Pancharama Kshetrams
Five ancient Shiva temples in Andhra Pradesh associated with the destruction of Tarakasura
| # | Temple | Location | State | Deity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amararama (Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple) | Amaravathi | Andhra Pradesh | Shiva |
| 2 | Draksharama (Bhimeswara Swamy Temple) | Draksharamam | Andhra Pradesh | Shiva |
| 3 | Ksheerarama (Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple) | Palakollu | Andhra Pradesh | Shiva |
| 4 | Kumararama (Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple) | Samarlakota (Samalkot) | Andhra Pradesh | Shiva |
| 5 | Somarama (Someswara Janardana Swamy Temple) | Bhimavaram (Gunupudi) | Andhra Pradesh | Shiva |
About Each Temple
Amararama (Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple)
When the mighty demon Tarakasura waged war against the Devas, he was invincible because he possessed a powerful Shiva lingam on his person. Kartikeya (Kumara Swamy), the divine commander of the Devas, slew Tarakasura in battle, but Vishnu revealed that the demon would resurrect unless his lingam was…
Draksharama (Bhimeswara Swamy Temple)
When Kartikeya shattered the Shiva lingam of Tarakasura with the Agneyastra, one fragment hurtled to the eastern bank of the Godavari River and landed at a place surrounded by grape (Draksha) vines. Surya, the Sun God, retrieved this piece and consecrated it here, giving the place the name Drakshara…
Ksheerarama (Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple)
When the mighty Shiva lingam of Tarakasura was shattered by Kartikeya's Agneyastra, one fragment landed in a region near the Godavari basin. Lord Vishnu himself retrieved this fragment and consecrated it, performing abhishekam with Ksheera (milk), and hence the temple came to be known as Ksheerarama…
Kumararama (Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple)
When Kartikeya shattered Tarakasura's Shiva lingam with the Agneyastra, the fragments flew in five directions. One piece landed here, and Kartikeya (Kumara Swamy) himself consecrated this fragment. Since it was Kumara who established it, the place came to be known as Kumararama — the abode of Kumara…
Somarama (Someswara Janardana Swamy Temple)
When the Shiva lingam of Tarakasura was shattered by Kartikeya's Agneyastra into five fragments, one piece flew to the banks of the region near Bhimavaram. Chandra (the Moon God, also called Soma) retrieved this fragment and consecrated it with great devotion, giving the place its name Somarama — th…