas. The temple was expanded over centuries by the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, and Vijayanagara rulers. In the 18th century, Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, the ruler of Chintapalli and Dharanikota, transformed the temple into its present grandeur. Seeking redemption after the violence of war, he dedicated his life and wealth to Lord Shiva, constructing massive Dravidian-style Gopurams, renovating the shrine, and establishing a permanent system of worship by appointing priests and granting them land. The Amaralingeswara Temple houses a towering 15-foot Shiva Lingam, requiring priests to ascend a platform to perform daily rituals. Surrounded by powerful manifestations such as Kaala Bhairava and representations of sacred Jyotirlinga kshetras, the temple is believed to grant liberation to devotees who bathe in the Krishna River and worship here with devotion. The Skanda Purana affirms that those who stay at Amaravati and worship Lord Amareswara for three days attain Shiva Loka, and those who leave their mortal body here are absorbed into Shiva himself—making Amaravati a sacred gateway to liberation.

🚌By Road It is 35 km from Guntur and 40 km from Vijayawada. State-run APSRTC buses and private taxis are frequently available from both cities.

🚉By Rail The nearest major railway stations are Guntur Junction (GNT) and Vijayawada Junction (BZA). You can hire a cab or take a bus from the station.

🛩️ By Air The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport (Gannavaram), located about 60 km away.

🛕15-foot white marble lingam called Amareswara Swamy

🛕Sri Bala Chamundeshwari

🛕Vinayaka Swamy

🛕Khala Bhairava

🌹Dharma Darshanam (General Visit)

🌹Special Darshan (Paid Entry)

🌹Astottara Shatanamarchana (108 Names)

🌹Sahasra Namarchana (1000 Names)

🌹Eka Rudrabhishekam (Main Ritual)

🌹Maha Rudrabhishekam

🌹Nitya Kalyanotsavam (Celestial Wedding)

🌹Kumkumarchana (At Devi Shrine)

🌹Thila Abhishekam (Sesame Oil Offering)

🌹Laksha Bilwarchana (1 Lakh Leaves Offering)

🌹Pradosha Kala Pooja (Fortnightly ritual)

🌹Chandi Homam (Fire Ritual)

🌹Rahu-Ketu Pooja

🌹Vahana Pooja (Vehicle Blessings)

🌹Saswatha Sevas (Permanent Yearly Pujas)

🌹Annadanam (Food Donation)

🌹Maha Shivaratri: The biggest festival, drawing lakhs of devotees who take a holy dip in the Krishna River before Darshan.

🌹Karthika Masam: Special deeparadhana (lighting of lamps) and Laksha Patri Puja are performed during this entire month.

🌹Navaratri: Celebrations are held for Bala Chamundeswari Devi, the consort of Lord Amareswara.

🌹Kalyanotsavam: The celestial wedding of the Lord and Goddess.