The Amareswara Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the town of Amaravathi in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, which are the five important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated on the southern bank of the Krishna River and is known for its unique architecture and historical significance.
The Amareswara Temple is an ancient temple built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple complex is spread over a large area and consists of a central shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Amareswara, along with several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities. The main entrance to the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
One of the most striking features of the temple is its 80-feet tall gopuram (gateway tower) which is adorned with colorful sculptures and intricate designs. The inner sanctum of the temple houses a lingam, the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, which is worshipped by devotees with great reverence.
The Amareswara Temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. According to legends, the temple was originally built by the Satavahana kings in the 2nd century BCE. Over the centuries, the temple has been renovated and expanded by various dynasties including the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara Empire.
The temple also has inscriptions dating back to the 5th century CE, which mention the contributions made by various rulers and devotees towards the upkeep and development of the temple. The Amareswara Temple has been a center of worship and pilgrimage for devotees from different parts of the country for centuries.
The best time to visit the Amareswara Temple is during the Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri, which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. The temple is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers during this time, and devotees throng the temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Another important festival celebrated at the Amareswara Temple is Karthika Masam, which falls in the Hindu calendar month of Karthika (October-November). During this month, special rituals and prayers are conducted at the temple, and devotees observe fasting and offer special prayers to Lord Shiva.
The Amareswara Temple is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is in Guntur, which is well-connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. Regular bus services are also available from Guntur to Amaravathi.
The nearest airport is in Vijayawada, which is around 60 kilometers away from the temple. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach the Amareswara Temple. The temple can also be reached by boat from the Krishna River, which adds to the charm of the pilgrimage.
The Amareswara Temple holds great significance among devotees and is believed to fulfill the wishes of those who offer prayers with a pure heart. It is said that Lord Shiva himself resides in the temple in the form of Amareswara, the one who grants immortality.
Devotees believe that a visit to the Amareswara Temple can bring peace, prosperity, and fulfillment in their lives. The sacred waters of the Krishna River flowing near the temple are considered holy and are believed to have healing properties.
Overall, the Amareswara Temple in Guntur is a place of immense spiritual importance and historical significance. It attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year who come to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience the divine energy of this ancient temple.