Kumararama - Kotipalli
Someswaram or Kotipalli (Kumararama) is an
important pilgrimage center in coastal Andhra Pradesh, located near
Rajahmundry. Located nearby is Drakshaaraama, Kotipalli or Kumararama is
regarded as one of the the five pancharama temples are Draksharama,
Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Amararama. It is situated on the
Bank of River Godavari according to Brahmanda Puranam and Gowthami Mahatyam,
here three famous idols are situated by Lord Indra, Lord Chandra and Kasyapa
Maharshi.
Siddhi Janardhana Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi were established as
Kshetra Palaka by Kasyapa Maharshi. Lord Indra in order to wash out His sin
He founded Koteswara Lingam along with Amma varu. Further Lord Chandra
established Someswara Lingam with Raja Rajeswari Amma varu to wash out his
sin.
The Holy River is very famous for its sacred water it was brought by Gowtham
Maharshi. If any person take a bath in these Holy Water of Gowthami at
Kotipalli will purify himself from all kinds of sins. It was written in Sri
Gowthami Mahatyam. It is also known as Koti Teertha Kshetram as a number of
water currents are flowing in these waters. A holy dip in Gowthami waters at
this Kshetram is very famous for the removal of sins completely. Here there
is no difference between Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva. Koteswara Lingam is a
Yoga Lingam, Someswara Lingam is a Bhoga Lingam. Raja Rajeswari Amma varu is
famous for satisfying the wishes of Devotees.
Once upon a time it was called as Somaprabhapuram. There is a big water tank
in front of the temple which is known as Soma Puskarini. In the premises of
the temple there are 4 Pradakshina Mandapams, in the Northern Mandapam
Kalabhairava Swamy temple and Sankaracharya Mandir along with Chandra
Mouliswara Lingam, further Navagrapha temple along with Uma Sametha
Mruthyunja Lingam are situated.
For time immemorial it has been believed that a ritual bath in the river
Godavari at Kotipalli is symbolic of a new beginning in life, a change in
direction. The most classic of these legends is that of Ahalya-Indra saapa
vimochanam. This legend occurs in the grand epic Ramayana. Gowtama believed
to be one of the foremost rishis of ancient India was married to Ahalya.
Indra the king of the Devas lusted after Ahalya and using a ploy, diverted
Gowtama and assuming the disguise of Gowtama led Ahalya in his embrace. An
enraged rishi cursed his wife who petrified into a rock immediately and was
absolved of her curse by Rama (incarnation of Vishnu). Indra the king of
Devas was cursed with a life of disease. Legend has it that he lived through
his curse and performed severe penances (at the instance of Gowtama rishi)
and finally was absolved of his curse and forgiven when his penance
concluded with a ritual dip in the Godavari river at Someswaram.
It should be noted that Bhimavaram in West Godavari district also bears a
temple dedicated to Someswara and it is also considered to be Somaramam.
This temple is of historic significance as it was patronized to a great deal
by the Chalukyas. This temple is associated clearly with legends related to
the moon God Soma. The temple tank here is known as Chandra Pushkarini. The
Someswara lingam (crystal) is said to glow with differing levels of
brightness depending on the phase of the moon. Ths Shivalingam is 5 feet in
height and is housed in a two storeyed sanctum, with Annapurna - Parvati on
the 2nd floor.
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