Talupulamma Lova

                        Sri Talupulamma Ammavari Devasthanam

                                                                     

Sri Talupulamma Ammavari Devasthamam is located 70 Km from Kakinada, 106 Km from Rajahmundry, 176 Km from Amalapuram (via Rajahmundry) and 8 km from Tuni.

Sri Talupulamma Ammavari Devasthanam, Lova village, Tuni(m), East Godavari is located on Hillock between DARAKONDA and TEEGAKONDA at Lova village. Sri Talupulamma Ammavaru is famous village Goddess. The rituals in this Devasthanam are being preformed as per GRAMA DEVATHA AGAMA

The inception of Ammavaru is "SWAYAMBHU" according to the recitals, the great Agasthyamuni performed meditation at the hills, had the fruits and drinking water and titled to hills as DARAKONDA and TEEGAKONDA respectively. There is un-interrupted flow of water through DARAKONDA ever since, its inception.

Location ::

The presiding deity is situated between DARAKONDA and TEEGAKONDA at a height of about 400ft from the ground level. The village is popularly called as TALUPULAMMA LOVA. The temple is situated about 6 Kms abutting NH5 and about 8 Km from Tuni Railway station. Historical Importance:- The presiding deity Sri Talupulamma Ammavaru has gained much importance through out the state and the practice in vogue is to prepare their food (Prasadam), have the prasadam and then leave the premises after worshipping the deity. Thousands of Devotees/ Pilgrims visiting the temple and worshipping the deity through out state on all days in general and on Sunday, Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday in particular. It is widely believed that the desires and aspirations of devotees will be fulfilled if they have darshan of Goddess Talupulamma.In fact, the location of the temple is very ideal where peaceful and beautiful atmosphere is prevailed here and every visitor enjoys the visit to the temple.

Festivals:

 *The main festival of this Devasthanam will be celebrated in CHAITRA MASAM every year commencing from BAHULA VIDHIYA, TADHIYA (March/April) for a period of 15 days.
 *During AASHADA MASAM (June-July) large number of pilgrims will visit the temple and worship the presiding Ammavaru.
 

Sarpavaram

                     Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple

                                                         

The temple is located at a distance of 5 Km from Kakinada. The story of Sarpavaram is narrated in the Brahma Vyvarta Purana. The great saint Agastya narrated this story to Saunaka and other saints of the Nymisha forest.

The great saint Kashyapa married Kadru, to whom thousand serpents were born. Kadru asked here sons to go and embrace to tall of Uchai Srava, the white horse of Lord Indra so that the she would make Vinata the second wife of her husband, her servant maid. But they disobeyed their mother as they did not like to dupe Vinata. Kadru cursed that her sons should die in the fires lit in the serpant sacrifice to be performed by Janamejaya. Of the thousand sons of Kadru, Ananta being pious and noble, went round in search of a suitable place to do penance in honour of Lord Vishnu, by whose mercy he wanted to save himself. He found this place holy, and did his penance here. Pleased at it Lord Vishnu appeared before him and accepted him to serve as a comfortable bed for him. He declared that this holy place would ever since take its name after him as Sarpapura and that He with His spouse Lakshmi would be there duly installed by the sage Narada.Thus the name Sarpapura is derived from the great serpent, Ananta, or Sesha.

One day saint Narada went to Brahma, and heard in his discourse that the world was all shrouded in Lord Vishnu's illusion and from which none could escape. Immediately, Narada asserted that he could. Thereupon Brahma admonished him for his arrogance, and asked him to get away. Narada going round the world on pilgrimage came to Sarpapura and finding a beautiful lake there, wanted to take a bath. But Lo: the moment he got a dip in it he became a damsel.Forgetting the past, and being then a lady, she was looking for a mate. At that time, Nakunda, the young prince of Pithapuram came there for hunting. The lady and the prince fell in love with each other. He married her and took her to Pithapuram. There in course of time she gave birth to sixty sons named Prabhava, Vibhava, etc., (Telugu years names) who grew up and became famous heroes.

Later on, another King Ripunjaya invaded Pithapuram and the battle that ensued, all the sons of the lady with her husband died. As the conqueror was marching victorious towards that place, the lady hearing the tragic news was with grief and wanted to end her life. The Lord Vishnu appeared before her in the form of holy Brahmin, and hearing her tale of woe asked her to take a bath in the lake. She had a dip and this time she became Narada again. Then, Narada could know this all. He prayed to Vishnu to forgive him. The Lord then declared " Let this lake be known as "Mukti - Kasara" the lake of Salvation I command that all holy places in all the three worlds should stay on here.

