Andhra PradeshTimings 2026Free Entry

Somarama, West Godavari: History, Timings & Visitor Guide

Somarama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Location West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Entry Fee Free
Best Time October to February
Railway Station ~1 km
Nearest Airport ~70 km
Somarama, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

About Somarama

Somarama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is located in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

Somarama: Key Facts

  • TempleSomarama
  • LocationWest Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
  • StateAndhra Pradesh
  • Entry FeeFree (general darshan)
  • Best Time to VisitOctober to February
  • Nearest Railway StationBhimavaram Junction railway station, ~1 km
  • Nearest AirportRajahmundry (RJA), ~70 km
  • GPS16.54127, 81.53509

Somarama Timings 2026

Somarama is open every day, usually from early morning to late evening with a break in the afternoon. Darshan and aarti timings change with the season and on festival days.

  • MorningOpens early morning (around 5 to 6 AM)
  • AfternoonShort break around midday at many temples
  • EveningEvening aarti around sunset, closes by about 8 to 9 PM

Ask the temple office on arrival for the day's aarti schedule.

Dress Code & Temple Rules

  • DressModest, traditional clothes covering shoulders and knees
  • FootwearRemove before entering; use the shoe stand
  • PhotographyNot allowed inside the sanctum
  • Not AllowedLeather items, tobacco, alcohol, non-veg food
  • QueueFollow queue lines and staff instructions on festival days

How to Reach Somarama

  • LocationWest Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
  • By AirRajahmundry (RJA), about 70 km
  • By AirVijayawada (VGA), about 79 km
  • By TrainBhimavaram Junction railway station, about 1 km
  • Major StationBhimadolu railway station, about 42 km
  • By RoadTaxis, autos and state buses from the railway station and nearby cities

Distance from Nearby Cities

FromRoad Distance (approx.)Travel Time (approx.)
Rajahmundry91 km2 hr
Vijayawada102 km2 hr
Visakhapatnam289 km6 hr
Hyderabad441 km10 hr
Tirupati504 km11 hr

Best Time to Visit

October to February. The weather is cooler and drier. April–May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to the coast. Weekday mornings are the least crowded; expect long queues on weekends, holidays and festivals.

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History of Somarama

At the front of the temple is a lotus covered pond called Chandrakundam. There is a large gopuram at the temple entrance. In the left side of temple, there is a big hall in which temples of the deities Rama and Hanuman are present.

On the right side of temple, there is an open hall above the temple office. When a crowd is present, pujaris/pandits conduct puja here for individuals. The temple has many sculptures. In the hall of temple, there is a big statue of Nandi. After crossing hall, there is a room in front of sanctum. In that room there is a temple of the goddess Annapurna.

In the sanctum, Shiva as Someswara Swamy is in the form of a linga. The linga is small in comparison to other Pancharamas. The linga is said to change its colour according to Lunar aspect. At the time of Pournami (full moon nights), the linga is white. During Amavasya (no moon nights), its colour is black.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Somarama located?
Somarama is in West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India. GPS location: 16.5413, 81.5351.
What are the timings of Somarama?
Somarama is open daily from early morning to evening, usually with an afternoon break. Timings change on festivals, so confirm with the temple office before you go.
Is there an entry fee at Somarama?
General darshan is free. Special pujas, sevas or quick darshan may have a separate fee set by the temple.
What is the best time to visit Somarama?
October to February. The weather is cooler and drier. April–May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain to the coast.
Which is the nearest railway station to Somarama?
Bhimavaram Junction railway station is the nearest railway station, about 1 km away. The nearest major station is Bhimadolu railway station, about 42 km away.
How far is Somarama from Rajahmundry?
Somarama is about 91 km by road from Rajahmundry (approx.).
Which is the nearest airport to Somarama?
Rajahmundry (RJA) is the nearest major airport, about 70 km away in a straight line. Vijayawada (VGA) is the next option.
What is the dress code at Somarama?
Wear modest, traditional clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Remove footwear before entering. Shorts and sleeveless tops are best avoided.
Is photography allowed inside Somarama?
Photography is usually not allowed inside the sanctum. Outer areas may allow photos; follow the signs and staff instructions.
Which other temples are near Somarama?
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Srikalahasti Temple, Arasavalli Sun Temple are close by and can be covered on the same trip.

Temples Near Somarama

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh · Venkateswara

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

The Venkateswara Swami Temple—also known as Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple and Tirupati Balaji Temple—is a Hindu temple located in the hills of…

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Mallikarjuna Temple
Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh · Parvati

Mallikarjuna Temple

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple or Srisailam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deities Shiva and Parvati, located at Srisailam, Nandyal district…

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Srikalahasti Temple
Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

Srikalahasti Temple

The Srikalahasti Temple is located in the town of Srikalahasti in Tirupati district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Siva in his aspect as…

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Arasavalli Sun Temple
Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Arasavalli Sun Temple

Arasavalli Sri Surya Narayana Swamy Devalayam is a temple for Lord Surya, the solar deity, at Arasavalli in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It…

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Yaganti Temple
Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh

Yaganti Temple

Yaganti Temple or Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara Temple is a temple of Shiva in Nandyal district in the India state of Andhra Pradesh. It was built…

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Veerabhadra Temple
Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh · Virabhadra

Veerabhadra Temple

Veerabhadra temple is a Hindu temple located in the Lepakshi, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Virabhadra, a fierce…

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