Draksharamam Bhimeswara temple history, timings photos
Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple: Timings, History, and Travel Guide
Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple is a revered Shiva shrine located in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, on the eastern bank of the Godavari River. Dedicated to Lord Bhimeswara Swamy, the temple is one of the five sacred Pancharama Kshetras of Lord Shiva found across India, and it holds the distinguished status of a National Heritage Site.
What Makes Draksharamam a Pancharama Kshetra
According to legend, a single massive Shivalinga was divided to create the five Pancharama temples. The Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple’s own Shivalinga is remarkable for its size — a striking crystalline lingam standing about 2.6 meters tall.
The five Pancharama Kshetras are:
- Amareswara Swamy Temple, Amararama
- Bhimeswara Temple, Draksharamam
- Someswara Temple, Somarama
- Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Ksheerarama
- Sri Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Kumararama
Among these, the Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple is considered the most prominent.
A Shakti Peetha and Southern Kasi
Beyond its status as a Shiva temple, Draksharamam is also honored as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas in India — sacred sites believed to mark where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell to Earth. Here, the presiding deity is worshipped as Goddess Manikyamba alongside Lord Bhimeswara Swamy.
Because of its immense spiritual significance, Draksharamam is often referred to as “Dakshina Kasi,” or the Kasi (Varanasi) of South India.
The temple is also linked to the legend of the Trilinga Kshetras — three sacred hills where Lord Shiva is believed to have descended as a Shivalinga:
- Kaleswaram in Telangana
- Srisailam in Rayalaseema
- Bhimeswaram (Draksharamam) in Coastal Andhra
It’s said that the name “Trilinga Desa,” an ancient name for the Telugu-speaking region, originates from these three sacred sites.
History and Architecture
Historical records suggest the temple was built by the Eastern Chalukya kings between the 9th and 10th centuries, during a turbulent period when their kingdom faced repeated attacks from the Rashtrakutas — the two dynasties are believed to have clashed in as many as 350 battles. The temple complex houses more than 400 inscriptions dating back to the 11th century, offering valuable insight into the region’s medieval history.
The temple’s architecture follows the classic South Indian style, featuring two staired mandapas (pillared halls) enclosed within two concentric walls. The pillars are intricately and delicately carved, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Interestingly, the outer perimeter wall was never fully completed before sunrise, as tradition required, and it remains unfinished to this day.
It’s believed that Lord Surya (the Sun God) himself installed and consecrated the Shivalinga at this temple.
Around 108 Shaivite temples are said to have been constructed within a 40-kilometer radius of Draksharamam after the 8th century, underlining the area’s importance as a center of Shiva worship.
Adjacent to the main shrine is the Kashi Vishweshwara Swamy Temple, and nearby, pilgrims can take a holy dip in the Sapta Godavari Kundam, considered spiritually significant for devotees visiting the temple.
Postal Recognition
In recognition of its heritage value, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring the Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple, alongside stamps honoring the poets Kavi Muddana and Adikavi Nannaya. Approximately 500,000 stamps were released across India as part of this tribute.
Festivals Celebrated at Draksharamam Temple
The temple hosts several major festivals throughout the year, drawing large numbers of devotees:
- Maha Shivaratri — the most significant celebration, marked by elaborate rituals and a huge gathering of pilgrims
- Brahmotsavam — the temple’s grand annual festival
- Devi Navaratri Brahmotsavam
- Karthika Masam — the sacred Karthika month, especially auspicious for Shiva worship
- Dhanurmasam
- Srivari Kalyanam on Bhishma Ekadasi — celebrated with great devotion and festivity
Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple Timings
The temple is open all seven days of the week, typically from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a short afternoon break. On regular days, footfall is generally low, and the temple may occasionally close earlier than its scheduled hours. However, during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and throughout Karthika Masam, the temple sees a significant surge in visitors, so pilgrims seeking a quieter, more contemplative experience may prefer visiting on non-festival days.
(Note: Temple timings can change for special occasions — it’s a good idea to confirm current timings before planning your visit.)
How to Reach Draksharamam Temple
Draksharamam is well connected by road and is located:
- 40 km from Rajahmundry
- 28 km from Kakinada Town
- Just 6 km from Ramachandrapuram
By Road: The temple is served primarily by bus. Frequent and reliable bus services operate from both Kakinada and Ramachandrapuram, making road travel the most convenient option for most pilgrims.
By Rail: The nearest major railway stations are Kakinada and Rajahmundry. Samalkota Junction is another useful stop for travelers who wish to explore nearby attractions as well. A few trains also halt at Annavaram. Since not all trains stop at every station, it’s advisable to check specific train schedules in advance.
From Kakinada: Draksharamam is about 28 km away, on the route toward Kotipalli, with frequent bus services available.
From Samalkot: The distance to Kakinada is roughly 12 km, from where onward buses to Draksharamam are easily available.
Distance from Someswaram to Draksharamam
Someswaram to Draksharamam is approximately 14 km (about 8.7 miles), a drive that takes around 16 minutes by road — a convenient add-on for pilgrims visiting multiple Pancharama Kshetras in one trip.
Temple Contact Information
Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple The Executive Officer Sri Bhimeswara Temple Ramachandrapuram Mandal East Godavari District – 533232 Andhra Pradesh, India Phone: 08857-252488
Planning a visit to Draksharamam? Combine it with the other Pancharama Kshetras — Amararama, Somarama, Ksheerarama, and Kumararama — for a complete pilgrimage across Andhra Pradesh’s most sacred Shiva temples.