Those who take their bath here will wipe of all their sins of all months, Karthika Margasira and Magha, and of all days, Saturday, and Sunday are most auspicious for the bath. I shall remain her along with my consort Lakshmi. Please install me in with all Vedic rites". Saint Narada installed the Lord here. He has come to be known as "Bhavanarayana" meaning thereby the God that bestows salvation on those that think of his, at least thought they may not go there in all flesh and blood. Then all the saints, including the Gods Brahma and Siva came there and sang in praise of the Lord Bhavanarayana who declared as follows.

                                   " I shall always remain here with Lakshmi, Neela and Bhudevi "
Of the hundred and eighty holy places, of my worship on the Earth, this is the best. Those who reside in places then miles around this place are all my devotees. One who stays here for three days will reap the good of a hundred horse - sacrifices.
This, in brief, is the significance of Sarpa - Pura. From time immemorial, it has been acclaimed as the best 'Punya Kshetra' Saints like Agastya and Vyasa visited this places. The Rajas and Maharajas of Pithapuram rendered worship to the deity by spending lavishly on the sacred festivities of the Temple
 Festivals:

 *Ugadi (March / April).
 *Vaisakha Sudha Ekadasi (May).
 *Jyestha Sudha Ekadasi (June).
 *Karthika Pournami, Ekadasi (November).
 *Magha Masam Sundays, Radha Sapthami (February).
 
                                                                       

Samalkota

Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy vari Temple

                                                           

Samalkot is located at a distance of 12 km from Kakinada, 52 Km from Rajahmundry. Bhimavaram (Lat. 17o 02'N, Long. 82o 12'E), which now forms part of Samalkot town, is known as Bhimavara Kshetram with its famous temple of Kumararama - Bhimesvara. The village was known in the past as Chalukya Bhimavaram according to the inscriptions found in the temple. It is situated at a distance of about 11 kilometers to the North of Kakinada in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh and is on the Chennai - Howrah broad gauge railway line of South - Central Railway.
The place was under the yoke of several ruling houses from Nandas of Pataliputra to Asaf Jahis of Golkonda in its long history and was subjected to so many vicissitudes from the dawn of Christian era. Among the various dynasties that ruled over this region the Eastern Chalukyas had a lion's share in shaping its destiny and as such it is no wonder that they had the privilege of exercising greater control and conspicuous influence than other dynasties.

    The Eastern Chalukyas, also known as Vengi Chalukyas, ruled Andhra country for four and half centuries from AD 624 to AD 1076. The Kingdom of Vengi comprised at its greatest extent the whole area between the Mahendra Mountains in Kalinga and the Maneru River in Nellore; its Western boundary ran in general along the foot of the Eastern Ghats, though temporary extensions often brought areas of farther west under the rule of Vengi from time to time.
 
There were about 30 kings in this dynasty starting with the founder king Kubja Vishnuvardhana (AD 624 - 642) to the last king, Vijayaditya-VII (AD 1068-1076), who ruled first from Pishtapura, next from Vengi and then from Rajamahendri (Rajahmundry) and their hisotry is largely a record of disputes about succession. For some time the Rashtrakutas and the Chalukyas of Kalyani from the West and later the Cholas from the South interfered in these dispute. Of the kings, Narendra Mrigaraja Vijayaditya (AD 805 - 846), Gunaga Vijayaditya (AD 848 - 891), Chalukya Bhima-I (AD 892 - 922) Danarnava (AD 971 - 973), Ammaraja II (AD 945 - 970) and Rajaraja Narendra (AD 1019 - 1060) are the greatest patrons of Art & Architecture and Telugu Literature.

 Rajaraja Narendra is said to have laid the foundation of the new city called Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) after his name. On the request of Rajaraja Narendra, his court poet Nanayya began to translate Sanskrit Mahabharata into Andhra Mahabharata, which stood as a land mark in the development of Telugu literature. his temple, known as Kumararama at Bhimavaram in Samalkot is one among the five important and popular 'Pancharama' temples of Andhra.

