The Pancharama Kshetras are five ancient and sacred Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh: Amararama at Amaravati, the Bhimeswara temple at Draksharamam, Somarama at Gunupudi in Bhimavaram, Ksheerarama at Palakollu and Kumararama at Samalkot (Samarlakota). According to the sthala purana, a single Shiva linga broke into five pieces during the slaying of Tarakasura and was installed at these five places. Visiting all five in Karthika Masam is a cherished Telugu tradition.
What is the Tarakasura legend behind the Pancharamas?
The asura Tarakasura performed intense tapas and received a Shiva linga from Lord Shiva. As long as it remained in his throat, no one could defeat him, and he began to torment the devas.
Answering the devas' prayers, Kumaraswamy (Subrahmanya), son of Shiva and Parvati, led the divine army against him. In battle, Kumaraswamy shattered the linga in the demon's throat with his shakti weapon. The linga broke into five pieces that fell at five places. To stop the pieces from reuniting, the devas installed them where they fell and built temples there. These became the Pancharamas; "aramam" means a garden or a delightful sacred place.
Which are the five Pancharama temples?
| Kshetra | Town | Presiding deity |
|---|---|---|
| Amararama | Amaravati (Palnadu region) | Amaralingeswara Swamy |
| Draksharama | Draksharamam (Konaseema region) | Bhimeswara Swamy |
| Somarama | Gunupudi, Bhimavaram | Someswara Swamy |
| Ksheerarama | Palakollu | Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy |
| Kumararama | Samalkot | Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy |
District boundaries change over time, so check current details before you travel.
Highlights of each kshetra
Amararama — Amaravati
On the banks of the Krishna, this linga is said to have been installed by Indra, hence the names Amareswara and Amaralingeswara. The linga is very tall, and devotees describe worship being offered from an upper level of the shrine.
Draksharama — Bhimeswara temple
The most famous of the five. One tradition says Surya installed the linga here. It is also believed to be the site of Daksha Prajapati's yagna, with "Daksharamam" becoming Draksharamam over time. The shrine of Goddess Manikyamba is revered by devotees as one of the Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas, and the linga is famed for rising through two storeys.
Somarama — Bhimavaram
At Gunupudi near Bhimavaram, the linga is said to have been installed by Chandra (Soma), hence Someswara. Devotees believe the linga changes colour with the moon's phases, appearing white on Pournami and darker on Amavasya. A large temple tank lies in front.
Ksheerarama — Palakollu
Legend says milk (ksheeram) sprang from the earth where Shiva struck it with his trishula, giving the kshetra its name. Another tradition says Sri Rama installed the linga, hence Ksheera Ramalingeswara. Its tall gopuram is visible from afar.
Kumararama — Samalkot
Kumaraswamy himself is said to have installed this linga, hence Kumararama. History credits the Chalukya king Bhima with building the temple, whose style resembles Draksharama; here too the linga spans two storeys.
Texts and local traditions differ on who installed each linga; the sthala purana boards at the temples and the archakas can give more detail.
How to plan a Pancharama yatra
Devotees consider Pancharama darshan especially meritorious in Karthika Masam, particularly on Karthika Mondays and Karthika Pournami. Some follow the tradition of visiting all five in a single day, but Amaravati is far from the other four, so plan travel time carefully.
- Fix the route: Bhimavaram and Palakollu are close together; Draksharamam and Samalkot are near Kakinada; Amaravati is towards Guntur.
- Check timings: Darshan hours vary by temple; rely on official devasthanam information.
- Expect crowds: Karthika Masam is very busy, so start early.
- Puja items: Carry bilva leaves, flowers or milk for abhishekam as each temple permits.
- Health: If you fast during the yatra, keep your health in mind and plan rest, water and food for elders and children.
Why is Pancharama darshan special?
Because one linga is believed to be present in five places, devotees feel that visiting all five completes the darshan of Shiva. The temples also bear witness to centuries of Telugu art and architecture and the patronage of dynasties such as the Eastern Chalukyas and Kakatiyas. A family yatra is a lovely way to introduce children to this heritage.
Key points
- The Pancharamas: Amararama (Amaravati), Draksharama, Somarama (Bhimavaram), Ksheerarama (Palakollu) and Kumararama (Samalkot).
- Kumaraswamy shattered the linga in Tarakasura's throat, and its five pieces fell at these places.
- Manikyamba at Draksharamam is revered as a Shakti Peetham.
- Karthika Masam is the traditional season for the Pancharama yatra.
- Rely only on official devasthanam sources for timings and travel details.