The Kotappakonda Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple is located in the Palnadu area of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is on top of a hill, which makes it look beautiful to the people who come to worship there. People who visit the main temple in the Brahma Shikharam are blessed with holiness and cleanliness. Many people call it Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple, and it’s famous for big events like Tirunallu.
This temple is on a holy hill with three peaks. The Puranas say these three hills are Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Because of this, it’s also known as Trikutadri. There are four temples in the complex. One is at the base of the hill, another is higher up, and the main temple is 1500 feet above the rest. In the Puranas, it is said that this is where Lord Shiva himself chose to meditate.
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History Of Kotappakonda Temple
The history of Kotappakonda Temple includes hundreds of years of custom and trust in the god, with many famous kings and lords adding to its importance. According to different sources, Sri Rajamal Raju Narasimha Rayulu, who owned Narasaraopet, built the temple the way it is now in 1761 AD. Writings at the spot, though, say the temple was there before 1172 AD. The well-known Vijayanagara Dynasty also made this temple their own. It is said that King Krishnadevaraya gave the temple land.
Architecture
The Kotappakonda Temple’s building, a mix of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles, is full of history and culture. The detailed carvings on the temple represent magical stories from long ago, showing that the people who built it were very good at telling stories. The building shows that different masters have used various styles. The artists who worked on the building showed their love and dedication to the gods through their work. The rooms do a great job of showing how big and powerful the god is.
There are three hills around the temple. They are called Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara Hills. There are eight ponds across from the Kotappakonda Sri Tikoteswara Swamy Temple, and the main temple is on the Brahma Shikharam. The old Trikoteswara Swamy Temple was on the Maheswara Shikharam, where the Paata Kotayya Temple is now. You can find the Papanas Eshwara Temple on the Vishnu Shikharam. People start at the Kotappakonda Temple and climb a thousand steps to reach the main temple.
Significance
People who worship any of the three Lords of the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, must visit the Kotappakonda Temple. The building is significant to followers because it is where much power and energy come from. Those who come to this place with good intentions will get everything they want from the Trinity.
Many mentally advanced people come to this place to get help and be led by pure awareness because it represents much knowledge and direction. The temple is the center of growth in the area. Thousands of people, ranging from temple leaders to sellers and artists, have jobs, all of whom help the local economy somehow. The many people who come to the area boost the catering and travel businesses, which makes the area prosperous.
Kotappakonda Temple Timings:
- Morning: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM
- Evening: 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Kotappakonda Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple Daily Sevas And Timings:
- Abhishekam: 06:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Archana, Darshanam: 06:30 AM to 1 PM
- Eka Rudrabhishekam: 05:30 AM to 06:30 AM
- Ashtothara pooja, Darshan, Archana: 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Archana on Gotras Panchaharati: 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM
- Darshan, Panchaharati, Pradoshakolarchan, Gotranamamulu: 7 PM to 7:30 PM
Kotappakonda Temple Pooja Ticket Cost:
- Rs. 50 for Astotharam
- Rs. 100 for Annaprasana
- 50 for Panchaharati and Rs. 100 for Abhishekam.
- Rs. 100 for Aksharabyasam
- Rs. 400 for Moolavirat Abhishekam
- Rs. 150 for Mandapa Abhishekam
- 10 for Kesakhandana and Rs. 500 for Mahasivarathri Proksha Abhishekam.
Main Festivals Celebrated At Kotappakonda Temple:
The critical holiday that is observed at the temple is Mahasivarathri. As part of the Shivaratri holiday, people built Prabhas that were more than 100 feet tall and pulled them around on lit-up horse carts. During this event, lakhs of people go to the Sri Trikoteswara Swamy temple to see Lord Shiva.
Saswatha Pooja Details:
- Saswatha Abhishekam for ten years: Rs. 2116
- Saswatha Astottaram for ten years: Rs. 1116
- Nitya Gotranam for one year: Rs. 1116
- Kartheekamasa Paroksha Abhishekam: Rs. 500
How To Reach Kotappakonda Temple:
- By Bus: Getting to the temple by bus is easy from big towns like Guntur and Vijayawada. At the base of the hill is the Kotappakonda Temple Bus Stop.
- By Train: Guntur, about 60 km away, is the closest important train stop. You can take a taxi or a local bus to get to the temple’s base from there.
- By Air: The closest airport is Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, about 80 km away. Many taxis and rented cars can take you to the beginning of the temple.
Visitor Information In Kotappakonda Temple
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit this temple is from September to March because the weather is nice and good for sightseeing. However, you should avoid it during the rainy season.
Rituals And Festivals
The holidays are celebrated with great joy and reverence at the Kotappakonda Lord Shiva Temple in Kammavaripalem, Andhra Pradesh, to honor the Lords. Loyalty, happiness, and joy are shown during festivals like Shivaratri, Navaratri, and Kartik Masam. Devotees come in big groups to show respect for the Lord. The lamps of belief and wishes of the followers light up the temple, making the air clean. People from all walks of life must visit the shrine to find comfort and ensure a whole life.
Dress Code
Visitors to the temple must wear traditional clothes. Women should wear skirts or salwar kameez, and men should wear dhotis. Pilgrims are told to be polite and respect the temple’s holiness, and they are not allowed to wear shoes inside the temple grounds.
Do's & Don'ts
- Take a bath and wear clothes before Darshan.
- Do pay attention to old practices and traditions.
- Do follow the temple’s rules about what to wear.
- Do not drink or smoke in the temple or before the viewing.
- Don’t chew tobacco or spit inside the temple.
- Do not bring your phone into the temple.
Interesting Facts
- Mahashivratri is the most significant event at this temple. It takes place in February, and more than 10 lakh people come to pray.
- The temple houses a famous scene from the Vishnu Purana. It shows Lord Krishna dancing on the head of Kaleeya, a giant snake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Is Unique About Kotappakonda?
Kotappakonda is special because its temple is on a hill with three peaks that represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It also has a long history and big celebrations, especially during Mahashivratri.
Which God Is The Temple Of Kotappakonda Dedicated To?
There is a temple to Lord Shiva called Sri Trikoteswara Swamy in this place.
How Many Steps Are There In Kotappakonda?
You have to climb 1,000 steps from the bottom to the main temple at the top.
What Is The Kotappakonda Temple Fair?
The Kotappakonda Temple Fair, also known as Tirunallu, is a big festival that occurs during Mahashivratri and attracts many people to the temple.