List of Pancharama Kshetras - Somaramam
Somarama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district
Temple history
This temple is an old temple but looks like 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 givea 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
How to reach Somaramam :
Somaramam is well connected by Road and Railway route. There are so many direct buses to Bhimvaram from Vijayawada and Eluru. Previously Gunupudi is a small village, but now, is a part of Bhimavaram. After reaching Bhimavaram we have to go Gunupudi by an Auto.
In Karthika masam APSRTC maintains speacial Pancharamas tour buses to cover all Pancharamas in a single day.
Bhimavaram Railway station is located at 2km distance from Someswara swamy temple. This Railway station is not present in main-line. So many expresses will not go through this station. It is better to step down at Vijayawada or Eluru.
Nearest Airports are at Vijayawada / Rajahmundry.
Google Map :
