Sri Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple
Kumararama
The Pancharama shrine tied to Kumara Swamy, worshipped locally as the seat of Mangala graha.
⭐ Why it is famous
One of the five Pancharama Kshetras, said to hold a piece of the Tarakasura linga installed by Kartikeya (Kumara) himself, whose fiery, warrior character is popularly linked to Kuja/Mangala. The temple has fine Chalukya-Kakatiya stonework and a large stepped tank.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Built in the 9th century under the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi and enlarged through the Kakatiya period, Samalkota's Bhimeswara shrine has functioned as a major Godavari-delta Shaiva centre for well over a thousand years.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darshan; no separate paid line on weekdays
- Special sevas listed at the temple office
- Maha Sivaratri draws the year's largest crowd
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Sri Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Samalkota, KakinadaSamalkot Junction (SLO) — 2 km
Samalkota bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) — 55 km
Samalkota is on NH16 and the Howrah–Chennai main line, 12 km from Kakinada.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Lodges in Samalkota town
- Hotels in nearby Kakinada
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,000 | ₹3,800 | ₹6,800 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Kakinada port and beach road
- Coringa mangrove wildlife sanctuary
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
November–February, or Maha Sivaratri