Ksheerarama - Paalakollu
Ksheeraramam, also known as Paalakollu is located near Narasapuram in the
West Godavari belt of Andhra Pradesh. It is considered to be one of the five
pancharama Shiva shrines of Andhra Pradesh. the five pancharama temples are
Draksharama, Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Amararama.
Legend has it that Upamanyu, the son of Kaushika muni requested Shiva that
he be granted the desired quantity of milk for the performance of his daily
rituals and that Shiva caused the Ksheera Pushkarini tank to overflow with
milk from the mythical Ksheera Saagaram (the milky ocean). Hence the names
Paalakollu, Dugdapovanam and Ksheeraramam.
Legend has it that Shiva was worshipped by Rama at this shrine as in
Rameswaram.
The white marble Shivalingam worshipped in the sanctum is referred to as
Ramalingeswara Swami as well as Ksheeraraameswaraswamy. Built during the
10th-llth centuries A.D. by the Chalukyas, it represents the south Indian
style and has a 9-storey gopuram that soars 125 feet, one of the tallest in
Andhra Pradesh. Colourful images and sculptures of various deities are
engraved on the walls and can also be seen inside the temple complex.
20 Kms from Palakollu is the Natta Rameshwaram temple, where the Lingam is
made of shells & conches is worth a visit.
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