Sri Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple, Surutapalli

Introduction to the Pallikondeswara Temple

Andhra Pradesh is a renowned pilgrimage destination for Hindus, as it boasts many prominent temples. Pallikondeswara Temple is a beautiful temple located in Surutupalli village, Andhra Pradesh. This is the only temple where Shiva graces in the reclining position. It is on the banks of the River Arani.

Kanchi Maha Periyava stayed here for 40 days in 1976. He indicated a particular spot and wanted people to dig it. While digging, they found a stone, and Maha Periyava disclosed that the footprints were of Rama's twin sons, Lava and Kusa.

Legend of the Pallikondeswara Temple

According to the temple legend, Indra Deva lost his power on one occasion and found that consuming the divine nectar could help him regain his power. So, the Devas and Asuras churned the Milky Ocean to get the nectar. But a deadly poison came out first instead of the nectar during the churning.

Shiva swallowed the poison to save all and came to be called Nilakandan. Speechless, Parvati quickly stopped the poison at the throat. Shiva then became drowsy and selected Surutupalli and started sleeping on the lap of Parvati. All the other deities came down to Surutupalli to meet him. Soon after the effect of the poison diminished, Shiva opened his eyes. Other deities wished to see Shiva once but were stopped by Nandi. Later, they pleased Shiva with prayers, and finally, he gave them darshan. This time, when Shiva gave them darshan, it was called Pradosha Kalam.

It is believed that Sage Valmiki visited the Pallikondeswara Temple and performed penance before starting to write the Ramayana. Hence, the deity is also called "Valmikeeswara".

The Architecture of the Pallikondeswara Temple

The Vijayanagara emperor Vidyaranya built the Pallikondeswara Temple in the 10th century. Sri Jayendra Saraswati and Vijayendra Saraswati performed the Kumbhabishekam on June 23, 2002. The temple underwent many renovations. The name 'Surutupalli' originated from the fact that Shiva rested on the lap of Parvati, when he felt dizzy after consuming the poison. 'Palli' means 'resting,' and 'Surutu' means dizzy.' Pallikondeswara Temple faces the East. The temple displays the Dravidian style of architecture. Its three-tier Raja Gopuram was recently renovated to five-tier with sculptures of Hindu deities.

The presiding deity of the Pallikondeswara Temple is Pallikondeswarar. He is 6 feet high with a reclining pose. His consort, Sarva Mangalambikai, is in the sitting position with his head on her lap. Ramalingam is installed before the presiding deity. The Dwarapalakas, namely Sanga Nidhi and Padma Nidhi, are there. The divine cow, Kamadhenu, and Kalpa Vruksham are on either side of the main deity.

Pallikondeswarar -Sarva Mangalambikai, Valmeekeeswarar-Maragathambikai, Vinayaka-Siddhi and Buddhi, Sastha-Pooranai, Dakshinamurthy - Mother Dhara, Kuberan-Gowri Devi, Sanga Nidhi and Padma Nidhi - these divine couples grace devotees at the temple.

Devotees flock to the temple on Thursdays. There are separate shrines for Vinayaka, Muruga, Brahma, Vishnu, Sages Bhrigu, Markandeya, Narada, Saptha Rishis, Moon, Sun, Kubera, and Indra.

Festivals in the Pallikondeswara Temple

Shivratri in February-March, Aippasi Annabishekam in October-November, and Thiruvadhirai in December-January are the main festivals at the Pallikondeswara Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Pallikondeswara Temple

Devotees visit the temple and pray for their wishes. They perform Archana to Shiva with bilva garlands once their wishes are granted. Pradosha Pooja is said to have originated here.

People believe performing the Pradosha Kala Pooja in Pallikondeswara Temple can solve all problems, eliminate poverty, and promote better health and wealth.

Pradosha Kala Pooja is one of the most auspicious Poojas in the Hindu dharma. Shiva Skanda Purana indicates Pradosha is the worship of Shiva and Parvati when both are in a highly propitious mood. Offering prayers during this time can fulfill one's desires and bring happiness.