Palli Kondeswara Swami Temple, Surutupalli
About the Temple
As you enter the temple through the entrance, you’ll find the temple of Valmikeshwara (Sage Valmiki) and Goddess Marahathambihai (Goddess Parvati), on the left side and the main temple on the right side of the entrance. It is said that one has to visit these two temples first before visiting the main temple. The temple of Goddess Marahathambigai has to be visited first, even before the shrine of Valmikeshwara or the main temple. The garbha griha is guarded by Lord Kubera (God of wealth) with his consort Sanganidhi on the left side and with his other consort Padumanidhi on the right side. The goddess inside is sitting with Kamadhenu on one side and Karapaha Viruksham on the other. There are some other images of Gods like Varasidhi Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha), Sri Venugopala Swami (Lord Krishna), Kasi Vishwanathan with Visalakshi and others present in the inner praharam (inner wall of the temple).
About the presiding deity
The presiding deity is Palli Kondeshwara (Lord Shiva) with His consort and many other Gods. The Lord is in a reclining position (about 6 feet long) with his head on the lap of Goddess Parvathi who resides as Sarva Mangalaambihai. The uniqueness of the temple lies in Lord Shiva seen in the human form, unlike His usual Linga form. Surya and Chandra are present on either side of Goddess Parvati. Many others including Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Laxmi, Sage Maarkandeyar, Sage Agasthair, Valmiki, Indran, Sage Naradhar, Lord Subramaniya with His consort and Lord Ganapati are also present in the temple. It appears as if the whole Kailasham (Lord Shiva’s aboard) assembled here to know the well-being of Lord Shiva after He consumed poison to save the universe.
Stala Purana
According to Sthalapurana (history of the place), it is said that during the Ksheera Sagara Manthana Poison Halahala was the first to come, the Gods and demons then approached Lord Shiva to save them from the harm of poison. Lord Shiva transformed himself into Vishabhakarana Moorthy and consumed poison. The situation was such that if Lord Shiva did swallow the poison, the living creatures on the earth would die and if he did not, the Gods and Demons would be killed. Hence Goddess Parvati held her hand against his neck and stopped the poison from going any further and the poison remained in His throat without affecting His body. Hence Lord Shiva got the name ‘Neelakantha’ (‘Neela’- blue with poison and ‘Kantha’- throat) because of the accumulation of the poison in his throat and Goddess Parvati was called as ‘Amudhambigai’. On their way to Kailasa, Lord Shiva due to the severity of the poison started feeling a little giddy and rested on the lap of His wife for a while in the place where the village stands today. Hence the village got its name Suruttapalli, Surutta meaning ‘Little dizzy’ and Palli meaning ‘Resting’
Worship Benefits
Pradosha Pooja is said to have originated from this temple. Legends have it that, the Devas and Asuras resumed their effort to get the nectar from the ocean on Lord Shiva’s orders, and got it on Dhwadashi (the 12th moon day). In that happiness, they forgot to thank Lord Siva who consumed the poison for everyone’s well-being. Realising their mistake, they started praying to Him on Trayodasi (the 13th moon day) for which the Lord forgave them and in a happy mood, began His celestial dance (Shiva Tandavam) between the horns of Nandi (the mount of the Lord Shiva) where all the Gods, Goddess and sages joined Him. This moment is celebrated as Pradosham every fortnight. It is believed that during Pradosha Punya Kalam, anyone who offers prayers will attain shanti (peace), sakala sowbhagyam, and will not have any obstacles in life. Even Lava and Kusha, who unknowingly fought with their father Lord Rama, over the Aswamedhayana horse, came to this temple along with Sage Valmiki, to worship Lord Siva and to get rid of their sin.
Darshan Time:
Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Evening: 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Pradosham days morning 6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.