Somarama Someswara Temple

History

Somarama tradition places Bhimavaram among the five Pancharama sites established after Tarakasura’s defeat, with the Someswara linga as the focus of worship.

West Godavari religious tourism listings group Somarama with Ksheerarama (Palakollu) and other Pancharama temples for pilgrimage across the Godavari region.

Stories

The lingam that would not stay broken

Regional tradition says the demon Tarakasura could not be killed while he wore a Shiva lingam. When Kartikeya broke the lingam with a fiery weapon, its five pieces tried to join together again. To stop this, the pieces were installed where they fell and temples were built over them, and the five places became the Pancharama Kshetras. The Someswara temple at Bhimavaram, called Somarama, is said to hold a piece that Chandra, the Moon, installed.

Dating a shrine by its inscriptions

Scholars note that no foundation inscriptions fix the date of the Pancharama temples, and there is no evidence that all five were built together. At Bhimavaram, the earliest inscription found dates to the reign of the Eastern Chalukya king Saktivarma I, who ruled from 1001 to 1011 CE. That places the temple around the 10th to 11th century, though its architecture suggests later renovations. Records show the five temples being named together as the Pancharamas from about the 12th century.

Good to know

Somarama Pancharama Kshetra in Bhimavaram

Listed on westgodavari.ap.gov.in/religioustourism

Often paired with Palakollu Ksheerarama on the same trip

Getting there

Nearest airport: Rajahmundry. Bhimavaram has a railway station on the Vijayawada–Nidadavole corridor; road links across West Godavari.