Sri Someswara Swamy Temple is located on River Gautami at Kotipalli in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Shiva is presiding here in the form of Koteswara Swamy and Sri Someswara Swamy. It is also known as Uma Parvathi Devi Sahita Someswara Swamy Vari Temple.
Shrine’s History
There are two Shivalingas in the temple namely Koteswara Swamy Linga and Someswara Swamy Linga. Koteswara Swamy Linga was installed by Lord Indra and Someswara Swamy Linga by Lord Soma to get rid of the curse. Sri Siddi Janardhana Swamy, Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhoodevi installed by Kasyapa Maharshi are the Kshetra Palakas of this temple. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Raja Rajeswari Ammvaru. The other deities in the temple are Lord Anjaneya, Lord Kalabhairava and Navagrahas. The Holy River is very famous for its sacred water. It was brought by Gowtham Maharshi. As per Gowthami Mahatyam, if any person takes a bath in this Holy Water will be purified from all kinds of sins. Koteswara Lingam is a Yoga Lingam and Someswara Lingam is a Bhoga Lingam.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Sri Koteswara Lingam: Once Lord Indra fell fond of Ahalya wife of Gauthama Maharshi. He played a play and diverted Gauthama Maharshi. In his disguise form, he embraced Ahalya. When Gauthama Maharshi came back, Ahalya realised that she was cheated by someone. Lord Indra changed His form to cat and tried to escape. Gautham Maharshi got angry and cursed Lord Indra with life disease and Ahalya to change into a rock. Ahalya and Lord Indra later pleaded Gauthama Maharshi for shaapa vimochana. Gauthama Maharshi asked Ahalya to wait till Lord Rama touches her with His feet. He told Lord Indra to take bath in Gauthami River and perform pooja to Lord Shiva.
Lord Indra installed Shivalinga named Koteswara Linga and performed pooja to get rid of His sin. Sri Someswara Lingam: Lord Soma was fond of Tara, wife of His guru. Due to His mistake, Lord Soma lost chaya in his face. He realised his mistake and prayed Lord Vishnu for shaapa vimochana. Lord Vishnu was pleased and told him to take bath in Gauthami River and install Shivalinga and perform pooja to get rid of sin. Lord Chandra took bath and installed Shivalinga with Goddess Rajarajeswari. As Lord Soma installed the Shivalinga and relieved from the sin it is named as Chaya Someswara Swamy Lingam.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Buses are available from all major places in Andhra Pradesh. Kotipalli Bus terminus is just 400 meters away from the temple.
By Rail
The Nearest railway station is Kotipalli Railway Station which is 2 km away. Auto-rickshaws are available to reach the temple.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport which is 74 km away. Bus and taxi services are available to reach the temple.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Laksha Bilvarchana to Someswara Swamy, Kumkum poojas to Rajarajeswari Devi and Tulasi pooja to Sri Bhudevi, Sridevi Sametha Sri Siddhi Janardhana Swamy are performed. Ekadasa Rudrabishekam is also conducted. Kalyanam is perfomed on Vysaka Shuddha Ekadasi, Devi Navaratrulu during Dasara, Theppotsavam during Karteeka Masam, Jwala Thoranam on Karteeka Purnima, Laksha Patri Pooja and Koti Deevaradhana on Mahasivaratri are the major festivals celebrated here.