Sri Kumararama Bheemeshwara temple – Samarlakota

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The construction of the Sri Kumararama Bheemeshwara temple was started in AD 892 and was completed during 922, here the Linga is made of limestone and appears white. From 1340–1466 during Musunuri Nayaks the temple was reconstructed. Kakatiya style of architecture is adopted by Musunuri Nayaks. Here the Goddess is also known as Bala Tripura Sundari.

During Tarakasura vadha, the Shiva Linga which was in the throat of Tarakasura broke into five pieces and one of the pieces fell here. Thereafter, it came to be known as Kumararama. Lord Bhimeswara Swamy was installed by Kumara Swamy (son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) and hence the temple is called KumaraRama. This temple was built in Dravidian style, by King Chalukya Bhima. Hence the name is Bhimeswara.

The temple has a mandapam that is supported by 100 pillars and is of great architectural importance. The temple has an Ekasila Nandi guarding the Shiva Lingam at the entrance of the temple. Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari is enshrined on the ground floor of the temple. The main entrance of the temple is also called Surya Dwaram. The main shrine is a free-standing monument lying at the center of the inner enclosure.

The temple is a rectangular structure and has two stories. The limestone Lingam, installed in the shrine, is 14 feet tall, so tall that it rises from the pedestal on the ground floor and enters the second floor by piercing the roof, where the Rudrabhaga is worshipped. Darshan of Shiva lingam is on the first floor. Steps are available at both the side. The present Vimana of the main shrine has been renovated and is covered with thick plaster.

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It consists of flat pattas, a row of geese kutas, salas, simhalalatas, lotuses, and kalasa. It is a dvitala vimana of the Dravida order with regional variations. To the Eastside, there is a mandapam called Koneti from where Pushkarini can be seen here.