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Visiting the Pancharama Kshetras in Karthika Masam

Draksharamam and 4 more places 1–2 days

Devotees believe that visiting the five Pancharama Shiva temples of Andhra Pradesh in the Karthika month brings great merit, and many try to see all five in one day. The month falls from 10 November to 8 December in 2026.

What happens

  1. Legend says Kartikeya broke the linga of the demon Tarakasura into five pieces, and each piece became one of the Pancharama temples.
  2. In Karthika, many pilgrims visit all five in a single day. Andhra Pradesh's public transport department has run same-day Pancharama buses from Vijayawada, leaving at 4 am.
  3. Kakinada depot has run weekend Pancharama buses in Karthika, leaving at 8 pm and covering the temples by 8 pm the next day.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, thehansindia.com, deccanchronicle.com · checked 30 Oct 2026

Where families go

  • Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple

    Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple

    Draksharamam

    Draksharama is also the Manikyamba Shakti Peetha, and legend says Surya installed its linga.

    Timings and guide
  • Samalkota Kumararama Temple

    Samalkota Kumararama Temple

    Samalkota

    Kumararama at Samalkot is where Kartikeya, who broke the demon's linga, is believed to have installed his piece.

    Timings and guide
  • Palakollu Ksheerarama Temple

    Palakollu Ksheerarama Temple

    Palakollu

    At Ksheerarama in Palakollu, Vishnu is believed to have installed the milky white linga.

    Timings and guide
  • Bhimavaram Somarama Temple

    Bhimavaram Somarama Temple

    Bhimavaram

    At Somarama in Bhimavaram, Chandra is believed to have installed the linga, which devotees say changes colour with the moon.

    Timings and guide
  • Amaravati Amareswara Temple

    Amaravati Amareswara Temple

    Amaravati

    Amararama on the Krishna, said to be installed by Indra, is the one Pancharama far from the Godavari delta.

    Timings and guide

When to go

Karthika masam 2026 runs from 10 November to 8 December, and the 2025 day buses ran mostly on weekends and Mondays. For a route with stops and bases, use the site's Pancharama Kshetras tour.

DateWhatDetails
10 Nov 2026TueKarthika masam beginsThe Telugu Karthika month starts on 10 Nov and ends on 8 Dec 2026.
16 Nov 2026MonFirst Karthika MondayThe first Karthika Somavaram of 2026.
23 Nov 2026MonSecond Karthika MondayThe second Karthika Somavaram, the day before Karthika Pournami.
24 Nov 2026TueKarthika PournamiPurnima tithi runs from 11:42 pm on 23 Nov to 8:23 pm on 24 Nov (Hyderabad times).
30 Nov 2026MonThird Karthika MondayThe third Karthika Somavaram of 2026.
7 Dec 2026MonLast Karthika MondayThe last Karthika Somavaram, which this year is also Masa Shivaratri.

Sources: drikpanchang.com, hindutone.com, drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026

Before you go

  • Good to knowOne day is long. Amaravati is on the Krishna, far west of the four Godavari temples, so two days are more comfortable for families.
  • BookingBook state bus seats through apsrtconline.in, a bus station counter or an authorised RTC agent. Check the 2026 Karthika services nearer the month.
  • DressNone of the five temples' dress rules were confirmed. Traditional, modest clothing is the safe choice; ask at each entrance.

Rituals, fees and timings are set by each temple. Where the temple sells a seva or ticket, book it only on its official channel.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, thehansindia.com · checked 30 Oct 2026

Questions Families Ask

Can you visit all five Pancharama temples in one day?

Many pilgrims do it in Karthika, and state buses have run same-day trips from Vijayawada at 4 am. It is a long day; two days are more comfortable because Amaravati is far from the other four.

When is Karthika masam in 2026?

From 10 November to 8 December 2026. The Karthika Mondays are 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December, and Karthika Pournami is 24 November.

Are there Pancharama tour packages in Karthika?

Andhra Pradesh's state buses have run Karthika Pancharama trips from Vijayawada and Kakinada. Book through apsrtconline.in or a bus station counter, and check the 2026 services nearer the month.

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Draksharamam (Draksharamam)
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Your trip starts and ends at Rajahmundry airport (RJA), with a cab and driver to the temple.

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