Sri Veerabhadra Swamy or Sri Veereswara Swamy Temple is located on Deva-kuta Hill in the middle of the River Godavari at Pattiseema Village. Lord Shiva is presiding here in the form of Lord Veerabhara Swamy as a self-manifested Shivalinga. This temple is one of the Pancha Kshetras. The other four temples are at Kedarnath, Kashi, Kalahasthi and Srisailam.
Shrine’s History
There are two hillocks in the bed of the Godavari River lying in opposite directions facing each other. The north hillock of Pattiseema is known as Maha nandi Swaram and the South is known as Pattiseema. The temple was built by Reddy Raju Kings in the 12th century. There are two temples one of Sri Veerabhadra Swamy and the other is Sri Bhava Narayana Swamy where Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity. Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple has adorned walls with carved images of Purana. Separate shrine of Goddess Bhadra Kali can be seen with a sword. Image of Nandi is the added attraction. The other deities are Goddess Kanakadurga, Sri Lakshmi Ganapathi, Lord Kumara Swamy, Goddess Mahishasuramardhini and Goddess Saraswati. Sri Seetha Rama Swamy temple and Sri Anjaneya Swamy temples are constructed by Zamindar of Gutala in the year 1912.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Sati Devi, daughter of King Daksha was married to Lord Shiva against Her fathers wish. King Daksha performed Yagna in the name of Bruhaspathi. He invited all Devathas except Lord Shiva. However, Satti Devi expressed Her desire to attend the Yagna. Lord Shiva cautioned Her as King Daksha was performing the Yagna to take revenge on HIM. Sati Devi insisted and attended the Yagna. Though Daksha saw his daughter but he didnt receive Her and also insulted Lord Shiva. Sati Devi felt insulted and decided not to return Her Husbands place again. She cut her finger of Her left foot rubbed it on the earth and created a fire and jumped into it. She was consumed by the fire. Lord Shiva who was observing all this became furious with rage.
He plucked a shred of His long unbraided hair, struck it on the ground and created Lord Veerabhadra to destroy Yagna and devour Daksha. Lord Shiva gave a metallic weapon called Patta-Yudha to Lord Veerabhadra. Following instructions of Lord Shiva, Lord Veerabhadra Swamy destroyed the Yagna and killed Daksha with Patti-Yudha. After completing his mission he destroyed the Vishnu Chakra of Lord Vishnu and broke the teeth of Sun God, both of whom tried to prevent Lord Veerabhadra from slaying Daksha. All Gods requested Lord Shiva to restore Pasupu-Kumkum of Sati Devi. Lord Veerabhadra then cut the neck of a goat and planted it on the slain body of Daksha. Lord Veerabhadra then ordered him to perform Yagna so that Daksha could attain moksha. The weapon with which Daksha was killed fell on the earth. This place where it fell was called Patta-chalk-shetra now being popularly called Pattiseema. Lord Veerabhadra still continued with His Pralaya Tandava.
The entire universe was trembling under His feet. Goddess Mahakali was born out of these shudders. Devathas witnessing Lord Veerabhadra requested Agastya muni to pacify Him. Agastya muni embraced Lord Veerabhadra with his hands and prayed Him to settle down on the hillock. Lord Veerabhadra agreed and settled on the hillock in the form a huge Shivalinga. Agastya muni also collected the unbraided long hair and tied it into a knot on the forehead of Lord Veerabhadra now in the form of a Linga.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Buses are available from all major places in Andhra Pradesh to Pattiseema. Rajahmundry is the nearest city which is 36 km away.
By Rail
The Nearest major railway station to Pattiseema is Rajahmundry Railway Station which is 35 km away. Bus services are available frequently to access the temple.
By Air
The Nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport which is 48 km away. Bus and Taxi services are available to reach the temple.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
The main festival of Lord Shiva is Mahasivaratri which is celebrated annually. On this day approximately 1 lakh of pilgrims visit this temple. The other important festivals are the Kalyanam of Lord Shiva on Bheeshma Akadashi and Karteeka masam.