About Kotappakonda Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple

Overview

The Kotappakonda Sri Tikoteswara Swami Temple is located in the Palnadu district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is situated on a hilltop, making it spectacular for the devotees who visit this place. The main temple is located in the Brahma Shikharam and bestows divinity and purity to its pilgrims. It is popularly known as Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple and is famous for its grand festivals like Tirunallu.

God

Kotappakonda Temple's main deity is Lord Shiva, and he is popularly known as Sri Trikoteswara Swami by the locals.

Kotappakonda Temple History

Kotappakonda Temple history includes centuries of tradition and faith in the deity, with many notable kings and nobles contributing to its stature. Sources state that the temple, in its present form, was built by Sri Rajamal Raju Narasimha Rayulu, who was the landlord of Narasaraopet, in 1761 AD. However, inscriptions found at the site say that the temple existed before 1172 AD. The famous Vijayanagara Dynasty also left its mark on this temple. King Krishnadevaraya is said to have donated land to the temple.

Architecture

The architecture of the Kotappakonda Temple, a conflux of Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles, is rich in heritage and culture. The intricate carvings on the temple signify mythical tales from ancient times, showcasing their strong storytelling skills to their audience. The architecture speaks of several architectures from rulers who ruled over time. The explicit architecture elaborates on the devotion and love for the deities from the hands of the artists involved. The interiors serve as the perfect depiction of the grandeur of the deity and its powerful presence.

The temple is located between three hills, known as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara Hills. The main temple is on the Brahma Shikharam and eight ponds are opposite the Kotappakonda Sri Tikoteswara Swami Temple. Paata Kotayya Temple is on the Maheswara Shikharam, where the old Trikoteswara Swami Temple was previously located. Papanaseshwara Temple is on the Vishnu Shikharam. There are a thousand steps to climb from the Kotappakonda Temple before one reaches the main temple.

Significance

The Kotappakonda Temple is essential for devotees who rever any of the Lords of the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The temple holds great significance amongst the devotees as its source of immense power and energy. The Trinity is said to fulfil all the wishes of the devotees who come to this temple with true hearts. This temple also personifies broad knowledge and guidance; thus, several spiritually advanced people visit this temple to seek advice and lead to the path of pure consciousness.

The temple acts as a fulcrum for the region's growth. Thousands of people are employed, from temple priests to artisans and vendors, in some measure contributing to the local economy. The footfall of pilgrims stimulates the hospitality and tourism industries, bringing prosperity to the region.

Key Insights into Kotappakonda Temple

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit this temple is September to March, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. However, it is recommended that you avoid it during the monsoon season.

Rituals and Festivals

The Kotappakonda Lord Shiva Temple, Kammavaripalem, Andhra Pradesh, celebrates all the festivals with extreme joy and sanctity to praise the Lords. Festivals like Shivaratri, Navaratri and Kartik Masam are celebrated in the hues of devotion, happiness and joy. The devotees come in large numbers to view the spectacle of reverence to the Lord. The temple lights up with the lamps of belief and prayers of the devotees, which makes the environment pure. One must visit the shrine to find solace in all walks of life and ensure a fulfilling life.

How to Visit

Dress Code to be Followed at Kotappakonda Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple

Traditional attire is a must while visiting the temple, with men wearing dhoti and women wearing sarees or salwar kameez. Footwear is strictly restricted within the temple premises, and pilgrims are instructed to maintain decorum and respect the temple's sanctity.

Do's & Don'ts

• Do take a bath and wear clean clothes before darshan.
• Do take ancient rituals and customs in regard.
• Do follow the dress code laid by the temple authorities.
• Don't smoke or drink inside the temple or before the darshan.
• Don't chew tobacco or spit inside the temple.
• Don't carry your phone inside the temple.

Darshan/Pooja/Seva

Kotappakonda Temple Timings

Kotappakonda temple darshan timings are from 5:30 AM in the morning till 1:00 PM in the afternoon. The temple closes its gates for two hours in the afternoon. The evening darshan starts, then after 3:00 PM till 9:00 PM at night.

Kotappakonda Temple Abhishekam Timings

kotappakonda Temple Sevas/Poojas

Note - These timings and prices may vary depending on the temple's schedules and changes in the pooja process. Therefore, confirming the timings and prices with the temple authorities is advisable before visiting.

Interesting Facts

• In the month of February, this temple hosts its biggest festival, Mahashivratri, and more than 10 lakh devotees visit to seek blessings.
• The temple also houses a prominent scene from the Vishnu Purana where Lord Krishna is seen dancing on the head of the Kaleeya, the giant serpent.

Mythological Legends of Kotappakonda Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple

There are many legends associated with this place, with locals contributing to it as well. After the Daksha Yagna was disrupted by Ma Sati by her sacrifice into the holy fires of the Yagna. In rage and disappointment at losing Sati, Lord Shiva took the form of a young boy and sat in Mount Kailash to do severe penance. He was called Dakshinamoorthy as he faced towards the south.

The form of Dakshinamoorthy was so powerful that the two out of the trinity, Lord Brahma and Vishnu, sought enlightenment from him in the Kotappakonda temple. The Dakshinamoorthy Shiva gave the knowledge leading to enlightenment to the Brahmins, which made them immune to seeking their path to Moksha if they came to Trikutachala.

Nearest Attractions

Temples

Adventure

Sightseeing

FAQs

1. How to reach Kotappakonda temple?

You can reach Kotappakonda Temple by road, train or flights. Although, the nearest airport to the temple is more than 100 KM far.

2. What is kotappakonda Trikutaparvattam?

The temple is located between three hills, known as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara Hills, which is together termed as Trikutaparvattam.

3. What facilities are available for tourists at Kotappakonda?

There are multiple facilities available for tourists at Kotappakonda like parking, hotels, eateries and many shops selling religious arts and souvenirs. Necessary arrangements for religious ceremonies can also be made through nearby priests.

4. Is there an entry fee for Kotappakonda?

There is no entry fee for Kotappakonda Temple; only special darshans, poojas, and temple services are chargeable.

5. Are there any trekking options available at Kotappakonda?

Yes, since the main temple is located on top of a hill, tourists can trek in order to receive darshans.

6. What are the accommodations like near Kotappakonda?

There are many accommodations available near Kotappakonda, as per the requirements of the pilgrim.

7. Is any photography and videography allowed inside the Kotappakonda temple?

Tourists can take pictures of the scenic views outside the temple, but photography in any form is not allowed inside the Kotappakonda temple premises.

8. Is parking available near Kotappakonda temple?

Yes, parking is available near Kotappakonda temple.