Bhairavakona Temple is located at Ambavaram in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here in the form of Kala Bhairava.
Shrine’s History
Bhaiaravakona Temple dates back to the period between 7th and 8th century AD. Lord Shiva in the form of Kala Bhairava prevailed here for a long time thus this place is called as Bhaiaravakona. This is the only temple where Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheswara are worshipped in one place. There are 8 temples of Lord Shiva here which are carved on a single stone. The 8 forms of Lord Shiva are Shashinaga, Rudra, Visweswara, Nagarikeswara, Bhargeswara, Rameswara, Mallikarjuna, Pakshamalika Linga.
There is a separate shrine of Goddess Durga Devi. An interesting feature is that Moonlight falling on the idol of Goddess Durga Devi on the day of Karthika Pournami and Maha Shivarathri which attracts devotees. Nature Lovers will be fascinated by the beauty of the thundering waterfalls which drops from a height of over 200 meters from the beautiful mountains. The water from the falls which originates from Lingala Penta flows for over 5 km and reaches Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvathi and Goddess Saraswathi Lake. It further flows and reaches Triveni Sangamam and Chitrakota lakes and then passes in front of the deity.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Kalabhairava is the Kshetra Palaka to this temple so the temple got the name as Bhairava Kona. Another version is that Kalabhairava Kona is named after the King Kalabhairava who ruled this region for a very long time. One more version attached to this temple is that there lived a shepherd by name Kalabhairava Kondaiah, who used to feed his cattle at this hills. During that time the water flow is very low and not able to provide enough water to cattle. So he prayed to the God and said that he will offer himself if spring flows high. To his surprise, water started flowing high and it satisfied the cattle thirst. As promised he offered himself to the God by chopping his head. His body and head were buried at this place, from then this place called by his name as Bhairava Kona. It is said that Sage Bhrugu did penance here for a very long time so the main idol in this temple is called as Bhrugeswara Swamy.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Buses are available from all major places in Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad. Frequent buses ply from Prakasam Bus Stand which is 72 km away from the temple.
By Rail
The Nearest Railway Station is Markapur Railway Station. Buses are available from Markapur to reach the temple.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Tirupathi Airport which is 211 km away. Bus and taxi services are available to visit the temple.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Karthika Pournami and Maha Shivarathri are the main festivals celebrated here with great devotedness. Devotees turn in huge numbers during this period.