Maha ShivaRathri - Holy temple towns of Lord Shiva

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There are five famous Shiva temple towns in Andhra Pradesh, which together are called Pancharamas. There is a mythological story behind these temple towns which goes as follows.

Once there was a demon king named Tarakasura, a devotee of Shiva. Lord Indra after many years of fierce battle lost the fight with him. Knowing this the residents of heaven went to Vishnu to seek advice. Vishnu informed them that he was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and hence they should approach Shiva for protection. Vishnu also accompanied them to Lord Shiva's abode and explained their predicament.

Then Lord Shiva deputed his son Kumaraswamy to kill the demon king. With him as their chieftain they went to war. Even then, there was no sign of Tarakasura's defeat. Seeing this they went back to Lord Shiva again to find out the reason. He informed them that Tarakasura has a Prana Linga in his throat and till that was intact he could not be killed. He also said that the pieces would keep on growing when they contact the earth unless they are prayed. So, Kumaraswamy killed the demon king by cutting his throat and in the process, the Prana Linga was cut into five pieces and fell at the following five places:

Amararamam in Guntur District Kumararamam and Kshiraramam in west Godavari district Draksharamam and Bheemaramam in the East Godavari District

As per the legend, immediately after falling, each piece started growing into a great Linga and then Indra came from heaven to offer prayers with golden flowers from heaven. Only then did they stopped growing in size. As per Lord Shiva's instruction prayers were being offered at these places. Later on, at these sacred places temples were constructed. In all these five places the festival of Maha Shiva Rathri is celebrated on a grand scale to this day.

Apart from the above places, there are twelve more places which are the most sacred places for the devotees of Lord Shiva. These places are called Dwadasa Jyothirlinga Kshetras. They are:

At all the above places Maha Shiva Rathri' is celebrated with great religious fervour. Apart from these Shiva temples, every temple in every small village over the country celebrates this festival.