In Hindu Iconography, Lord Shiva is most often depicted as a meditating ascetic or as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The reclining (Sayana) form of Shiva – showing the Lord at rest – is extraordinarily rare. While Vishnu is frequently represented in a reclining pose on Adishesha, Shiva is almost never shown lying down. Yet, the small village of Surutapalli in Andhra Pradesh is home to a unique temple where Shiva himself reclines on Goddess Parvati’s lap.
The Legend Behind Sayana Shiva at Surutapalli
The reclining form of Shiva at Surutapalli is deeply tied to the mythological of the Halahala poison from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk). As gods and demons churned the ocean, a lethal poison emerged that threatened all of creation. Lord Shiva bravely consumed the poison to protect the universe, but its effect weakened him. In an act of great devotion, Parvati clamped Shiva’s neck to trap the poison, turning his throat blue.
Overcome by the poison’s potency, Shiva eventually lay down to rest on Parvati’s lap. This divine moment of vulnerability and support is commemorated in the Pallikondeswara Temple of Surutapalli, where Shiva is depicted in a reclining (Sayana) posture – a symbol of cosmic sacrifice and the compassionate support of Shakti.
Pallikondeswara Temple, Surutapalli
The Sri Pallikondeswara Temple, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is renowned for its 16-foot silver idol of Bhoga Sayana Shiva – the Lord lying peacefully on Parvati’s lap. Uniquely, Shiva is represented in full human form (vigraha), not just as a lingam, making this temple one of the rarest shrines in India.
The name Pallikondeswara translates roughly to “the Lord who reclines,” perfectly reflecting the temple’s singular iconography. Architecturally, it showcases the late Vijayanagara Dravidian style, built in the 14th century by Harihara and Bukka Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple features a grand multi-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) leading into spacious walled courtyard halls.
Inside the sanctum, two Shiva lingams – Valmikeswara and Ramalingeswara – stand side by side, each with its own shrine. According to local lore, Sage Valmiki worshipped Shiva here before composing the Ramayana, and Lord Rama later offered prayers here after defeating Ravana.
In front of the main shrine, the massive reclining Shiva image gazes toward Parvati (Sarvamangala), surrounded by the entourage of gods, including Ganesha, Kartikeya, Surya, Chandra, Indra, and sages. Remarkably, all deities, including Dakshinamurthy and Vinayaka, are depicted with their consorts, reflecting the temple’s emphasis on divine couples.
A unique feature of the temple is that devotees do not receive sacred ash (vibhuti). Instead, worshippers are blessed with holy water (teertham) and touch a ceremonial “chadar” crown to receive Shiva’s grace.
Special Days and Rituals
Pradosha / Pradosham
Pradosha occurs twice a month, on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (waning moon). The Pradosha Kalam, the twilight period roughly 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after sunset, is considered especially auspicious.
The Surutapalli legend states that this was the time when the Devas and Asuras realized they had not thanked Shiva for consuming the Halahala poison. They came to seek his forgiveness, giving rise to the Pradosha Puja tradition.
During Pradosha, devotees participate in special rituals including:
- Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Shiva with sacred substances like milk.
- Offering bilva leaves, sandal paste, fragrance, lamps, and food offerings.
- Evening puja participation during Pradosha Kala.
Saturday Pradosha (Shani Pradosha) is considered especially powerful, believed to relieve obstacles in life, bring inner peace, and promote spiritual merit.
Maha Shivaratri
Celebrated between February and March, Maha Shivaratri involves a night-long vigil, special poojas, and offering extra lamps, allowing devotees to worship Shiva in his Sayana form. This festival emphasizes Shiva’s cosmic power and invokes the compassion of the reclining Lord recovering from poison with Parvati’s support.
Aippasi Annabhishekam
In the Tamil month of Aippasi (October–November), devotees perform Annabhishekam, offering cooked rice to the deity and conducting special prayers.
Thiruvadhirai / Tiruvathirai
Celebrated in December–January, this festival is dedicated to Shiva’s cosmic dance (Ananda Tandava) and emphasizes the divine union of Shiva and Shakti. The temple is beautifully illuminated, and special poojas are conducted.
Other Rituals
- Dakshinamurthy Abhishekam: Performed on Thursdays for devotees seeking wisdom.
- Special Lamp Lighting for Delayed Marriages: Devotees light ghee lamps corresponding to their age to remove obstacles.
- Archana: Offering bilva leaves or garlands in gratitude after wishes are fulfilled.
On major festivals like Maha Shivaratri, more than 30,000 devotees visit the temple. Saturday Pradosha and Shani Pradosham also see large crowds. The temple rituals reflect Shiva’s cosmic sacrifice, Parvati’s compassion, and devotees’ longing for divine grace.
Spiritual Significance of the Reclining Pose
The reclining pose of Shiva at Surutapalli embodies profound spiritual symbolism. Shiva’s act of consuming the deadly Halahala poison establishes him as the protector of the universe, while Parvati’s care highlights the inseparable Shiva-Shakti bond. Devotees interpret the image as a lesson in balance: great responsibility paired with love and rest.
Even the all-powerful Shiva requires ananda nidra (blessed rest), reminding devotees of the cyclical nature of action and rest in spiritual life. The rituals – lighting lamps, performing abhishekam, and offering prayers- carry the added significance of surrendering to divine grace, restoration, and renewal.
The Pallikondeswara Temple at Surutapalli stands as a testament to the extraordinary, rare depiction of Lord Shiva in a reclining form. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the temple offers devotees an intimate glimpse of Shiva’s vulnerability and Parvati’s compassionate support. Through its festivals, rituals, and spiritual lessons, the temple invites visitors to witness, participate, and experience the transformative grace of Sayana Shiva – the Lord who rests so the world may continue in balance.
