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Draksharamam Bhimeswara
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Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari -
November 20, 2025
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0.00
November 20, 2025 
Important Days and Dates
The temple is a major spiritual hub, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. The most significant days are:
- Maha Shivaratri: The most important festival, celebrated in February/March with grand festivities and thousands of pilgrims.
- Karthika Masam: The entire Hindu lunar month of Karthika (Oct/Nov) is sacred. Mondays are particularly crowded with special rituals.
- Dasara (Sarannavarathri): Dedicated to Goddess Manikyamba (one of the 18 Shakti Peethas), held in September/October.
- Kalyanotsavam: The celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Bhimeswara and Goddess Manikyamba, usually held during the Bhishma Ekadashi period.
- Subrahmanya Sashti: Celebrated with fervor in the month of Margashira.
How to Reach
Draksharamam is located in the Konaseema district (formerly part of East Godavari).
From Delhi to Draksharamam
- By Air: Fly from Delhi (DEL) to Rajahmundry (RJA). From the airport, Draksharamam is about 50 km (1.5 hours by taxi). Alternatively, fly to Visakhapatnam (VTZ) and take a 3-4 hour drive.
- By Train: Take a train from New Delhi to Samalkot Junction (SLO) or Rajahmundry (RJY). From Samalkot, it is roughly 45 km, and from Rajahmundry, it is 50 km.
- By Road: It is a long journey (~1,800 km). Most travelers prefer flying or taking a train to Rajahmundry first.
From Ahmedabad to Draksharamam
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad (AMD) to Rajahmundry (RJA) (usually via Hyderabad or Bangalore).
- By Train: Take a train to Vijayawada (BZA) or Rajahmundry (RJY). Several weekly trains connect Gujarat to Andhra Pradesh.
- By Road: Distance is approximately 1,550 km via Maharashtra and Telangana.
About History of the Temple
The Draksharamam temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras (five great Shiva temples) and the 12th Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha.
Mythology: It is the site of the famous Daksha Yagna. According to legend, Sati’s left cheek fell here after her self-immolation. The Shiva Lingam here is said to be a piece of the original Lingam that was around the neck of the demon Tarakasura.
Architecture: Built primarily by the Eastern Chalukyan King Bhima I in the 9th-10th century CE. The architecture is a unique blend of Chalukyan and Chola styles, featuring a two-storied sanctum and massive stone walls resembling a fort
Main Poojas Performed
The temple follows ancient Shaivite and Shakta traditions.
| Priority | Pooja Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abhishekam (Primary Pooja) | This is the most sacred ritual performed on the 14-foot tall crystal Shiva Lingam. Since the Lingam is very tall, priests perform the Abhishekam from the first floor of the temple. Water from the Sapta Godavari Kundam is used. |
| 2 | Kumkumarchana | Performed specifically for Goddess Manikyamba. It involves the chanting of the Goddess’s names while offering vermilion (kumkum). |
| 3 | Laksha Patri / Laksha Kumkumarchana | Special offerings of 100,000 sacred leaves (Patri) to Lord Shiva or 100,000 pinches of Kumkum to the Goddess for fulfillment of specific vows. |
| 4 | Ekadasa Rudramu | A powerful Vedic chant dedicated to the eleven forms of Rudra, performed for peace and health. |
| 5 | Nitya Kalyanam | A daily ritual depicting the divine wedding of the Lord and the Goddess. |
Attire (Dressing Guidelines)
The temple maintains a traditional environment.
Men:Recommended to wear Dhotis (Pancha) or traditional Kurta-Pyjamas. For certain special Abhishekam rituals, men may be asked to remove their shirts and wear only a Dhoti and Kanduva (upper cloth).
Women:Sarees are highly recommended. Salwar Kameez with a Dupatta is generally permitted, but traditional sarees are preferred for special poojas.
Restrictions:Avoid wearing shorts, mini-skirts, or sleeveless tops. Modern western wear like jeans is discouraged for those participating in formal rituals.
