Bhimavaram

Bhimavaram is one of the major towns in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, is considered as one of the "Pancharama Kshetram". Bhimavaram is also called as "Gunupudi Bhimavaram" (Gunupudi was a separate place and was ranked as Panchayat in 1926. Later, it merged with Bhimavarm in 1948 and today it is the major place in the heart/centre of Bhimavaram). Bhimavaram is a temple town of Lord Someswara, which is one of the five famous holy Pancharamas (five holy shrines of Lord Shiva). It is a pilgrim town, Where the king of Eastern Chalukya kings king Chalukya Bheema in the year 890-918 A.D he himself laid foundation and constructed a Siva temple. It is present Gunupudi. In the name of king Chalukya Bheema a town (puram) Bhimapuram developed.Bhimapuram gradually changed into present Bhimavaram town. Bhimavaram is the gift of king Chalukya Bheema. It is now developed into a prominent town. According to holy scriptures 'Bheema' means Lord Eeswara (lord Siva).

Bhimavaram is famous for a very old temple of Someswara, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and another temple dedicated to Goddess Maullamma or Varala Talli (said to be the rain Goddess as called by the locals). Lord Shiva is called as Sri Someshwara Janardhana Swami in this temple. Historically, Bhimavaram holds a prominent position as Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, visited this place during the freedom movement in India. It was during this time that Mahatma Gandhi gave a name to B