The other four temples dedicated to Siva are Amararama at Amaravati (Dist. Guntur), Daksharama at Daksharama (Dist. East Godavari), Kshirarama at Palakollu and Somarama at Gunupudi - Bhimavaram (both in Dist. West Godavari). There is an episode on the origin of these 'Pancharamas' which is also found in 'Bhimesvarapurana' written by Srinatha (AD 14th - 15th Century). According to it, Lord Vishnu, in his charming and fascinating incarnation of Mohini started distributing the nectar (amrita) obtained after the hazardous churning of the ocean to both the demons (asuras) and divined (devas) Dissatisfied with the injustice meted out to them in the manner of distribution of nectar, the asuras lead by the lords of Tripuras resorted to severe penance on the advice of the celestial sage Narada and were blessed with boons by Lord Siva.

Thus with the power newly acquired through the boons, they inflicted atrocities on the devas, who sought refuge with Lord Siva.On hearing the pitiable plea of the devas, Siva killed the asuras with his infallible Pasupata (a spiritual weapon of flame), which reduced them and their kingdoms to ashes. This material aspect of Siva is better known as Tripurantaka. However, a huge stone linga, worshipped by Tripuras, remained intact after the encounter. This was cut into five lingas by Lord himself and distributed for the purpose of installing at five different places which came to be locally known as Pancharams.According to the inscription at Pithapuram


The temple of Kumaram Chalukya Bhimesvara was constructed by the famous Eastern Chalukya king Chalukya Bhima-I towards the end of the 9th century AD and the presiding god Siva, in the form of tall Sivalinga, was named after the monarch as Chalukya Bhimesvara. The inscription states that Chalukya Bhima, the son of Vikramaditya having been victorious in three hundred and sixty battles ruled the earth for thirty years.The Bhimesvara temple at Samalkot is similar in architecture to that of the Bhimesvara temple at Daksharama. The temple is surrounded by two prakara walls built of dressed sand stones. The outer prakara wall is pierced by gopura - entrance on all the four sides. The four gopura - dvaras have ardha - mandapas on either side. The inner enclosure wall is divided horizontally into two sections separated by a cornice. It has a two storeyed pillared mandapa running all the inner side.
 

 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 storeys. The lime stone Linga, installed in the shrine, is 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. The present Vimana of the main shrine has been renovated and is covered with thick plaster. It consists of flat pattas, row of geese kutas, salas, simhalalatas, lotuses and kalasa. It is a dvitala vimana of the dravida order with regional variations. Like in Daksharama, a miniature temple model, found in the court yard of the temple, shows the whole temple with all the architectural details, possibly used as model before erecting the temple ranging from AD 1147 to 1494, recording gifts made to this temple. These epigraphs refer to the construction of mukhamandapa at the Eastern entrance in AD 1394.
Further the erection of the additional structures like Srimukhamandapam and niluvu mandapam on top of it in AD 1422 are also mentioned in the inscriptions.
here is a monolithic pillar on the western side, locally known as kappa stambham containing an inscription which records that when some thieves pulled down the nandi from the pillar from material gains, a new one was fabricated and installed by a lady named Lakshmi wife of Narasimudu, after bringing the stone from Kotilingalu at Rajahmundry.
 

 
Festivals:

 *Maha Shiva Ratri(February/March)
 *Saran Nava Rathrulu(Dessara 10 days)
 *Karthika Masam(October/Novermber)

Ryali

                Sri Jaganmohini Kesava & Gopala Swamy Temple

                                                                    

Ryali is located 40 Km from Rajahmundry, 74 Km from Kakinada and 34 Km from Amalapuram and it is situated between the rivers Vashista and Gautami, Tributaries of river Godavari, this is the site of the renowned Jagan Mohini Kesava Swamy temple. The exquisite idol, made of black stone depicting Maha Vishnu and Mohini on its front and rear sides, is a real marvel of sculptural dexterity.

Sthala Puranam:

According to the legend "Bhagavatam" while Devatas and Rakshas were quarrelling over sharing of holy Devine nectar "Sree Maha Vishnu" came to the rescue of Devatas in the guise of Mohini and convinced both the rivalry groups promising to distribute holy Devine nectar in equal share to Devatas and Rakshas. But in the interest of universal peace and welfare of sages, holy and Devine nectar was distributed among Devatas alone and the Mohini disappeared.

