Somarama

Somarama Temple,Bhimavaram
Somarama Temple, Bhimavaram
Somarama Temple,Bhimavaram Somarama Temple,Bhimavaram
Name
Proper name	Somarama Temple,Bhimavaram
Geography
Coordinates	16°32′28.56″N 81°32′06.31″E / 16.5412667°N 81.5350861°E / 16.5412667; 81.5350861Coordinates: 16°32′28.56″N 81°32′06.31″E / 16.5412667°N 81.5350861°E / 16.5412667; 81.5350861
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District	West Godavari
Location	Bhimavaram
Culture
Primary deity	shiva
Important festivals	Mahasivarathiri - February/March, Sarannavarathri – September/October
History and governance
Date built	AD 3rd century

Somarama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district. It is one of the centrally protected monumemts of national importance.

This temple is an old temple but looks like a new one because of colored paintings on the walls and sculptures. In front of the temple there is a pond called Chandrakundam. It is fully covered with lotus flowers. There is a big Gopuram as the entrance of temple. In the left side of temple there is a big hall in which temples of Lord Srirama and Hanuma are present. In the right side of temple there is an open hall above the temple office. When crowd is present, pujaris / Pandits conduct puja here for individuals. The temple has so many sculptures which gives a nice look. In the hall of temple there is a big statue of Nandi. After crossing hall there is a room in front of sanctum. In that room there is a temple of Annapurna mata. In the sanctum we can see Lord Shiva in the form of a beautiful Shivaling. Shivaling in this temple is small unlike in other Pancharamas. There is a speciality in this temple i.e. Shivaling will change its color according to Lunar aspect. At the time of Pournami (Full Moon nights) shivaling will be in white color and in Amavasya days (Dark nights) its color shades black.

The temple was Built during the 3rd century A.D. Another unique feature here, is that the temple of Goddess Annapurna was built on top of the Shiva temple, something that cannot be seen anywhere in the country. Surprisingly, the Goddess has the sacred thread around her neck and a baby near her feet.

Here Lord Shiva is known as Someswara Swamy here. The consort of Lord Someswara is Sri Rajarajeswari Ammavaru. The Sivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Chandra. Maha Shivaratri and Sarannavarathri are the main festivals celebrated at this temple. To the South of the Garbha Gruham, Goddess Adilakshmi can be seen and wedding hall at ground and first floor are constructed. Marriages are conducted both in the new hall and also in Goddess Annapurna mantapam.

To the East side of this temple, there is a Pushkarini pond which is also called Soma Gundam. Inside the temple, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, God Kumara Swamy, Navagraha, Sun God, Lord Ganesha can also be seen. In front of the main entrance, 15-foot pillar is constructed. The pond in front of the entrance is always covered by Lotus flowers.