Somasila’s Flood-hit Ancient Shiva Shrine Set To Rise Again
The Somasila temple, which was severely damaged by floods in 2021, is now being rebuilt at an estimated cost of Rs 13.50 crore.
Nellore: Nestled amid the rugged hills and tranquil waters of the Pennar, Somasila in Anantasagaram mandal is home to the ancient Sri Someswara Swamy Temple, a shrine steeped in legend and devotion. The temple, which was severely damaged by floods in 2021, is now being rebuilt at an estimated cost of Rs 13.50 crore.
Reconstruction work of Sri Someswara Swamy Temple underway at Somasila in Anantasagaram mandal of Nellore district | DC Image
According to local legend, the shrine dates back to the 12th century and is associated with the discovery of a Shiva lingam inside an anthill. The legend has it that a ruler ordered the anthill to be dug up after noticing a cow mysteriously offering its milk at the spot. The name Someswara is traditionally associated with “Soma”, the Moon God, and “Eswara”, Lord Shiva, with local belief holding that the lingam was worshipped by Lord Chandra.
Somasila also has its share of mystical tales. Villagers speak of sightings of snakes, including occasional reports of a king cobra near the Shiva lingam, while stories persist of mysterious visitors emerging from the hills to offer prayers at night. Waterfalls, trekking opportunities and ashramams in the surrounding area add to the village’s allure.
Reconstruction work of Sri Someswara Swamy Temple underway at Somasila | DC Image
The temple suffered extensive damage in 2021 when massive floodwaters from the reservoir swept through the area. The release of nearly 5 lakh cusecs of water during flood management operations overtopped the temple’s protective wall, damaging the shrine and several structures.
A damaged structure at the Sri Someswara Swamy Temple in Somasila | DC Image
The sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagudi) of Lord Siva, however, remained intact. Several sub-temples, the Kalyana Mandapam, Rajagopuram, Navagraha Mandapam and compound wall were damaged or washed away. A century-old tree on the premises was also destroyed.
Reconstruction work of Sri Someswara Swamy Temple underway at Somasila Temple
Temple priest Ramakrishna said Bhoomipuja for the reconstruction was performed on November 16, 2024. The project, estimated at Rs 13.50 crore, is being funded through the Common Good Fund (CGF). Reconstruction is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by February next year.
With Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam drawing thousands of devotees to Somasila every year, the restoration is expected to help the ancient shrine regain its spiritual and architectural splendour and once again stand proudly amid the Pennar and the surrounding hills.
