Sri Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple (Amararama)
Amaravathi, Palnadu district (formerly Guntur district) · Lord Shiva as Amaralingeswara (Amareswara), with consort Bala Chamundika
The Pancharama on the Krishna – the tallest of the five lingas, said to have been installed by Indra, king of the devas.
Amararama is the only Pancharama on the river Krishna; the other four lie in the Godavari delta. The temple stands on a low rise beside the river in Amaravathi, the ancient Satavahana-era Buddhist centre of Dharanikota. Its towering linga is said to have been installed by Indra (Amara means immortal, the devas), and the town takes its name from Indra's capital Amaravati. It is usually the first or last stop on a Pancharama circuit.
Timings
- Morning darshan: approx. 6:00 AM – 12:00 noon (some listings say up to 1:00 PM)
- Evening darshan: approx. 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Karthika Masam: Opens earlier (from approx. 4:00–5:00 AM) and abhishekam hours are extended. Check official site.
Darshan types and costs
- Sarva (general) darshan – Free
- Special / quick darshan – approx. ₹20–₹50 per person
Sevas and costs
- Astottara Archana – approx. ₹100 (approx. 6:00 AM – 12:00 noon and 4:00 – 7:00 PM)
- Eka Rudrabhishekam – approx. ₹200 (another listing says ₹500) (approx. 6:00 – 8:00 AM)
- Saneswara (Shani) Abhishekam – approx. ₹200 (approx. 6:00 – 8:00 AM)
- Rahu–Ketu Pooja – approx. ₹200 (Morning hours; ask at counter)
- Nitya Kalyanam – approx. ₹1,116 (approx. 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon)
- Rudra Homam – approx. ₹1,116 (On request, morning)
- Chandi Homam – approx. ₹2,116 (On request)
- Laksha Bilvarchana – approx. ₹10,116 (By arrangement, often in Karthika)
- Saswatha (perpetual) Abhishekam – approx. ₹1,116 one-time (Performed once a year on a date you choose, for many years)
- Vahana Pooja – approx. ₹50 (car/light vehicle), ₹100 (heavy vehicle) (approx. 8:00 AM – 12:00 noon and 4:00 – 8:00 PM)
How to book darshan
There is no reliable online seva booking for this temple. Tickets are sold at the temple counter on the day. For homams or kalyanam, call the temple office a day or two ahead.
Dress code
Traditional dress is preferred, and expected for abhishekam: dhoti/pancha or kurta-pyjama for men, saree, half-saree or churidar with dupatta for women. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
Best time to visit
October–February is pleasant. Karthika Masam (Oct–Nov), especially Mondays and Karthika Pournami, is the holiest and most crowded time. Maha Shivaratri draws very large crowds.
How to reach
- air: Vijayawada (Gannavaram) airport, about 50 km by road.
- rail: Guntur Junction (about 35 km) or Vijayawada Junction (about 35–40 km).
- road: Regular APSRTC buses from Guntur and Vijayawada. By car, around an hour from either city.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri – Feb/Mar
- Karthika Masam – Oct/Nov
- Devi Navaratri (Dasara) – Sep/Oct