The Pancharama Kshetras are five ancient Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, these five temples mark the exact spots where the fragments of a massive, invincible Shivalingam fell after it was shattered by Lord Kartikeya during his battle with the demon Tarakasura.
| Temple Name | Form of Shiva | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Amararama | Amaralingeswara Swamy | Amaravati (Palnadu) |
| Draksharama | Bhimeswara Swamy | Draksharamam (Konaseema) |
| Somarama | Someswara Swamy | Bhimavaram (West Godavari) |
| Ksheerarama | Ksheera Ramalingeswara | Palakollu (West Godavari) |
| Kumararama | Kumara Bhimeswara | Samalkota (Kakinada) |
The Perfect 2-Day Pancharama Itinerary
Because Amararama is located in the Palnadu district while the other four are clustered further north in the Godavari districts, completing this circuit requires a strategic two-day driving plan using two different basecamps.
Day 1: The Amaravati Start
- Basecamp: Vijayawada
- The Route: Start your morning with a 40 km drive from Vijayawada to the ancient town of Amaravati on the banks of the Krishna River.
- The Temple: Visit Amararama (Amaralingeswara Swamy), known for its towering white Shivalingam.
- The Transit: After darshan and lunch, embark on a scenic 3.5-hour drive north along the highway to Rajahmundry to set up your basecamp for the night.
Day 2: The Godavari Delta Circuit
- Basecamp: Rajahmundry
- The Route: Start early (by 6:30 AM). Hire a dedicated taxi from Rajahmundry to knock out the remaining four temples in a continuous loop.
- Stop 1: Kumararama (Samalkota): A stunning, two-story temple built by the Chalukyas. The Lingam here is incredibly tall, passing through the first floor to be worshipped on the second.
- Stop 2: Draksharama (Draksharamam): Just 45 minutes south, this is the largest and most architecturally magnificent temple of the five, often called the “Kashi of the South.”
- Stop 3: Ksheerarama (Palakollu): Drive further south into West Godavari to witness the massive 120-foot Rajagopuram (temple tower). The Lingam here is milky white.
- Stop 4: Somarama (Bhimavaram): Finish the circuit here. This temple is famous for its unique crystal Shivalingam, which is said to change color depending on the lunar cycle—turning white during the full moon and black during the new moon.
Logistics & Transportation
- The Best Way to Travel: A hired cab is the most efficient way to complete the Day 2 Godavari loop. Alternatively, during the holy month of Kartika, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs special “Pancharama Darshini” buses specifically for this circuit.
- By Train: While Samalkot, Palakollu, and Bhimavaram have direct railway connectivity, relying on local trains and autos at each stop consumes too much time for a 2-day itinerary.
- Planning your Godavari road trip? Check current hotel availability in Vijayawada and Rajahmundry on MakeMyTrip here to secure your transit hubs
Frequently Asked Questions
The holy month of Kartika (usually November) is considered the most auspicious time to visit, though the temples will be heavily crowded. The winter months (December to February) offer the most pleasant weather for a coastal Andhra road trip.
Unlike some other circuits, there is no strict scriptural rule stating you must visit them in a specific order. The Day 1 (Amaravati) and Day 2 (Godavari loop) sequence is purely designed for geographical efficiency.