Ksheerarama Temple, one of the five Pancharama Kshetras devoted to Lord Shiva, is situated in Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh. Devotees of the Shaiva tradition place a great deal of religious significance on this temple. Worshipped here as a milky white lingam that is thought to have been put there by Lord Vishnu himself, the presiding deity is Lord Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy.
Legend has it that the demon Tarakasura was unbeatable because he had a strong Shiva lingam. Following his defeat by Lord Kumaraswamy (Murugan), the lingam was divided into five parts, each of which was dedicated at five different locations, which are now known as the Pancharama Kshetras. One of them is Ksheerarama, where Lord Vishnu installed the lingam.
TD ₹300 Special Entry Darshan Tickets Online Booking 2025 – Full Guide
About Ksheerarama Temple
Ksheerarama Temple is a very famous and old Hindu temple in Palakollu, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the Pancharama Kshetras – five important temples of Lord Shiva. The name Ksheerarama comes from the word Ksheera, which means milk, because the temple’s Shiva Lingam looks white like milk. People believe that praying here brings peace, good health, and moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and death).
Ksheerarama Temple was built by Chalukya kings around the 9th century. It is over 1000 years old. The temple shows beautiful South Indian temple architecture. The tall gopuram (tower) of the temple is about 120 feet high with 9 floors. According to legend, Lord Vishnu himself worshipped Lord Shiva here. Also, the milk-white Shiva Lingam is said to be installed by Lord Indra, the king of the gods.
Importance of Ksheerarama Temple:
- One of the Five Pancharama Temples – the other four are in Draksharamam, Amaravati, Kumararamam, and Somaramam.
- Shiva Lingam looks milky white, which is very rare.
- People believe that visiting all five Pancharama temples removes all sins.
- It is a powerful place to worship during Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam.
Darshan Timings
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
Note: Timings may change during festivals and special days.
Daily Poojas and Sevas
| Pooja Name | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Suprabhata Seva | 6:00 AM | Waking up the Lord |
| Rudrabhishekam | 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM | Abhishekam with milk and holy water |
| Archana | After Abhishekam | Chanting names of Lord Shiva |
| Maha Nivedana | 12:00 PM | Offering food to the deity |
| Sayana Aarti | 8:15 PM | Night prayers before closing |
Ksheerarama Temple Ticket Prices
| Service / Entry Type | Ticket Price (INR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | Open to all devotees during temple hours |
| Gopuram Entry (Gopuram Pravesam) | ₹5 | Access to climb the temple tower (Gopuram) |
| Astottara Namarchana | ₹10 | 108 names archana to Lord Shiva |
| Kumkuma Pooja | ₹20 | Special pooja with turmeric and kumkum |
Festivals Celebrated
Ksheerarama Temple celebrates many Hindu festivals with great devotion:
- Maha Shivaratri – Grand celebration with night-long prayers and special poojas.
- Karthika Masam – Lighting of lamps and daily rituals in the month of Karthika.
- Sravana Masam – Auspicious month for Shiva devotees.
- Pradosham – Happens twice a month; special time to worship Shiva.
How to Reach Ksheerarama Temple
- By Road: Palakollu is well connected by buses from Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Eluru.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Palakollu Railway Station, just 2 km from the temple.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, around 90 km away.
You can take auto-rickshaws or taxis from the railway station or bus stand to reach the temple.
Temple Address and Contact Details
Address:
Ksheerarama Temple,
Palakollu,
West Godavari District,
Andhra Pradesh – 534260, India
Temple Office Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tips for Visitors
- Wear traditional and respectful clothes.
- Remove footwear before entering the temple.
- Photography inside the main sanctum is usually not allowed.
- Visit early in the morning for peaceful darshan.
FAQs about Ksheerarama Temple
Q1. What is the best time to visit Ksheerarama Temple?
Ans: The best time is during Maha Shivaratri or in Karthika Masam (October–November).
Q2. How much time does it take for darshan?
Ans: Usually 30 to 45 minutes during normal days. On festival days, it may take 2–3 hours.
Q3. Is there any accommodation nearby?
Ans: Yes, there are many lodges and hotels in Palakollu for pilgrims and tourists.
Q4. Can I perform abhishekam at Ksheerarama Temple?
Ans: Yes, devotees can perform Rudrabhishekam by booking at the temple office.