Sri Amareswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam - Amravati

Sri Amareswara Swamy Vari Devasthanam or Amararama Temple is an ancient and historical Shiva temple located in Amaravati town of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. This temple is one of the five major Shiva temples of Pancharama and is considered to be a very sacred place for the devotees of Lord Shiva. This temple dates back to the 11th century, and was probably built during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty. Later, the rulers of the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara Empire rebuilt and expanded this temple. According to mythology, after the slaying of the demon Tarakasura, the Shivalinga located in his neck was split into five pieces. Five temples of Pancharama were built at the places where these five pieces fell, of which the Amareswara Temple is the chief. The height of the main Shivalinga of the temple is so high that the priests use a platform for daily worship. This Shivalinga is made of white marble and its height is about 15 feet. It is a famous pilgrimage site and is considered one of the Pancharama temples. Amararam Temple is an excellent example of Dravidian style architecture. The temple has four huge gopurams and a central vimana. One has to climb stairs to reach the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which makes it situated on a hill. The main deity is Amareswara Swamy, who is worshipped as Lord Shiva. His consort Bala Chamundika Devi is also revered here. Abhishek, Aarti, and Puja rituals are held regularly in the temple every day. The main festivals and celebrations of the temple are known to have 3 main festivals such as the first Mahashivratri in which this festival is particularly important and is celebrated on the Dashami of Krishna Paksha of Magha month. The second Navaratri in which this nine-day festival of Devi worship is also celebrated with great pomp. And the last Kalyan Utsav in which the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Bala Chamundika is celebrated. Benefits and Importance of the Temple This temple is a very holy place for the devotees who are striving to attain salvation. Taking bath and worshipping here destroys sins and gives mental peace. This place is especially suitable for those who wish for happiness, peace and prosperity in the family.