Plan your sacred journey to the Grand Temples of South India
Maha Shivaratri at the Pancharama Temples
On Maha Shivaratri, devotees in the Godavari districts bathe in the river before dawn and then keep the festival at Shiva temples, the Pancharamas among the busiest. Most families pick one of the five for the day rather than trying to see all of them.
What happens
- Many devotees begin with a holy dip in the Godavari. In 2026 the rush at the Rajamahendravaram ghats began around 2 am and lasted into the afternoon.
- After the bath, pilgrims go on to the Shiva temples for darshan; in 2026 Draksharamam and Kumararama saw heavy turnout.
- Devotees keep the night vigil, and the main puja falls at Nishita kaal, around midnight.
Sources: assets.thehansindia.com, drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Where families go
- Timings and guide
Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple
Draksharamam
Draksharamam drew heavy crowds after the river bath on Shivaratri 2026, and its goddess Manikyamba makes it a Shakti Peetha too.
Timings and guideSamalkota Kumararama Temple
Samalkota
Kumararama at Samalkot was among the Godavari temples with the heaviest turnout on Shivaratri 2026.
Timings and guidePalakollu Ksheerarama Temple
Palakollu
The West Godavari collector arranged a grand Shivaratri at the Palakollu Pancharama in 2026.
Timings and guideBhimavaram Somarama Temple
Bhimavaram
Somarama at Bhimavaram had the same district arrangements for its Shivaratri 2026 crowds.
Timings and guideAmaravati Amareswara Temple
Amaravati
The Palnadu district site says a large congregation gathers at Amareswara on Shivaratri to worship the tall linga.
When to go
Maha Shivaratri 2027 falls on Saturday 6 March. For temple order and bases, use the site's Pancharama Kshetras tour.
| Date | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar 2027Sat | Maha Shivaratri 2027 | Chaturdashi runs from 12:03 pm on 6 Mar to 1:46 pm on 7 Mar; Nishita puja is 12:03 am to 12:51 am on 7 Mar (Hyderabad). |
Sources: drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Before you go
- Good to knowPick one or two temples for the day. Amaravati is on the Krishna, far west of the four Godavari temples, and every temple is crowded on Shivaratri.
- Good to knowIn 2026 the state bus corporation ran 82 special buses from four East Godavari depots at normal fares, and free travel for women applied.
- RitualVIP darshan was limited on the day. In 2026 the Kakinada collector allowed VIPs only from 1 pm to 3 pm, leaving the rest of the day to general queues.
- DressNone of the five temples' dress rules were confirmed. Traditional, modest clothing is the safe choice; ask at each entrance.
- OfficialAP Endowments department, temple services portal (Official)
- OfficialPalnadu district, Amaravati page (Official)
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, assets.thehansindia.com, deccanchronicle.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Questions Families Ask
When is Maha Shivaratri 2027?
Saturday 6 March 2027. Nishita puja is from 12:03 am to 12:51 am on 7 March (Hyderabad times).
Can I visit all five Pancharama temples on Shivaratri?
It is hard. Every temple is crowded, and Amaravati is on the Krishna, far from the four Godavari temples. Pick one or two and keep the vigil there.
How crowded are the Pancharamas on Shivaratri?
Very. In 2026 officials expected more than 10 lakh devotees across 10 major Shiva temples of the Godavari districts, and Draksharamam and Kumararama saw heavy turnout.
Plan your trip for Maha Shivaratri at the Pancharamas
Opens with these temples already added. See each day with darshan hours, drive times and rough costs.
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