Someswara Swamy Temple, Appikonda
| Someswara Swamy Temple | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Someshwara |
| Location | |
| Location | Visakhapatnam |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
  Location in Visakhapatnam | |
| Geographic coordinates | 17°34′35″N 83°10′23″E / 17.576473°N 83.173084°E |
Sri Someswara Swamy Temple is a temple to Shiva located in Appikonda, Visakhapatnam.
History
This temple was built in 1070 by King Kulottunga I of the Chola dynasty, and referred to as the Chola Monument.[1]
About
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The Appikonda Someswara Swamy Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the coastal village of Appikonda, approximately 30 kilometers south of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. This ancient temple, often referred to simply as the Someswara Temple, holds significant cultural, historical, and spiritual importance in the region.
The temple is believed to have been constructed around 1070 CE during the reign of King Kulottunga I of the Chola dynasty, earning it the nickname "[Monument]." However, local legends and some historical accounts suggest an even older origin, potentially dating back over 1,400 years. It is recognized as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, reflecting its architectural and historical value.
According to legend, the temple’s origins are tied to the sage Kapila Maharshi. It is said that Kapila, while traveling along the coast, stopped at this location to perform a penance. With his cosmic powers, he aimed to install 101 Shiva Lingams before sunrise. By dawn, he had manifested 100 self-emergent (swayambhu) Lingams, but fell short of his goal by one. Disappointed, he cursed the place to be known as "Appukonda," meaning "debt-ridden hill" in Telugu (from "appu" meaning debt), which over time evolved into "Appikonda." The hill is also sometimes called Kapilakonda in honor of the sage. Since the Lingams appeared on a Monday (Somavaram in Telugu), the deity came to be known as Someswara Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva. Over the centuries, 95 of these Lingams are said to have been buried under sand dunes, leaving four self-manifested Lingams that remain in the temple today.
Architecturally, the temple reflects the Dravidian style, featuring intricately carved stone structures, including a prominent Nandi (the bull, Shiva’s vehicle) statue in front of the main sanctum. The temple complex also includes additional smaller shrines uncovered from the sand, dedicated to Shiva, enhancing its historical depth. Its proximity to the sea adds to its serene ambiance, with a well near the shore—believed to be as old as the temple itself—providing pure water despite its closeness to saltwater.
The temple is especially popular during Maha Shivratri, when over 100,000 devotees visit to offer prayers and participate in festivities that can last several days. The nearby Appikonda Beach also makes it a spot for spiritual retreats and picnics, particularly during the Karthika Masam (a sacred month in the Hindu calendar) and Shivratri celebrations.
In essence, the Appikonda Someswara Temple is not just a place of worship but a living testament to ancient history, blending myth, architecture, and devotion in a tranquil coastal setting.
References
- ^ "Appikonda Beach temple washed out by modernity | Visakhapatnam News". The Times of India. Mumbai. TNN. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
- ^ "Lord Shiva temples set for Sivaratri in Visakhapatnam". The Times of India. Mumbai. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- ^ "Protected Monuments in Andhra Pradesh". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
- ^ "Monuments: Visakhapatnam District". Andhra Pradesh Department of Archeology and Museums. Retrieved 18 June 2019.