Lord Siva having seen the most fascinating beauty of Mohini allured her. He chased her for getting for a while the presence of his consort Parvathi Devi it is the general belief that the holy incident was the result of birth of "AYYAPPA SWAMY". One flower from the plait of Mohini fell down and it was smelt by Lord Siva. Then he surprisingly found "Sree Maha Vishnu" in the form of Mohini and felt shy for his behavior. The place where the flower from the plait of Mohini fell is named as RYALI the Telugu meaning of "Fall".

This place known as Ryali for the above reason became above of Lord Siva and Sree Mahavishnu with the form of Mohini on back side Lord Brahma consecrated the Siva Lingam with his Kamandalam and hence Lord Siva at Ryali is worshipped as Sri Uma Kamandalesara Swamy Varu, Sri Mahavishnu with the form of Mohini on backside is worshipped as Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy varu both Siva and Vishnu Temples are located facing each other. This is very rare feature at Ryali where Vishnu and Lord Siva Temples faces each other in East, West direction.

During 11th Century, this village was a part of wild Forest and these parts were under the rule of Chola Rajas. Sri Raja Vikrama Deva who ruling these parts during those days came to this place for hunting. Having been tired after hunting wild animals, he took rest under the shade of a big ponna tree, and fell in deep sleep and got a dream. Lord Sri Maha Vishnu appeared in his dream and informed that his shrine was located in the under ground of this area and directed the "Raja to get the wooden made chariot pull in the area and where the nail of chariot fell, the shrine can be found in the under ground of that place. Raja has done accordingly and the land where the nail of chariot fell was excaved and found the idol making the dream of Raja true. He constructed a small temple during 11th Century and arranged worship during his regime. Gradually prakarams were developed in the year 1936 (Data nama Samvatsara) it was renovated.The Shrine of Sri jaganmohini kesava Swamy varu is Salagrama Ekasila with 5 feet height and 3 feet width.

Salgramasila is itself the form of Sri Maha Vishnu. The idol of Sree Kesava Swamy varu of "Sri Mahavishnu" in front side and Jagan Mohini on back side. The tem incarnations Lord Sree Maha Vishnu with consorts, Sri Devi, BhooDevi, Sage Narada, Thumbura, Rambha, Urvasi, Kinnera, Kimpurusha, Lord Krishna with Govardhanagiri, Adiseshu, Garuda and Ganga are beautifully, scluptured around the shrine. The most miracle and rare feature is that, Ganga always flows from the feet of Sri Maha Vishnu is the origin of Akasa Ganga and this truth can be witnessed here. The most wonderful architectural beauty of Shrine, and flow of Ganga from the feet of Swamy varu are really unique features and shrine became very sacred. The architectural beauty of idol can not be described in words. Further it gives impression as it is new idol though its origin is of 11th Century.This shrine is "SWAYAMBHU" people visiting the temple form several parts of the Country believe that the shrine is not of man made but certainly creation of Devatas and Darsan of Swamy varu gives the feeling of presence of real God.

Festivals:

 *Sri Jaganmohini kesava Swamy kalyanam will be conducted from Chaitra sudha Navami to Pournami (March/April).
 *Sri Rama Satyanarayana Swamy kalyanam will be conducted from Visakha Sudha Ekadasi to Pournami.
 *Sri Venugopala Swamy kalyanam will be conducted from Jyesta Sudha Ekadasi to pournami (June).
 *Sravana Bahula Astami Sri Krishnastami (August).
 *Karthiaka sudha Dwadasi (Ksheerabdi Dwadasi) (November).
 *Devi Navaratrams (October).
 *Mukkoti Ekadasi.
 *Bheeshma Ekadasi
 

Rajahmundry

                   Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Swamy Temple

The temple is located in Rajahmundry town which is at a distance of 65 Km from Kakinada and 70 Km from Amalapuram. Ac cording to the recitals, a Muni called Mrukhanada dedicated for Meditation with an object of getting children and Lord Siva gave Varam at the choice of Muni to select a Baby having no husband throughout her life or a Boy surviving 11 years for a sprit of devotion and pious personality. The Muni choosed a Boy at the instance of Lord Siva. Lord Siva gave varam accordingly.
The Boy, named 'Markandaya' having the knowledge of his short survival, dedicated his life for Tapasya, installed a Lingam at the place where the temple is now situates and worshipped the Lingam. On attaining the age of 11 years, Yamah tried to take his life but, Lord Shiva came to the rescue the Boy and gave varam of total survival of his life. The Boy completely dedicated his life for the worship of Lord Siva and reached Siva and Parvathi Ammavaru. This is the Historical back-ground. As the Idol (Lingam) and Ammavaru are stated to have installed by Muni Markandeya, the temple is popularly known as Sri Markendeyeswara Swamy Varu.

