Kotilingeswara Temple, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh

Kotilingeswara Temple, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh

Kotilingeswara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rajahmundry City on the banks of River Godavari in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. This beautiful temple is surrounded by various bathing Ghats and attracts many devotees and tourists. It is a pilgrimage centre for the believers of Lord Shiva and is frequented by pilgrims to make a dip in holy water. The Temple is considered as the ferry point to cross the Godavari River.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/05/kotilingeswara-temple-rajahmundry-legends.html

History

The temple is one of the ancient Shiva temples in Rajahmundry and is considered to be constructed during Chalukya period around 10^th Century AD. The temple was later reconstructed by Vijayanagara rulers and Hampi Virupaksha Peetam as mentioned on the main gopura of the temple. It was later maintained and patronized by local people during British reign with a donation of 50 acres of land to this temple. The temple is completely modernized during recent years especially during the last Pushkarams.

The Temple

This is a west facing temple with three tiered Rajagopuram. Presiding Deity is called as Kotilingeswara. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. Mother is called as Rakini / Vishweshwari. She is housed in a separate shrine facing south. Her shrine is considered as one of the Sakthi Peethas. Bhairava associated with her shrine is called as Vatsnabh / Dandpani. There is a shrine for Lord Sitarama in the temple premises and hence the temple is famously called as Uma Rama Kotilingeswara Temple.

Festivals

Maha Siva Ratri, Kartika Masam and Navaratri (Dasara) are celebrated grandly at this temple and many devotees take a holy bath in river Godavari and visit this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Godavari Railway Station, 5 Kms from Rajahmundry Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Rajahmundry Railway Station, 12 Kms from Rajahmundry Airport and 199 Kms from Amaravathi. The Temple is well connected to Rajahmundry City in all modes of transport.

Location