The History of Famous Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple in Surutapalli

Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple also known as Pradosha Kshektram in Surutapalli is one of the famous and interesting temples located in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. The Presiding deity of Lord Shiva (Pallikondeswara) is in a reclining posture with his head on Lordess Parvati's Lap while other Gods and various sages look on.  This deity is also called as Bhoga Sayana Siva. The Performance of Pradosham Pooja is very much famous and noteworthy. Normally we will see Lord Vishnu's reclining posture with his head on Lordess Lakshmi's Lap. 

PalliKondeswara Swamy or Lord Shiva

 

The Story of Lord Shiva Temple in Surutapalli is related to Devas and Asuras churning the ocean of milk for nectar in the Samudra Manthan. At the time of churning, they find all precious things and stones, wealth, Unique animals, and Lordess Lakshmi. Along with all of the above deadly poison also came out. Lord Shiva took that deadly poison to protect everyone. After Lord Shiva consumes poison he feels exhausted and lies down for a while on the Lordess Parvathi's Lap. That's why this place is called Surutapalli in which Suruta means Dizzy and Palli means resting place.

The main sanctum in this temple has two lingams facing each other Ramalingeswar lingam and Valmikeswar lingam. There is also another story related to a Legend at the same place. Sage Valmiki Prayed to Lord Sri Rama and got his blessings. When Lord Rama was on his way back to Ayodhya from Lanka he stopped a while at Surutpalli and prayed to Lord Shiva who appeared before Lord Rama and blessed them. The Lingams Lord Rama prayed became famous and they are known as Ramalingeswar Lingam and Valmikeswar Lingam.