According to the Records, the Temple was managed by Sri Raja Raja Narendhra, Cholas and subsequently by Reddy Rajas. It was installed in a site measuring 1000 Sq. yards and it was about 194 years back.It owns an extent of Ac. 31- 91 cents dedicated by the Erst-while Raja and it is at present getting an annual income of Rs.6,64,000/-.

Festivals::

 *Devinavarathrulu will be performed from Asvija Bahula Padyami to Dhasami. (October). During that time everyday Navavarna Archana, Suhasini Pooja and Devi Avatharams will be exhibited besides Dhoopa Prakara Seva's and Special Poojas also will be performed.
 *Kartikamasam - Akanda Deeparadhana, Dhoopa Prakarasevas special abhisekam's Lard Siva and special Kumkuma Pooja to Ammavaru everyday besides Jwalathoranam Seva in Karthika Pournima.
 *Mahasivarathri annual Kalyanam will be celebrated as per usage and customs of Mahasivarathri and Radhothavams, Sadaysam and Pushposthavams, will be celebrated for five days and also provide religious programmes.
 

Peddapuram

          Sri Suryanarayana Swami Temple, Pandavula Metta

The Temple is located at a distance of 22 Kms from Kakinada, 45 Kms from Rajahmundry and 85 Kms from Amalapuram. Sakuni who lost his kingdom and who lost his father in the Yuga of Dwapara wanted to take revenge against Kuru race kings. So that he entered the kingdom of Duryodhana as his uncle. Sakuni was a scholar in Numerology. He captivated the heart of Duryodhana with his pleasant words. In fact Sakuni's main aim was to ruin Kourava and Pandava people totally.

One day Duryodhana invited the Pandava brothers to participate in gambling. Sakuni had a spiritual power of his father. The both parties started the gambling, but with the spiritual power of the Sakuni's father Duryodhana got victory. According to the game rule Pandava brothers should leave their Kingdom for 12 years and spend 1 year unknowingly. Totally the period should be 13 years. So Pandava brothers left their kingdom and started to visit several places in India. On their way to Rameswaram they stayed some years in Peddapuram on a hill, which was located in between Bay of Bengal and the river Godavari.The hill was in a Jungle. Only Koya people were there. Because Addateegala, Rajavommangi and Peddapuram were the main places of Koya people.The Pandava brothers arranged a tunnel way to Rajahmundry from this hill through which tunnel they used to have river bath. This hill was named after their name.

"PANDAVULA METTA" till today we can find Pandava names and Draupathi names in Koya people. The entrance of the tunnel is there today. The rest of the tunnel was disturbed in the Yuga changes. After some time they left the hill for Rameswaram. The hill is there today. People constructed temple on the hill and arranged the steps to the hill also.

There was a small village near to this hill in those days. In the Yuga of Kaliyuga 1450 BC. One man named, Peddapatrudu occupied the place and ruled that place. He constructed a fort. People named that place as "PEDDAPURAM". The fort constructed in 38 Acres. Later Vatsavaya kings occupied the village and started their ruling. From 1714 BC. to 1694 BC. was ruled by Sri Raja Vatsavaya Kala Thimma Jagapathi Bagadhoor. His father's name was Vudhanda Raya Jagapathi. In those days the Delhi rulers arranged one representative. His name was Nizam. After running of Delhi rulers, the representative declared self - ruling. He arranged Mr. Anwarudhin as his representative to collect revenue from Godavari District. Mr. Anwarudhin appointed a person named Mr. Rusthum Khan as his assistant.

One day Mr. Rusthum Khan came to Peddapuram, stayed on the Pandavula Metta, and invited the Peddapuram rulers to have a good talk. Mrs Ragavamma sent her three sons with small escorts to meet Mr.Rusthum Khan. Mr. Rusthum Khan welcomed to his room and very next month he killed the three brothers with sword. The news came to Mrs. Ragavamma garu. She sent her only one grand son to Vijayanagaram and closed the fort gates. She asked the every women of the fort to come to the gun powder room and closed the room doors include her. Their faithful servant Mr. Challa Pedda fired the room the total women of the fort were burnt in that fire.

