Pattiseema

Pattiseema also known as Pattisam is located in the Polavaram mandal of W.Godavari district, famous for the Veerabhadra Temple on an island, right in the middle of Godavari, flanked by the picturesque Papikondalu. Apart from being a Shaiva Kshetra it is also one of the Pancha Bhavanarayana Kshetras. The scenic surroundings have made it a favorite spot of many Telugu movie makers.

The main temple of Sri Veerabhadra Swamy stands on a small island right in the middle of the Godavari river, that can be reached only by boat.

As per the Sthala Puranam, when Sati, immolated herself in the Daksha Yagna here, after her father insulted Shiva by not inviting him, in a rage he created a fierce form of him Veerabhadra from a lock of his hair, and ordered him to kill Daksha. Veerabhadra along with the Ganas attacks the Yagna, creating havoc there, cutting off Daksha's head with his long sword called Pattasam, which accounts for the place's name variously also referred to as Pattiseema.

Even after cutting off Daksha's head, Veerabhadra does the fierce Rudra Tandava on the nearby hill called Devakutam, and Bhadrakali, the fierce aspect of Shakti, emerges when he strikes the Trishul on the ground. Though Vishnu in form of Bhavanarayana tries to pacify Veerabhadra using his Sudarshana Chakra, it is in vain, as he swallows it. Finally he is pacified, when Agastya Maharshi holds him from behind.

On the request of Agastya Maharshi, Veerabhadra along with his consort Bhadrakali resides there, while Shri Bhavanarayana is the Kshetra Palaka of Pattiseema along with his consort Bhu Neela Devi. Along with them, Durga in the form of Mahishasura Mardini and Kanaka Durga are the Grama Devatas of Pattiseema, while Anistree and Punistree are worshipped for the sake of children.

It's believed that Jambavan meditated for the blessings of Rama on the Devakuta hill at Pattiseema, while Parashuram attained Moksha here, when Vireshwara appeared in response to his penance. Surrounded by the Godavari river on all sides, the Veerabhadra Swamy temple has a very picturesque surroundings.

Also the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project nearby linking the Godavari, Krishna rivers is worth a visit.

And the beautiful Papikondalu between Pattiseema and Bhadrachalam, covered with dense forests, straddling the Godavari river.

Pattiseema can be reached from Rajahmundry, Kovvur or Nidadavolu, by road. Though Kovvur is the nearest rail head, with most trains stopping at Rajahmundry or Nidadavolu, you can travel from there.