The Pancharama Kshetras are five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located across Andhra Pradesh. These temples hold immense spiritual significance in Hindu mythology and attract thousands of pilgrims and devotees every year. The uniqueness of these temples lies in their origin story—where the powerful Shivalinga of demon Tarakasura was shattered and the pieces were consecrated in five different places, forming the Pancharama temples. Each temple stands as a testimony to ancient Indian architecture, spiritual energy, and cultural heritage. Visiting all five temples in a single pilgrimage is considered highly meritorious by devotees.
Temple About
The Pancharama Kshetras are a group of five ancient Shiva temples located in Andhra Pradesh. These temples are highly revered in Shaivism and are associated with a legend where parts of the demon Tarakasura’s Shivalinga were installed by different deities.
Temple Description
Each temple houses a part of the broken Shivalinga and is an architectural marvel reflecting rich Dravidian style. The five temples are:
Amararama – Amaravati (Guntur district)
Draksharama – Draksharamam (East Godavari district)
Somarama – Bhimavaram (West Godavari district)
Ksheerarama – Palakollu (West Godavari district)
Bheemarama – Samalkota (Kakinada district)
Temple Speciality
All five temples enshrine a part of the shattered Shivalinga of Tarakasura.
These lingas are self-manifested (Swayambhu) and uniquely white in color.
Each temple was established by a different deity, including Indra, Chandra, Vishnu, and Surya.
The architecture, inscriptions, and sculptures in these temples reflect Chalukya and Chola influence.
Temple Addresses & Coordinates (Single Line Each)
Amararama (Amaravati): Amaravati, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh – Latitude: 16.5732, Longitude: 80.3570
Draksharama: Draksharamam, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh – Latitude: 16.7924, Longitude: 82.0644
Somarama: Bhimavaram, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh – Latitude: 16.5408, Longitude: 81.5183
Ksheerarama: Palakollu, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh – Latitude: 16.5181, Longitude: 81.7283
Bheemarama: Samalkota, Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh – Latitude: 17.0534, Longitude: 82.1723
Temple Timings
5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Extended timings during festivals and special events
Temple Sevas
Rudrabhishekam
Lingarchana
Mahanyasa Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam
Kalyanotsavam
Pradosha Pooja
Archana and Harathi
Traveling Facilities
Well-connected by road, rail, and air
Local autos, taxis, and APSRTC buses easily available
Food Facilities
Free Annadanam at many temples
Nearby vegetarian restaurants and tiffin centers
Stay Facilities
Devasthanam guest houses available
Budget and premium hotels in nearby towns and cities
Nearby Railway Stations
Amaravati: Guntur Junction (~32 km)
Draksharama: Kakinada Town (~25 km)
Somarama: Bhimavaram Town (~2 km)
Ksheerarama: Palakollu Station (~1 km)
Bheemarama: Samalkot Junction (~2 km)
Nearby Airports
Vijayawada Airport – Closest to Amaravati
Rajahmundry Airport – Closest to Draksharama and Bheemarama
Gannavaram/Visakhapatnam Airports – Alternate options
Nearby Bus Stations
APSRTC stations at Bhimavaram, Palakollu, Samalkota, Guntur, Kakinada, Draksharamam
Frequent buses from all major hubs
Bus Routes to Temples
Vijayawada/Guntur → Amaravati
Rajahmundry/Kakinada → Draksharama, Samalkot
Eluru/Vijayawada → Bhimavaram, Palakollu
Train Routes to Temples
South Central Railway network connects all temple towns
Trains from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Vizag, Chennai
Airways to Temples
Fly to:
Vijayawada Airport → Amaravati
Rajahmundry Airport → Draksharama, Bheemarama
Combine with road/train to reach other temples
Nearby Cities to Temples
Vijayawada
Rajahmundry
Kakinada
Eluru
Guntur
Nearby Visiting Temples & Places
Mangalagiri Narasimha Temple
Annavaram Temple
Dwaraka Tirumala
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
Papikondalu Hills (boat trips)
Preferable Visiting Season
October to March – Cool, comfortable weather for pilgrimage
Avoid extreme summer (April–June)
Shopping Famous For
Handloom sarees – Mangalagiri, Uppada
Brassware and devotional artifacts
Kondapalli toys (near Vijayawada)
Cashew and mango products (seasonal)
A visit to the Pancharama Temples is not just a spiritual journey, but also a deep dive into the rich traditions, history, and art of Andhra Pradesh. Each temple offers a distinct experience—be it through its serene atmosphere, vibrant festivals, or architectural marvels. Whether you're a devotee seeking divine blessings or a traveler interested in ancient heritage, the Pancharama circuit offers a fulfilling and memorable experience. Plan your trip during the cooler months, enjoy the local hospitality, explore nearby cultural treasures, and return with a heart full of peace and divine grace.
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