In those days there was Rushi culture and traditions in that jungle area. Sri Chaya, Padmini, Prabha, Prajna Devi, sametha Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Vari temple was planned and constructed by Sri Saluri Venkata Subbarao garu, hailed as Raja Yogi and pancha Pranavananda in the year 1952 and has a history of five decades. The temple and Sanctum sanctorum is on the hill top, popularly known as Pandavula Metta.In those days, it was very isolated surrounded by palm trees and thorny bushes. Sri Salluri Subbarao carried the work single handedly and cleared the area for construction of the temple and planted a number of tree plants. Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Varu, the main deity or Archamurty of the temple faces the East and rising sun from Bay of Bengal which is just 22 Km away. During these five decades, the temple became Panchayatana, Navagraha, Sri Suryana Swamy vari devastanam. Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Siva, Lord Sri Venkateswara, Sri Gayatri Matha and Hill Goddess from the five deities of the panchayatana order besides the Navagrahas. Lord Sri Valli sametha Sri Subramanyeswara Swamy vari temple is in the North-West side of the temple.

Pandava Caves:

There are also two natural caves on the hill facing East . It is widely believed that the Pandavas of Epic Mahabharatha lived here for some time during their 'Aranyavasa'. "Bheemunipadalu' (prints of Bheema's feet, the second brother of Pandavas) can be seen on a hill rock behind the temple. It is also believed that there is tunnel from this place to Rajahmundry.

One has to cover 108 steps to reach the temple on this hill/Metta Recently, a very good motorable road was laid by the Government to reach the police Repeater station and the temple. The height of Pandavula Metta is about 200 Feet. Hence, one can experience excellent sea breeze in all seasons. The sea (Bay of Bengal) is just 22 Km away. The area around the temple is surrounded by mango, plam and other trees and Tapioca plantation giving well laid green carpet beside the serene beauty and sanctity of the deity. As the temple is in the hands of private persons, not run by Endowments Department, the development is slow, and facilities provided to pilgrims are meager.

Festivals:

 *Radha Saptami, which falls on "Magha Sudda Saptami" in the month of February.
 *Subramanya Shashti which falls on "Margasira Shudda Shashti' during November / December".
 *Apart from that a number of devotees visit the temple on every Sunday and offer prayers.
 

Palivela

                        Sri Umakoppeswara Swamy Temple

                                                                      

 The temple is located at a distance of 90 km from Kaninada, 50 Km from Rajahmundry and 25 Km from Amalapuram. In the past this pilgrim center became famous as one among the pilgrim centres of Bhima Mandalam. This pilgrim center is at present in the village called Palivela in the Kothapeta Mandal of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The idol installation of the Lord was done by Maharshi Agastya. The Lord here is being called Sri Uma Koppulingeswara Swamy. This pilgrim center is in the route between Rajahmundry and Amalapuram near kothapeta.
Kalyana Mahotsavam of the Lord on Mahasivarathri:

The kalyana Mahotsavam of the Lord Sri Uma Koppeswara Swamy takes place on the day of Mahasivarathri (Maga Bahula Ekadasi Day) every year in kalyana mandapam which was renovated by "Raja Raja Narendra" in 11th century. People from far and wide come to see the Kalyanotsavam, Radhotsavam (Chariot Festival) takes place on the day of Mahasivarathri. There used to be 7 Mantapams in the premises of the temple. One can see (1) Somavari Mantapam (2)Mangalavara Matapam (3) Vuyyala Mantapam (4) Nityastana Mantapam and (5) Chiluku Dwadasi Mandapam even to-day. Other Mantapams are in ruin.

The Original name of the village was palvalapuram. The rivulet kowntheyi (kowsiki) started at Surya Kundamu near Gowthami. The Lord is called Mandeswara there. The temple of Lord Sri Koppu Lingeswara is also situated on the bank of Kowsiki. The first name of the lord was Agasteswara. Later he was called as Koppulingesara. The rivers around the village Palivela disappeared in course of time. They are (1) Kowsiki on the East (2) Chandrabhanga on the West (3) Mandavu on the North (4) Kowntheyi and (5) Palvala on the South. The river Palvalamlu is flowing underground unseen. So, the village is called Palvalapuram.
                                                          

History of the Lord of the Temple:

In the past when Maharshi Agastya was performing Tapas on the bank of the river Kowsiki near Palvalapuram, the Kalyana Mahotsavam of Parvathi & Parameswara was taking place for the good of the world. Agastya wanted to witness the kalyana Mahotsavam. Before performing Daksha Yagna Daksha Gods like Indra who were on the mountain of Himavat were afraid that if Agastya came to witness the Kalyanotsavam, pralaya would take place.

