Kumararama

Kumararama
Chalukya Bhimeswara Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictKakinada
DeitySiva, Bala Tripurasundari
FestivalsMaha Sivaratri
Location
LocationSamarlakota
StateAndhra Pradesh
CountryIndia
Architecture
TypeDravidian
CompletedEarly 10th century
Temple(s)One

Kumararama, also known as the Chalukya Bhimeswara Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located in Samalkota in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India.[1] Dedicated to Lord Siva, it is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, revered pilgrimage sites in the state. The temple is renowned for housing a 14-foot tall white crystal Siva Linga, which spans two floors, believed to have been consecrated by Lord Kumara Swamy himself, giving the temple its name.[2]

The temple is traditionally attributed to the Eastern Chalukya king Chalukya Bhima I, who ruled from 892 to 922 CE.[1] Its architecture reflects the Dravidian style, featuring intricate designs and elements that highlight its historical and cultural significance. Kumararama is a centrally protected monument of national importance and continues to draw devotees from across the region.[3]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "స్వయంగా కుమారస్వామి ప్రతిష్టించిన మహిమాన్విత 'ఆత్మలింగం'! కార్తిక మాసంలో దర్శనం శ్రేష్ఠం!". ETV Bharat News (in Telugu). 5 November 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Centrally Protected Monuments". Archeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.