Amararama Temple in Amravati

About Amararama Temple

One of the popular Pancharama Kshetras—that is five famous Shiva temples in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Amararama is located in the small town of Amravati, near Guntur city in Andhra Pradesh.

Situated on the southern banks of the famous Krishna River, Amararama is fundamentally dedicated to Lord Shiva, just like the other temples belonging to the Pancharama Kshetras category. The Shivalanga, according to beliefs was established in this place by Lord Indra.

The Shivalinga here is said to be extremely tall and right at the peak of it red stains can be seen. The reason for it, as locals claim is that the Shivalinga was growing tall with every passing day and hence, to stop the never-ending growth, a nail had to be hit on the top of it.

Right, when that happened, blood started oozing out from the top of the Shivalinga and that explains the existence of the red stain that can be still seen there.

Popular Hindu festivals such as the Mahashivratri and Navratri are celebrated in great spirits here. And it’s not just the Hindus but also Buddhists who take an immense interest in offering prayers and worshipping the Lord here.

Why is Amararama Temple important?

Amararama Temple has an interesting history. This is why it’s one of India’s more significant Hindu Temples. It all began with Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu.

He ruled over what was then the Chintapalli kingdom. It later became the Dharanikota kingdom. He was a fervent Lord Shiva follower. He also zealously worshipped Lord Shiva.

He renovated and added to the temple. However, many scholars and archaeologists believe that the Amararama Temple was first built in the second century C.E.

This was when the Maurya Empire in North India was starting to crumble. It was also (incidentally) when the Satavahana kings built up their kingdoms in Southern India.

Since the temple is situated in South India, it is largely influenced by Dravidian thought and style in terms of architecture and design. If you were to visit this temple, you’d see that this was most evident in the large Gopurams that grace it.

The Interior of Amararama Temple

One interesting item that would stand out in this temple if you were to visit would be a Buddhist stupa. This was built long before the great Emperor Ashoka established the Mauryan Empire – one of ancient India’s greatest empires.

You’d also find that the temple had three stories. Each story would be supported by a pillar that would be located in the North, East, South, and Westernmost corners of the room respectively.

There are at least three different categories of Lord Shiva Devotees. They are the Paraveswara, the Agasteswarar, and the Kosalevara.

An idol of Lord Kala Bhairava calls the second story home. Lord Shiva devotees also refer to this Lord as kshetra palaka.

If you were to climb the stairs to the third level, you’d be greeted by a Srisaila Mallikarjuna and Kashi Vishweswarar in the North-Western part.

You’d find the Chandiswara in the North-Eastern part of the temple, you’d find the Chandiswara in the North-Eastern part of the temple, and you’d find the Srikalahasteweswarar in the South-Eastern part of the temple.

Why you should visit the Amararama Temple

There are many reasons why you should try to visit this temple. One of the main ones is because it was dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva is one of Hinduism’s major gods and Hinduism has been a major influencing factor in both Indian culture and history. Therefore, you’d get a better understanding of both Indian culture and history by visiting this temple.