Official Websites
- Government Portal:
East Godavari District – Draksharama
- Andhra Pradesh Temples (Endowments Dept):
aptemples.ap.gov.in
Description
Important Days and Dates
The temple is a major spiritual hub, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. The most significant days are:
- Maha Shivaratri: The most important festival, celebrated in February/March with grand festivities and thousands of pilgrims.
- Karthika Masam: The entire Hindu lunar month of Karthika (Oct/Nov) is sacred. Mondays are particularly crowded with special rituals.
- Dasara (Sarannavarathri): Dedicated to Goddess Manikyamba (one of the 18 Shakti Peethas), held in September/October.
- Kalyanotsavam: The celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Bhimeswara and Goddess Manikyamba, usually held during the Bhishma Ekadashi period.
- Subrahmanya Sashti: Celebrated with fervor in the month of Margashira.
How to Reach
Draksharamam is located in the Konaseema district (formerly part of East Godavari).
From Delhi to Draksharamam
- By Air: Fly from Delhi (DEL) to Rajahmundry (RJA). From the airport, Draksharamam is about 50 km (1.5 hours by taxi). Alternatively, fly to Visakhapatnam (VTZ) and take a 3-4 hour drive.
- By Train: Take a train from New Delhi to Samalkot Junction (SLO) or Rajahmundry (RJY). From Samalkot, it is roughly 45 km, and from Rajahmundry, it is 50 km.
- By Road: It is a long journey (~1,800 km). Most travelers prefer flying or taking a train to Rajahmundry first.
From Ahmedabad to Draksharamam
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad (AMD) to Rajahmundry (RJA) (usually via Hyderabad or Bangalore).
- By Train: Take a train to Vijayawada (BZA) or Rajahmundry (RJY). Several weekly trains connect Gujarat to Andhra Pradesh.
- By Road: Distance is approximately 1,550 km via Maharashtra and Telangana.
About History of the Temple
The Draksharamam temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras (five great Shiva temples) and the 12th Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha.
Mythology: It is the site of the famous Daksha Yagna. According to legend, Sati’s left cheek fell here after her self-immolation. The Shiva Lingam here is said to be a piece of the original Lingam that was around the neck of the demon Tarakasura.
Architecture: Built primarily by the Eastern Chalukyan King Bhima I in the 9th-10th century CE. The architecture is a unique blend of Chalukyan and Chola styles, featuring a two-storied sanctum and massive stone walls resembling a fort
Main Poojas Performed
The temple follows ancient Shaivite and Shakta traditions.
| Priority | Pooja Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abhishekam (Primary Pooja) | This is the most sacred ritual performed on the 14-foot tall crystal Shiva Lingam. Since the Lingam is very tall, priests perform the Abhishekam from the first floor of the temple. Water from the Sapta Godavari Kundam is used. |
| 2 | Kumkumarchana | Performed specifically for Goddess Manikyamba. It involves the chanting of the Goddess’s names while offering vermilion (kumkum). |
| 3 | Laksha Patri / Laksha Kumkumarchana | Special offerings of 100,000 sacred leaves (Patri) to Lord Shiva or 100,000 pinches of Kumkum to the Goddess for fulfillment of specific vows. |
| 4 | Ekadasa Rudramu | A powerful Vedic chant dedicated to the eleven forms of Rudra, performed for peace and health. |
| 5 | Nitya Kalyanam | A daily ritual depicting the divine wedding of the Lord and the Goddess. |
Attire (Dressing Guidelines)
The temple maintains a traditional environment.
Men:Recommended to wear Dhotis (Pancha) or traditional Kurta-Pyjamas. For certain special Abhishekam rituals, men may be asked to remove their shirts and wear only a Dhoti and Kanduva (upper cloth).
Women:Sarees are highly recommended. Salwar Kameez with a Dupatta is generally permitted, but traditional sarees are preferred for special poojas.
Restrictions:Avoid wearing shorts, mini-skirts, or sleeveless tops. Modern western wear like jeans is discouraged for those participating in formal rituals.
Official Websites
- Government Portal:
East Godavari District – Draksharama
- Andhra Pradesh Temples (Endowments Dept):
aptemples.ap.gov.in