Sri Amareswara Swamy Temple, also known as Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple, is one of the most sacred Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva in Andhra Pradesh. Located in Amaravati, the new capital region of Andhra Pradesh on the southern bank of the Krishna River, this ancient temple holds immense spiritual significance .
The temple’s history dates back to the 11th century, with major renovations carried out by Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu in 1796. The temple enshrines a magnificent 15-foot tall white marble Shiva Lingam – the largest among the five Pancharama temples – with a circumference of three feet. According to legend, this Lingam was installed by Lord Indra himself and possesses a mystical red stain at the top, believed to be from divine blood that oozed when a nail was driven to stop its continuous growth .
The temple is unique in that Lord Shiva here manifests as five different Lingams: Pranaveswara, Agasteswara, Kosaleswara, Someswara, and Parthiveswara .
Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple Daily Darshan Timings
The temple follows a structured daily schedule with specific timings for darshan and rituals :
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Temple Break | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Note: Some sources indicate slightly different timings (6:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) , while others mention 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM . Devotees are advised to confirm exact timings before visiting, especially during festival periods when the temple may extend hours .
Darshan Types and Ticket Prices
The temple offers both free and paid darshan options to accommodate different needs :
| Darshan Type | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sarva Darshan (Free) | ₹0 | General queue, standard waiting time |
| Special Darshan | ₹20 | Faster access, reduced waiting time |
| Garbha Gruha Entry (Pooja) | ₹50 | Entry inside sanctum for special pooja |
Entry to the temple is free of cost, but special access and pooja services require nominal fees .
Sevas and Pooja Offerings with Prices
The temple conducts various daily, weekly, and special sevas. Here are the detailed prices for 2026 :
Abhishekam Sevas
| Seva Name | Deity | Price (₹) | Persons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eka Rudrabhishekam | Amareswara Swamy | ₹200 | 2 |
| Maha Shivaratri Abhishekam | Amareswara Swamy | ₹216 | – |
| Masa Shivaratri Abhishekam | Amareswara Swamy | ₹516 | – |
| Karthika Masa Abhishekam | Amareswara Swamy | ₹1,116 | – |
| Saswata Abhishekam | Amareswara Swamy | ₹1,116 | – |
| Nithya Abhisheka Pathakam | Amareswara Swamy | ₹3,116 | – |
Archana and Homam Sevas
| Seva Name | Price (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ashtotram | ₹50 | For Bala Chamundika |
| Sahasra Namarchana | ₹100 | Thousand names chanting |
| Astottaram | ₹100 | For Bala Chamundika |
| Navagraha Abhishekam | ₹100 | Nine planets worship |
| Two-wheeler Pooja | ₹50 | Vehicle blessing |
| Four-wheeler Pooja | ₹100 | Vehicle blessing |
| Santhi (Peace Ritual) | ₹250 | For well-being |
| Rudra Homam | ₹2,116 | Fire ritual for Lord Shiva |
| Chandi Homam | ₹2,116 | Powerful Devi worship |
| Dasara Alankarams | ₹1,516 | Special decorations |
| Nithya Pooja Pathakam | ₹1,516 | Daily worship sponsorship |
| Saswata Annadanam | ₹1,116 | Permanent food donation |
Unique Feature: Abhishekam from Above
Due to the 15-foot height of the Shiva Lingam, priests perform Abhishekam from an elevated platform within the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees can witness this unique ritual from a special gallery .
Online Booking Process
Currently, Amaralingeswara Temple does not have a dedicated online booking portal like major temples (Tirumala or Annavaram). However, devotees can plan their visit through:
Current Booking Methods
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| On-Counter Booking | Available at temple premises |
| Phone Booking | Contact temple office for seva reservations |
| In-Person Registration | Visit temple administrative office |
Temple Office Contact: 08645-255241
Recommended Approach for 2026
- Visit Early: Reach temple by 5:30 AM for morning darshan
- Counter Booking: Purchase special darshan (₹20) or seva tickets at temple counters
- Advance Planning: Call temple office 1-2 days ahead for special sevas like Rudra Homam or Chandi Homam
- Festival Booking: During Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri, book accommodations early due to heavy rush
Accommodation Facilities
The temple provides accommodation for pilgrims visiting Amaravati :
| Facility Type | Availability | Booking Method |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Guest Houses | Available | On-counter at temple office |
| Choultries | Limited rooms | Walk-in or advance booking |
| Private Hotels | Multiple options | Direct booking or travel apps |
Nearby Accommodation: Decent hotels are available in Amaravati town and nearby Vijayawada (35 km) and Guntur (32 km) .
