History Of Pallikondeswarar Swamy Temple - Surutapalli

According to Sthalapurana (history of the place), it is said that Asuras (demons) and Devas (Gods) decided to consume the nectar from Kseerabthi (the milk ocean) in order to live longer. Hence, they churned the ocean with the help of Vasuki (the celestial snake) and the hill Mandhara, with Gods on one side and demons on the other. Unable to tolerate the pressure, Vasuki spilled out the poison from his mouth. The Gods and demons then approached Lord Shiva to save them from the harm of poison. Lord Shiva transformed himself into Vishabhakarana Moorthy and consumed poison.

The situation was such that if Lord swallows the poison, the living creatures on the earth would die and if he does not, the Gods and Demons would be killed. He then started feeling little giddy. Fearing this, his consort, Goddess Parvati, placed Lord's head in Her lap and gently pressed His neck so that the poison remained in His throat without affecting His body. Hence Lord Shiva got the name as 'Neelakantha' ('Neela'- blue with poison and 'Kantha'- throat) because of the accumulation of the poison in his throat and Goddess Parvati was called as 'Amudhambigai'.

On their way to Kailasa (Lord Shiva's aboard), Lord Siva who was feeling little dizzy, rested on the lap of His wife for a while in the place where the village stands today. Hence the village got its name as Suruttapalli, Surutta meaning 'Little dizzy' and Palli meaning 'Resting'. 

Another prominence of Suruttapalli is that most of the deities are present with their consorts in their respective temples. Pradosha Pooja is said to have originated from this temple. A legend has it that, the Devas and Asuras resumed their effort to get the nectar from the ocean on Lord Shiva's orders, and got it on Dhwadashi (12^th moon day). In that happiness, they forgot to thank Lord Siva who consumed the poison for everyone's well being.

Realising their mistake, they started praying Him on Trayodasi (13^th moon day) for which the Lord forgave them and in a happy mood, began His celestial dance (Shiva Tandavam) between the horns of Nandi (the mount of Lord Shiva) where all the Gods, Goddess and sages joined Him.  

This moment is celebrated as Pradosham every fortnight. It is believed that during Pradosha Punya Kalam, anyone who offers prayers will attain shanti (peace), sakala sowbhagyam (well being), and will be comforted from the obstacles of life. Even Lava and Kusha, who unknowingly fought with their father Lord Rama, over Aswamedhayana horse, came to this temple along with Sage Valmiki, to worship Lord Siva and to get rid off their sin.

Pallikondeswarar Swamy Temple - Surutapalli

Palli Kondeshwara Swami temple is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The uniqueness of the temple is that Lord Shiva is in human form (unlike his usual Linga form) and is in reclining position. His consort, Goddess Parvati is in the sitting position with the Lord s head on her lap along with Kamadhenu (the celestial cow) and Kalpaha Vruksham (believed to be a Holy tree known for granting boons to devotees) on either sides. 

As you enter the temple through the entrance, you ll find the temple of Valmikeshwara (Sage Valmiki) and Goddess Marahathambihai (Goddess Parvati), on the left side and the main temple on the right side of the entrance. It is said that one has to visit these two temples first before visiting the main temple. 

The temple of Goddess Marahathambihai has to be visited first, even before the shrine of Valmikeshwara or the main temple. The garbha griha is guarded by Lord Kubera (God of wealth) with His consort Sanganidhi on left side and with His consort Padumanidhi on the right side. The goddess inside is sitting with Kamadhenu on one side and Karapaha Viruksham on the other. There are some other images of Gods like Varasidhi Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha), Sri Venugopala Swami (Lord Krishna), Kasi Vishwanathan with Visalakshi and others present in the inner praharam (inner wall of the temple). 

Next to the shrine of the Goddess, there are two other shrines of Ramalingeshwara and Valmikeshwara facing each other. It is said that sage Valmiki performed penance before he started writing Ramayana. The Lingam is in triangular shape and there is a large Nandi outside the temple. Next to this temple is a stone with many footprints on it.

It is said that, in 1976, Kanchi Mahaperiyavar (a sage), camped here for 40 days and asked some people to dig a particular place. On digging, they found a stone with innumerable footprints on it. Mahaperiyavar disclosed that the footprints belong to Lava and Khusha - the twin sons of Lord Rama. There is another idol of Lord Dakshinamoorthy (Lord Shiva) who is present as Thambadya Dakshinamoorthy along with his consort, Taara, in the outer walls of Valmikeshwara shrine. The lord is in a sitting posture with left leg slightly lifted and His left hand on His left knees in a stylish way. It is said that one who worships him on Thursday, are immensely blessed and will have a peaceful life. 

The presiding deity is Palli Kondeshwara (Lord Shiva) with His consort and many other Gods. The Lord is in reclining position (about 6 feet long) with his head on the lap of Goddess Parvathi who resides as Sarva Mangalaambihai. The uniqueness of the temple lies in Lord Shiva seen in the human form unlike His usual Linga form.

The Sun God and Moon God are present on the either side of Goddess Parvati. Many others including Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Laxmi, Sage Maarkandeya, Sage Agasthya, Valmiki, Indra, Sage Naradha, Lord Subramaniyam with His consort and Lord Ganapati are also present in the temple. It appears as if the whole Kailasham (Lord Shiva s aboard) assembled here to know the well-being of Lord Shiva after He consumed poison to save the universe. 

Unlike the common practice of giving Vibhooti (holy ash) as Prasadam, as in the temples of Lord Shiva, holy water is given here.

Source: http://www.hoparoundindia.com/andhra-pradesh/surutapalli-attractions/palli-kondeshwara-swami-temple.aspx

Temple Timings and Phone Number - Pallikondeswarar Swamy Temple Surutapalli

Local Information And Timings Details:

Pradosham is an important event in this temple and is conducted on Shukla Paksha (15 moon days from New moon to Full moon) and Krishna Paksha (15 moon days from Full moon to New moon), the evening of Trayodasi between 4:30PM to 6:30PM. Pradosham is considered as one of the important rituals performed to Lord Shiva.

Darshan Time:

Morning : 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Evening : 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

The ideal time to worship Lord Shiva is between 06:00 AM to 08:30 PM.30,000 devotees wait for pallikkondeswarar darshan on Maha Sivaratri. More than 15,000 devotees visit this temple especially for Sani Pooja .

Temple Contact Details:

08576-278599