DRAKSHARAMAM BHIMESWARA SWAMI TEMPLE

                              DRAKSHARAMAM BHIMESWARA SWAMI TEMPLE

🛕 Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swami Temple is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in Draksharamam, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. It’s one of the Pancharama Kshetras, five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making it spiritually significant for both Shaivites and Shaktas.

• Main Deities: Lord Bhimeswara Swamy (a 14-foot tall Spatika Lingam) and Goddess Manikyamba Devi.
• Mythological Significance: Believed to be the place where Sati’s left cheek fell when Lord Vishnu dismembered her body to calm Lord Shiva’s grief after Daksha Yagna.
• Historical Roots: Built during the Eastern Chalukya dynasty around the 9th–10th century CE, with later contributions from Cholas and Kakatiyas.
• Architectural Style: A two-storied temple with Chalukyan and Chola influences, featuring intricately carved gopurams, mandapams, and a fort-like structure.

📜 Legends & Lore

• The temple is associated with the Daksha Yagna episode from the Skanda Purana.
• It’s said that Veerabhadra, created by Lord Shiva’s rage, destroyed Daksha’s yagna here.
• The temple’s name, Draksharamam, means “Abode of Daksha Prajapathi”.

🧘‍♂️ Rituals & Festivals

• Major Festivals: Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Kartheeka Masam, and Bhimeswara Swamy’s birthday.
• Daily Sevas: Abhishekam, Kumkumarchana, Rudra Homam, and Nitya Kalyanam.
• Special Poojas: Laksha Patri Puja, Surya Namaskaramulu, and Ekadasa Rudram.

🗺️ How to Reach

• By Road: 6 km from Ramachandrapuram, 28 km from Kakinada, 50 km from Rajahmundry.
• By Rail: Nearest stations are Kakinada, Samalkot, and Rajahmundry.
• By Air: Rajahmundry Airport is the closest, about 60 km away.

🏨 Accommodation

There are lodges and choultries near the temple, including RR Grand Lodge and Surya Inn. Pilgrims can also find options in nearby towns like Kakinada and Rajahmundry.

Absolutely! Let’s dive deeper into the Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swami Temple—a place where mythology, architecture, and devotion converge in spectacular harmony. 🌺

🏛️ Architectural Grandeur

• The temple is a two-storied structure built in Chalukyan and Chola styles, resembling a fortified complex.
• It features two concentric walls (prakaram) and four intricately carved gopurams—each aligned with a cardinal direction.
• The sanctum houses a 14-foot tall Spatika Lingam, believed to be the tallest Shiva Lingam made of crystal.
• Morning sunlight falls directly on the Lingam, creating a divine glow that devotees consider auspicious.
• The temple also includes shrines for Goddess Manikyamba, Lord Vishnu, Annapurna Devi, Veerabhadra, and Dancing Ganapati, among others.

📜 Historical Significance

• Construction began around 800 CE under the Eastern Chalukya king Bhima and was completed by the 11th century.
• The temple has over 400 inscriptions from various dynasties including the Cholas, Kakatiyas, and Eastern Gangas, making it a treasure trove for historians.
• It’s one of the few temples where Shiva and Shakti are worshipped with equal reverence, similar to Srisailam and Varanasi.

🔱 Rituals & Sevas

• Daily Poojas: Laghu Abhishekam, Kumkumarchana, Rudrabhishekam, and Nitya Kalyanam.
• Special Sevas:
  • Laksha Patri Puja: ₹350
  • Ekadasa Rudram: ₹100
  • Surya Namaskaramulu: ₹100
  • Nitya Samuhika Abhishekam: ₹730
• Festival Highlights:
  • Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur and overnight rituals.
  • Sri Swamyvari Kalyanam: A divine wedding ceremony held on Bhishma Ekadasi.
  • Sarrannavarathri, Kartheeka Masam, Shasti, and Jwalathoranam are other major events.

🌊 Sacred Waters

• The temple has a holy pond called Sapta Godavari Pushkarini, believed to be formed by waters from seven sacred rivers brought by the Sapta Rishis.

🧭 Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially during festivals.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred—dhoti or saree for a respectful darshan experience.
• Nearby Attractions: Annavaram Temple, Rajahmundry, and Konaseema backwaters.