Major Festivals and Special Events
The temple celebrates several important festivals throughout the year :
| Festival | Timing | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | February/March | Grand all-night celebrations, special Abhishekams |
| Navaratri | September/October | Nine days of Devi worship, cultural programs |
| Kalyana Utsavam | Various dates | Celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva |
| Bahula Dasami | As per calendar | Special rituals and processions |
| Kartika Masam | November | Month-long special poojas and deepotsavam |
Best Time to Visit: November to February for pleasant weather and manageable crowds .
How to Reach Amaralingeswara Temple
| Mode | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| By Road | Well-connected via Amaravati Road | 32 km from Guntur, 46 km from Vijayawada |
| By Rail | Nearest station: Peddakurapadu | 19 km from temple |
| By Air | Nearest airport: Gannavaram (Vijayawada) | North of Vijayawada |
Temple Architecture and Unique Features
The temple showcases magnificent Dravidian architecture with :
- Four towering Gopurams on all four sides
- Three concentric circles (Prakaras) housing multiple shrines:
- First Circle: Mahishasura Mardini, Veerabhadraswamy, Omkareswara Swamy, Guru Dattatreya, Agasteswara Swamy
- Second Circle: Vinayaka, Kalabhairava, Anjaneya, Nagendraswamy, Kumaraswamy, Lord Krishna
- Third Circle: Kasi Viswanatha, Mallikarjuna, Pushpadanteswara Swamy, Kalahasthiswara
- 15-foot marble Shiva Lingam with red stain at top
- Vimana (tower) over sanctum sanctorum
Dress Code and Guidelines
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Men | Dhoti, pancha, or traditional wear; shirts allowed |
| Women | Saree or salwar kameez with dupatta |
| Prohibited | Shorts, jeans, t-shirts, Western casual wear |
| Photography | Not allowed inside sanctum |
| Mobile Phones | Must be switched off inside temple |
Nearby Temples and Attractions
| Place | Significance | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Sai Baba Temple | Modern spiritual center | Amaravati |
| Geeta Mandir | Religious discourse center | Amaravati |
| Omkareswara Mandir | Secondary shrine | Within temple complex |
| Kanaka Durga Temple | Famous Devi temple | Vijayawada (35 km) |
| Lalitha Ammavari Temple | Goddess worship | Nearby |
| Lord Anjaneya Temple | Hanuman worship | Amaravati |
| Surya Bhagavan Temple | Sun god worship | Nearby |
Tips for Visiting in 2026
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Visit early morning | Peaceful darshan, less crowd |
| Carry exact change | Smooth payment at counters |
| Dress traditionally | Respect temple customs |
| Plan during weekdays | Avoid weekend rush |
| Book sevas in advance | Secure slots for special rituals |
| Combine with other Pancharama temples | Complete spiritual circuit in 2-3 days |
Official Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Address | Sri Amareswara Swamy Temple, Amaravati Town, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh – 522020 |
| Temple Phone | 08645-255241 |
| Location | On southern bank of Krishna River, 40 km from Vijayawada |
Conclusion
Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple offers a divine spiritual experience with its magnificent 15-foot marble Shiva Lingam, rich Pancharama heritage, and serene location on the Krishna River. While online booking facilities are limited compared to larger temples, the nominal ₹20 special darshan and affordable sevas (₹50-₹3,116) make it accessible to all devotees.
Plan your visit during November-February, book accommodations in advance during festivals, and prepare for a blessed darshan of one of Andhra Pradesh’s most sacred Shiva temples. May Lord Amareswara Swamy bless your pilgrimage!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there online booking for Amaralingeswara Temple darshan?
Currently, the temple does not offer dedicated online booking. Tickets are available at temple counters. However, some travel platforms may offer packaged tours .
What is the price of special darshan?
Special darshan costs ₹20 per person, providing faster access compared to free darshan .
Can I perform Rudrabhishekam at the temple?
Yes, Eka Rudrabhishekam costs ₹200 for 2 persons and can be booked at the temple counter .
What are the temple timings?
The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily .
Is there accommodation near the temple?
Yes, temple guest houses and private hotels are available in Amaravati town .
What is unique about this temple?
The 15-foot white marble Shiva Lingam that grows continuously (legend), the red stain at the top, and its status as one of the five Pancharama Kshetras .