Introduction:
Ksheeraramam, located in Palakollu, West Godavari District, is home to the Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, one of the five Pancharama Shrines sacred to Lord Shiva. Known for its unique legend and rich heritage, this temple draws devotees and visitors alike.
The Legend of Ksheeraramam:
According to local lore, Kumaraswamy, also known as Karthikeya, launched the Agneya Ashtra (arrow) at the Shiva Ling (Atma Ling) worn by Tarakasura before slaying the monster. Upon impact, the Shiva Ling shattered into five fragments. One fragment fell in Soma Rama, and the others, in a bid to avoid growing into mountains, were established at five sacred sites by Indra, Chandra (Moon), Vishnu, Surya (Sun), and Karthikeya. These locations are:
- Amareswara in Amaravati, Guntur District
- Someswara in Bhimavaram
- Ksheera Rameswara in Palakollu
- Bheemeswara in Draksharama
- Kumara Rameswara in Samalkot
Must visit: Natta Rameswara Temple
Each of these sites is associated with incarnations of Maa Parvathi, such as Bala Chamundika, Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi, Parvathi, Manykyamba, and Bala Tripura Sundari.
Temple Significance and Structure:
The Ksheerarama Temple is revered as a national monument and is protected by the Archaeological Department of the Central Government. The temple features the tallest tower in the state, standing at 120 feet with nine floors. The temple is renowned for the Kshiralingam, a Shiva Lingam that appears milky white, unlike other Shiva Lingams.
Also read: The Exclusive of Dwaraka Tirumala Temple of the Lord Venkateswara
The Story of Koushika:
A local legend tells of a poor Brahmin named Koushika, who struggled to provide for his family. One day, his son Upaveeta asked for milk rice. Koushika advised him to pray to Bhimeswara. Upaveeta sat before the Shiva Ling and prayed for milk. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva provided a pool of milk from His trident. This miraculous event led to the area being named Ksheerarama, and the village eventually became Palakollu.
Must visit: Exclusive Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple: One Of The Pilgrimage
Temple Architecture:
The temple features a porch constructed with 72 black stone pillars. Alongside the main sanctum, there are sub-temples dedicated to Gokarneswara and Vigneswara, as well as a Nandi statue. The Kshiralingam is centrally located within the sanctum, which has windows on all four sides, allowing devotees to view the Lingam from any angle.
The River Gostani:
The River Gostani flows through Palakollu, merging with the Godavari River near Narsapur, before ultimately entering the Bay of Bengal.
Must visit: Exclusive of Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple: History, and More
Deities and Worship:
The temple hosts several shrines, including those dedicated to:
- Kasi Visweswara
- Parvathi
- Lakshmi
- Nageswara Ling
- Vinayak
- Veera Bhadra
- Sapta Matruka
- Kanaka Durga
- Brahma
- Saraswathi
- Kumara Swamy (Karthikeya)
- Mahisasura Mardhani
- Kala Bhairava
- Nagendra
- Nataraja
- Dattatreya
- Saneeswara
- Radha Krishna
Must visit: Exclusive Sri Veereswara Swamy and Bhadrakali Temple in Muramalla
The temple conducts various sevas (rituals) like Abhisekam and Archana to both the Swamy and Goddess, including Kumkuma Abhishekam.
Visiting Ksheeraramam:
The Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple Timings:
The Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple opens daily from 6 AM to 12 Noon and from 4 PM to 8 PM.
Don’t miss: The Exclusive Views of Kolleru Lake Kolleru lake bird sanctuary
How to Reach:
The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates circular tours covering all five Pancharama Shrines—Amaravati, Bhimavaram, Palakollu, Draksharama, and Samalkota. These tours typically run during Karthika Masam and Maha Shivaratri, starting at 8:00 PM and concluding at 8:00 PM the following day, covering approximately 700 km.
Ksheeraramam Temple Location:
Conclusion:
The Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple in Palakollu is a significant spiritual destination, rich in mythology and devotion. With its remarkable architecture and the enchanting story of Koushika, it remains a must-visit site for pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Answer: Lord Ramalingeswara, a form of Shiva.
Answer: Ksheeraramam, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
Answer: Believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank milk (ksheera) offered by the Devas.
Answer: During the annual Mahashivaratri festival, usually in February or March.
Answer: Generally from 6 AM to 8 PM, but check for specific timings on the temple website or inquire locally.
Answer: While general offerings are accepted, check with the temple authorities for specific practices or rituals, especially during festivals.
Answer: By road from nearby cities like Rajahmundry or Kakinada.
Answer: Yes, there are hotels and lodges in the nearby areas.
