Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple of Amaravati | Amararama Temple
Channel: Peepul Tree World (Live History India)
Date: 13/11/2020

The Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple, in the town of Amaravati of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most significant shrines in the region. The Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple, also known as the Amareswara Temple, is what lends the town its name ‘Amaravathi’. Once patronised by important rulers such as the famous Krishnadevaraya of Vijaynagara Empire, thousands visit this temple even today, making it an important pilgrimage center. 

The region of Amaravati itself is quite sacred and ancient, with its Buddhist legacy going back more than 2000 years. While Buddhism flourished in the region for many centuries, shrines such as the Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple tell us about the existence of the Hinduism faith here. 

Located on the banks of the Krishna River, this ancient temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras. Pancharamams or Pancharama Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh are five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Siva. Lord Siva is worshipped here as Amareshwara, Amaralingeswara or Krouchandha. Devotees visit this temple for its unique 15-ft tall marble linga which is the biggest of the Pancharama Lingams. According to local legends, this was installed here by Lord Indra. 

But it was in the 18th century that this temple really gained prominence at the hands of the local zamindar of Chintapalle - Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu. It is said that he held the Amarilngeshwara Swamy Temple sacred and developed the town around it. He renovated many temples, including the Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple, using the valuable fragments of the stupas in the region. This was noted by Colonel Mackenzie, the first Surveyor General of India when he visited the site in 1797. 

The temple blends the Dravidian and Buddhist style of architecture. Inscriptions of the local Kota chiefs of Dhamnikota, the Reddi Kings of Kondavldu and the Vijayanagara Rulers can also be seen at the temple. 

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