Samarlakota Temple – Samalkot Kumararama Temple in Andhra Pradesh - Bhimeswara Swamy Temple at Samalkot

Samarlakota Temple is one of the one of the Pancharama Kshetras – five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bhimeswara Swamy Temple at Samalkot is located around 12 km from Kakinada and 52 km from Rajahmundry. The temple is known as Kumararama as Kumara, son of Shiva and Goddess Parvati during this fight with Tarakasura, installed the Shivling here. Kumara is one among the numerous names of Kartik or Muruga.

The shrine was built during the end of the 9th century AD by Eastern Chalukya king Chalukya Bhima-I.

A 16-feet limestone Shivling is installed in the sanctum sanctorum, which is two storied. The Shivling rises from the pedestal on the ground floor, and enters the second floor by piercing the roof. The rudrabhaga of the Shivling is worshipped in the second floor.

Mother Goddess Shakti worshipped in the shrine is known as Bala Tripura Sundari.

A single stone carved Nandi guards the main Shivling.

The architecture of the temple is similar to Draksharamam Temple.

Two prakara walls built of sandstones surround the temple. There are gopuras on all the four sides of the outer prakara wall. The four gopuras have ardha - mandapas on either side. The inner enclosure wall is divided horizontally into two sections separated by a cornice. It has a two storied pillar mandapa running through the inner side.

The most important festivals observed here are Mondays in Kartik month, Divine  marriage (Brahmotsavam) on Bhishma Ekadasi in Magh month and Shivratri.

Samarlakota Temple Timings

Morning darshan time is from

6 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening darshan time is from

4 PM to around 8 PM

The shrine is around 1 km from Samalkot Rrailway Station on Chennai - Howrah railway line.