Amararama

Amararamam
Amareswara Swamy temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictPalnadu
DeityShiva
FestivalsMaha Sivaratri, Kartika Purnima
Location
LocationAmaravathi
StateAndhra Pradesh
CountryIndia
Amararama is located in Andhra Pradesh
Amararama
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Geographic coordinates16°34′52″N 80°21′32″E / 16.580990°N 80.358946°E / 16.580990; 80.358946
Architecture
TypeDravidian architecture
Date established11th century
Specifications
Temple(s)1
InscriptionsTelugu and Sanskrit
Elevation31.4 m (103 ft)

Amararamam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva, located in Amaravathi of Palnadu district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the five sacred Pancharama Kshetras and is unique for being situated on the Krishna River, unlike the others in the Godavari region. The temple enshrines a 15-foot white marble Sivalinga, and daily rituals are performed by priests on a platform. The main deity, Lord Amareswara (also known as Amaralingeswara), is accompanied by his consort, Bala Chamundika.[1]

The temple, based on epigraphical and historical evidence, is believed to have originated in the 11th century, with the earliest inscription dating back to 1129 CE.[2] The temple has been patronized by various dynasties, including the Kota chiefs, and the Vijayanagara Empire, with notable contributions from Sri Krishnadevaraya.[3] Major renovations were carried out in the late 18th century.[4]

Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple features four gopuras and a central vimana.[3] It is a significant spiritual and historical site, drawing pilgrims from across the region. Major festivals, such as Maha Sivaratri and Navaratri, are celebrated here.[5] The temple is located on Krouncha Saila, a small hill near the Krishna River, and the surrounding village of Amaravathi is named after it.[6] This village also inspired the name of Andhra Pradesh's planned capital, Amaravati, located 35 kilometers to the east.[7]

  1. ^ Chitra Ramaswamy (29 June 2017). "Five for peace". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference :6 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b C. Sivaramamurti (1956). Amaravati Sculptures In The Madras Government Museum. Madras Government Museum. p. 8.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Amaralingeswara Temple Amaravati". Temples of India. Archived from the original on 7 October 2017.
  6. ^ H. Sarkar; S. P. Nainar (2007). Amaravati (5th ed.). Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 1–2.
  7. ^ "After 18 centuries, Amaravati set to become a 'capital' again". The Times of India. 22 October 2015. Archived from the original on 25 October 2015.