Someswara Swamy Temple

Appikonda is a seaside village, it is situated 34km away from the town of Visakhapatnam, has an ancient Siva temple known as Someswara, adjacent to this temple, in the south, three more temples buried in the sand dunes were brought into relief. Consequently three temples to the South of the Someswara temple and the prakara wall with attached sub shrines were exposed. All are dedicated to Siva, and these are called as Siva temples 1, 2 and 3. The sub shrines in the north prakara wall on north-east corner and the other in the south was in the south-west corner are empty. The main entrance to the temple complex is in the west wall, on the south western corner. There os another entrance porch in the east wall, in the south-east corner. A big Nandi figure in a Mandapa is located in front of the Someswara temple. All these temples are built with khondalite stone
It is biggest and living monument on the northern side in the ancient prakara wall (35.55 x 35.55 m). The bright of the prakara wall is 2.20m with a thickness of 1 m. at the top. Major part of the prakara wall is collapsed. The Somesvara temple is a sama chaturasya avitla vimana with a square sikhara. The sculptural representation on the temple is very scanty. The temple faces west.
The temple has a square Garbhagriha (5.5 x 5.5 m) followed by a narrow vestibule (antarala), (1.30 X 3.60m) and a large square mukhamandapa (6.60 x 6.60m) on the same axis.
The Garbhagriha contains a polished granite linga in the centre, with a pranala set in to the north wall. A narrow antarala opens into the Mukhamandapa and a huge dvarapala flank the entrance. The Mukhamandapa has originally four pillars in the centre and two pilasters. But later, three more pillars are added at intervals. The Mukhamandapa is covered with a flat roof. The outer entrance of the Mukhamandapa in the west is enclosed by an Ardhamandapa (entrance porch) formed by four pillars with a flat roof. The door-jambs have neither sculptural decoration nor dvarapalakas but the lintel has Ganesa at lalatabimba.
In front of the Ardhamandapa facing east is a square Nandi-Mandapa with flat roof (4.50 x 4.50 m).
The Adhistana of the ground story has the following mouldings from bottom to top. They are upana, jagati, padma, kumuda, padma, kantha, padma kapota and pattika. At present only the central niche on the north wall contains a Vishnu image and the remaining two central on the east wall and south wall possess mutilated images.
The central pillars in the Mukhamandapa of the Someswara temple have two inscriptions. An incomplete inscriptions dated in the Saha era 1053 and Chalukya Vikrama era 55 (sadharana samvastara) in the month of Phalguna bahula ekadasi, Budhavaram belongs to the reign of Somesvara III, the Kalyani Chalukya king.
The second inscription is dated to the 14th Century A.D and was issued by Upendra Chakravarti, son of Koppadeva Chakravarti of Elamanchili Chalukya family. He ruled Visakhapatnam region in between 1356-72 A.D. He gifted to the God Somesvara for the benefit of his father Koppadeva Chakravarti.

A very acient temple may around 12th century AD , the most fascinating is Nandi which is carved of Blackstone . The temple was built by Cholas as per writing in temple and was under Commander in Chief of Cholas

It's one of the oldest and famous temple believed to be built in 11th century AD, inscriptions found on temple date back to 14th century king Upendra chakravarthi son of Koppaladeva chakravarthi of Elamanchalli Chalukya Family. Lot of people come to visit this temple in Karthika Masam, and it's a picnic spot too. It's 35 KM from city abbuting the wall of steel plant. There's a nice beach too. Many films were made here. It's a protected monument. It's generally empty on other days, but in Karthika Masam it becomes lively with lots of visitors. Also on Shivratri there's a big mela out there people throng in good numbers to take a dip in sea and visit this temple. Lot of picnics too take place here. Of late it has been renovated too.

One of the Religious holy place of Lord Shiva temple ( Someswara Swamy temple) from 12th century A.D

Sri Someswara Swamy Temple is a temple to Shiva located in Appikonda, Visakhapatnam

One of the old temple of Lord Shiva. This temple is located at the backside of Vizag Steel Plant. There is a beach nearby , so you can enjoy two things at one shot.

The water in the beach is little dirty due to pollution , so be little cautious.

I think the last bus from this place to Kurmanappalem is at 7:30 p.m. so ensure leaving by that time if you are using public transport.

Very old and historic temple...I love so much

A very old temple located near apikonda beach. Very sacred and diety worshipped with reverence. Nice sculpture and paintings. Serene and calm. Very nice experience.