So they sent viswabrahma to persuade Agastya not to go to Himavat Parvatha.Viswabrahma told Agastya that the Kalyanotsava of Parvathi & Parmeswara was over and he had seen it. Agastya was surprised and wanted to see the Kalyanotsava with his divyadrishti. Then Parvathi & Lord Parameswara appeared in the divyadrishti of Agastya in the traditional marriage (turmeric-coated) clothes.Agastya prayed the Lord to appear before him. The Lord appeared before Agastya along with Parvathi. Agastya wanted Parvathi & Parmeswara to remain on one peetam in the pilgrim center of Palvalapuram.

The Lord fulfilled the wish of Agastya. No where can the Lord Parameswara be seen on Ekapeetam with Parvathi as here. Later this pilgrim center became famous as Lolla Agasteswara Swamy pilgrim center. The Lord began to be called as Koppulingeswara because he wore hair around his head. In the library of Sri Vidyananda at Pithapuram it was found that there was a lesson on the Talapatras. During the time of Srinadha at Palvalapuram the lord was called Agastewara. Srinadha wrote Sloka also.During the time of Sri Pratapa Rudra (Salivahana Saka) repairs were made to the temple as declared by the Sasanas. In the past the Turks attacked many Hindu temples. They cut off the head of the beautiful Nandi. The head was later deftly installed in its place.

The History how Agasteswara became Koppulingeswara:

In the past a Velanati priest was performing daily pujas to Lord Agasteswara installed by Maharshi Agasya with great devotion. The priest had a concubine. The people angered at this, complained to the king. At first the king ignored the complaint. As the complaints grew, the king one day came to inspect the temple at Palvalapuram. The priest was not in the temple at that time. On coming to know of the king's arrival, the priest hurried to the temple, to greet the king. As there were no garlands (Nirmalya) in the temple, the priest secretly brought the garland in the hair of his concubine and offered it to the king.

The King took the garland and found a long black hair in it. The King immediately questioned the priest about the hair.The priest replied that the hair in the Nirmalya was that of Lord Agasteswara who wore hair around his head. The surprised King asked the priest to show him the hair around the Shivalinga. The priest then said as it was afternoon and the puja was over, the Lord was decorated with Nagabharana which couldn't be taken away till the next early morning and added that he would show the king the "Jhata Jhuta" of the Lord next day.
The King agreed to this and said that if the priest failed to show him the hair of the Linga, he would order the priest's head to be taken away. The King stayed there at Palvalapuram. The priest terrified at this, began to pray the Lord all the night. The priest wept before the Lord and confessed his sin. He begged the Lord to protect him by wearing hair around his head. He beat his head on the Linga of the Lord and fainted. Lord Shiva to fulfill the wish of the priest then wore hair around his head at the time of Lingodbhava. The fainted priest regained consciousness and saw the Lord with the hair. He was overjoyed. The next day he showed to the King the Linga of Lord Shiva with hair around.
But the people assembled there, didn't believe the words of the priest. They said something was fishy. Then the King ordered the priest to pluck a hair of the Lord and show him. The priest did so. The King could see blood on the plucked hair. Immediately the King lost his eyesight. He realised his mistake and prayed Lord to pardon him. The benevolent Lord immediately took pity on the King and restored his eyesight. The Nerjoyed King praised the Lord and immediately offered a village called Juthugapadu under his rule to the Lord as his manya. (At present Juthugapadu is in Ravulapalem Mandal, 1 Km from Podagatlapalli village). Even to-day one can see the magnificent Linga of the lord with hair around it in the sacred temple of Sri Uma Koppulingeswara at Palivela village, Kothapeta Mandal, East Godavari District of Andhra pradesh.
The state Archeological Department registered Five monuments (Rajagopuram, Swamivarimandapam, and some statues on pillars etc) the same was exhibited in front of entrance gate of the temple.

Festivals:

 *Ganapathi Navarathrulu
 *Devi Navarathrulu
 *Karteeka Masam
 *Subrahmanyeswara Swamy kalyanam and Sasti
 *Dhanurmasam
 *Kalyana mahothsavam Lord Sri Uma Koppeswara Swamy Kalyanam.