Amareswara Swamy Temple

The Amareswara Swamy Temple in Narsapuram is a revered local temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (as Amareswara Swamy).

• Deity: Lord Shiva, as Amareswara Swamy.
• Location: Located in the Narsapuram town, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Significance: While specific historical details about its founders are less publicized than the Amareswara Temple in Amaravathi, it is a crucial part of the local religious landscape and a site for regular Hindu rituals and festivals.
• Architecture: It generally follows the Dravidian style typical of temples in the region.
• Festivals: It celebrates major Shaivite festivals, including Maha Shivaratri and Kalyana Utsavams, drawing devotees from Narsapuram and surrounding villages.

The Famous Amareswara Temple (Amararama Kshetra)

It is important to note that the most famous temple named Amareswara Swamy is located in Amaravati (Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh), not Narsapuram. This temple holds a much grander position in Hindu mythology:

1. One of the Pancharama Kshetras

• Sacred Status: The temple in Amaravati is one of the Pancharama Kshetras (five great Shiva temples) in Andhra Pradesh.
• Legend: According to the Sthala Purana, when Lord Shiva’s son, Kartikeya (Subrahmanya), killed the demon Tarakasura, the Shiva Lingam the demon wore broke into five pieces. The largest piece is believed to have fallen at this spot, and it was installed by Lord Indra (Amareshwara means “Lord of the Immortals/Devas”).

2. The Tall Lingam and Red Stain

• Unique Feature: The Shiva Lingam at the Amaravati temple is famously very tall (around 15 feet) and made of white marble.
• Mythology: Legend states that the Lingam was continuously growing in size, and to stop its growth, a nail was driven into the top. It is believed a red stain visible on the Lingam today is the mark of blood that flowed when it was nailed.

3. Historical Patronage

• The Amaravati temple has been patronized by numerous dynasties, including the Kota chiefs, the Vijayanagara Empire (with inscriptions from Sri Krishnadevaraya), and notably renovated and expanded by Raja Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu in the late 18th century.