Amaralingeswara Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Vijayawada International Airport (VGA) is the nearest airport.

• By train

  Vijayawada Railway Station (BZA) is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  The temple is about 40 km from Guntur. APSRTC runs regular buses from Guntur, Vijayawada and Mangalagiri to Amaravathi.

Why devotees come here

Amaralingeswara Temple stands in Amaravati, Palnadu district, on the Krishna River. Shiva is worshipped here as Amareswara, a 15-foot white marble lingam, with four towering gopurams in the Dravidian style. It is one of five sacred Pancharama Kshetras.

Amaralingeswara Temple is one of five sacred Pancharama Kshetras. Unlike the others in the Godavari region, it stands on the Krishna River. Legend attributes its origins to the demon king Tarakasura, who won a boon from Shiva and then defeated the gods. Shiva vowed to destroy him, and the gods came to stay at the site. Legend also says the Shivalinga here was installed by Indra.

The temple is believed to date from the 11th century, based on inscriptions. The earliest inscription is from 1129 CE. In the late 18th century, Vasireddy Venkatadri Nayudu, zamindar of Chintapalli, greatly expanded it under his patronage. The complex has four towering gopurams in the Dravidian style, with a central vimana. Its architecture also combines Nagara style. In 2017 the gopuram was renovated to address structural cracks.

Maha Shivaratri, which falls on Magha Bahula Dasami, draws devotees from across the region for special prayers and ceremonies. Navaratri and various Kalyana Utsavas are also held here.

Festivals

• Magha Bahula DasamiMaha Shivaratri

  Devotees come from across the region for special prayers and ceremonies.

Tips for your visit

• The sanctum is elevated and reached by a flight of steps.
• The Amaravati stupa, the Dhyana Buddha statue and the Undavalli Caves are nearby sights you can add to the trip.

Questions people ask