Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple at Draksharamam, in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most sacred Shiva temples of the Telugu lands. It is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, and the Goddess here, Sri Manikyamba, is revered as one of the Shakti Peethas. Because of its great sanctity, Draksharamam is often called Dakshina Kashi – the Kashi of the South. The temple lies in the fertile Godavari delta, about 50 km from Rajahmundry and about 28 km from Kakinada.
Main Deities
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Sri Bhimeswara Swamy, worshipped in the form of a very tall Lingam that rises through two storeys of the temple. Devotees have darshan of the Lingam on the ground floor, while abhishekam is performed on its upper part from the first floor – a rare arrangement seen only at a few temples. The Goddess is enshrined as Sri Manikyamba Ammavaru, and the temple is one of very few places where a Pancharama Kshetra and a Shakti Peetha are worshipped together.
Sthala Puranam – Pancharama and Daksha
The Pancharama legend: the demon Tarakasura wore a powerful Shiva Lingam at his throat, which made him invincible. In the great battle against him, Kumaraswamy (Lord Subrahmanya) shattered this Lingam, and its pieces fell at five places in the Telugu lands. These became the five Pancharamas – Amararama (Amaravati), Draksharama (Draksharamam), Somarama (Bhimavaram), Ksheerarama (Palakollu) and Kumararama (Samalkot). Visiting all five, especially in the holy Karthika month, is considered extremely meritorious.
The Daksha legend: according to tradition, this is also the place where Daksha Prajapati performed his great yagna, and the name Draksharamam is said to come from Daksha-aramam – "the garden of Daksha". This connects the temple with the story of Goddess Sati, and with the Shakti Peetha of Manikyamba.
History and Inscriptions
The temple was built by the Eastern Chalukya kings of Vengi, who ruled this region from the 7th to the 11th century; the Lord's name Bhimeswara is traditionally linked with the Eastern Chalukya king Chalukya Bhima. The temple is a treasure-house of history: its walls and pillars carry a very large number of inscriptions – from the Eastern Chalukyas and from later dynasties such as the Cholas and the Kakatiyas – recording grants, gifts and events across many centuries. These make Draksharamam one of the most important historical sites in coastal Andhra.
Architecture
The temple is a fine example of the Chalukya style of temple architecture. It is built as a two-storeyed structure around the tall Lingam, enclosed by high stone walls with gateways on four sides, and surrounded by pillared corridors (mandapams) with many smaller shrines. Its design is closely related to the Kumararama temple at Samalkot, built in the same period. Near the temple is a sacred tank associated with the Godavari, where pilgrims bathe before darshan.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March): the grandest festival of the year, with worship through the night and very large crowds.
- Karthika Masam (October–November): the most sacred month at Draksharamam. Devotees light lamps, bathe in the Godavari and visit the Pancharamas; Karthika Mondays and Karthika Pournami are especially crowded.
- Devi Navaratrulu / Dasara (September–October): special alankarams and pujas for Sri Manikyamba Ammavaru.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night, with a break in the afternoon.
- Timings are extended on Maha Shivaratri and during Karthika Masam. Please check with the Devasthanam before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Draksharamam is about 50 km from Rajahmundry, about 28 km from Kakinada and close to Ramachandrapuram. APSRTC buses run frequently from Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Amalapuram and Ramachandrapuram.
By Train: the nearest major railway stations are Kakinada and Rajahmundry; Samalkot Junction is another convenient option.
By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (RJA), about 50 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional attire is recommended.
- Pancharama yatra: many devotees visit all five Pancharamas in a single journey, especially in Karthika Masam; Kumararama at Samalkot is the nearest of the others.
- Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
- Crowds: Mondays, Maha Shivaratri and the whole of Karthika Masam are very busy.
- Nearby places: Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple at Samalkot, Annavaram, the Konaseema shrine of Vadapalli Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, and further up the Godavari, the island temple of Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Pattiseema.
