[3] The Pancharama temples are located in the Godavari and Krishna river regions of Andhra Pradesh.
[3] Historian K. V. Soundara Rajan attributes the construction of the five Siva shrines at Chebrolu, Samalkot, Draksharamam, Amaravathi, and Palakollu to Chalukya Bhima I (888–918 CE), the Eastern Chalukyan king during his reign.
[4] The Bhimeswara temple at Samarlakota is attributed to Chalukya Bhima I (888–918 CE),[5] the Eastern Chalukyan king.
An inscription found at Pithapuram credits Chalukya Bhima with its construction, describing him as the son of Vikramaditya, who ruled for 30 years and is said to have won 360 battles.
[2] The Bhimeswara temple at Draksharama is traditionally attributed to Chalukya Bhima I, though this lacks epigraphical support.
Another inscription from 982 CE mentions the temple, suggesting it was built in the early 10th century, possibly during Kuppanarya's time.
[4] The Someswara temple at Bhimavaram is associated with the legend of Tarakasura, where a piece of the Sivalinga, which fell from his neck, was installed by Chandra.
However, architectural features suggest it underwent renovations in later periods, indicating a slightly later date than other Pancharama temples.
To prevent the lingam from reuniting, all the pieces would have to be established in the places where they would fall, by way of worshipping them and building temples over them.
[8] Heeding the words of Vishnu, Kartikeya used his agneyastra (a celestial weapon of fire) to break the lingam that was worn by Tarakasura.