Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple located at Palakollu of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as Ksheerarama, which is one among the famous Pancharama Kshetras. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Sivalinga. Lord Shiva is in this temple is known as Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy. The Sivalinga was established by Lord Vishnu.
Shrine’s History
The Moola Virat can be seen from the windows of the Garbha Gruha on all four sides. The Shivlinga is a unique milky white in colour and the tallest. The tower of the temple is one among the tallest temples in Andhra Pradesh. The height of the temple is 120ft and 9 floors. This temple was constructed during the reign of Chalukya Bhima of Chalukya dynasty in the 9th century. The Prakara is designed by Sri Velupathi during the 10th century. The art of temple construction resembles those constructed during Chalukya period. Gopuram is constructed by Sri Alladu Reddy during 14th Century. During the 17th century, Kalyana mantapam and Ashtha Bhuja Lakshmi Narayanaswamy always have been constructed. There are 72 pillars made of black stone in the temple mandapa.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The white marble Shivalingam worshipped in the sanctum is referred to as Ramalingeswara Swami as well as Ksheeraraameswaraswamy. Built during the 10th-llth centuries A.D. by the Chalukyas, it represents the south Indian style and has a 9-storey gopuram that soars 125 feet, one of the tallest in Andhra Pradesh. Colourful images and sculptures of various deities are engraved on the walls and can also be seen inside the temple complex. 20 Kms from Palakollu is the Natta Rameshwaram temple, where the Lingam is made of shells & conchs is worth a visit.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Government and Private Bus services are available from all major places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to reach Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple in Palakollu. The nearest bus station is Bhimavaram.Tourists get down at Bhimavaram and take a private vehicle or travel by bus to reach Palakollu. Private bus transportation exists between Narsapur and Bheemavaram via PalaKollu.
By Rail
By Train: Nearest railway station to Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple is Bhimavaram Railway Station. Bus and auto services are available to access this temple.
By Air
The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport which is 83km away. Bus and taxi services are available to reach Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple.
Shrine Timings
From 5.30am to 11.30am and 4.00pm to 8.30pm every day.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Mahasivaratri is an important festival when thousands of people offer prayers to seek the blessings of the Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy to attain Mukti.
Extra Information About this Shrine
It is believed that staying one day in Ksheerarama is equivalent to staying one year in Varanasi. Additional places of interest around Palakollu include Bhimavaram, Draksharama, Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli, Rajahmundry, Antarvedi, Ryali and Vadapalli. In the temple premises facilities are available for tourists to stay. Photography is allowed inside the temple premises but not for Garbha gruham. Very good South Indian food is available in the town. The Gostani River flows through Palakollu and there is a Sangam (confluence) near Narsapur with the Godavari River. From here the river empties into the sea at Antarvedi.