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Sri Bhimeswara Temple is the abode of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy(Lord Shiva) and his consort Goddess Manikyamba. Shri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is located at Draksharamam, East Godavari District, Andhrapradesh, India. The main deity of the temple is in the form of Linga of 2.6metres height which is said to be of one large Crystal(known as Spatika Linga).
The temple is popularly known as Dakshina Kasi Kshetram. Draksharama temple is one the Five Powerful Temples of Lord Shiva known as “Pancharamas” in Andhra pradesh.
Sri Bhimeswara Temple;
- Temple History
- Architecture
- How To Reach The Temple
- Daily Poojas And Festivals
- Videos
- Additional Information
Sri Bhimeswara Temple, Draksharama, was constructed by Eastern Chalukyan King Bhima in the period 892A.D. to 902A.D. and also consecrated the Shiva Linga and called as Lord Bhimeswara after his own name. Draksharama Temple was developed and patronized by many Royal Dynasties like Eastern Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Cholas, Eastern Gangas, Kakatiyas, Reddi Kings and Vijayanagaras as well as some minor dynasties.
The Puranas and Contemporary Literature states the Origin and Antiquity of the place. “Skanda Purana” describes the sanctity of Draksharama Temple.The Great Telugu Poet “Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu” explained the significance of the Temple in his “Bhimeswara Puranam”.
Draksharama is also referred as Jananathapuram, Pedda Dakaremi, Bhimanathapuram, Dakshapovana and Dakshina Kasi in many Epigraphs.
Shri Bhimeswara Temple consists of two storyed temple having “Dviprakaras”. The temple can be approached by four entrances on the cardinal directions. The temple is situated inside two enclosures. It contain a flight of steps to go the first floor. The Lofty Linga elevated from the ground floor and the actual worship is offered at the first floor only. On the upper floor, pillars having carved images like Nataraja, Kiratarjuna, Parvati Deavi and etc.,
The other shrines in the temple are Brahma, LakshmiNarayana Ganapati, Nakulesvara, Anjaneya, Virupaksha, Nataraja, Kuamara Swamy, Mahisasuramardhini, Saptamatrikas, Bhirava, Viswewwara and Annapurna. To the right side of Bhimeswara Temple Kasi Visweswara Temple(South Facing) is situated.
An interesting sculptural panel has the figure of SaptaRishi’s and Arundanti. The Seven Sages(SaptaRishi’s) are Atri, Bhrigu, Kautsa, Vasistha, Gautama, Kasyapa, Angirasa. This panel is located near the Sapta-Godvari tank of the temple.
Draksharama is situated just 6 Kms away from Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. One can reach by bus only. Excellent bus facility is available from Kakinada and Ramachandrapuram. The nearest railway stations are Kakinada, Rajahmundry. Samalkot (junction) where people can get down in case they want to visit this place. Few trains give stop at Annavaram also. People travelling by train from any part of the country can get down at Samalkota.
This temple Opening & Closing times is 6.00 AM and 8.00 PM. During this period major part of the Lord Shiva rituals are performed. Archana, Aarti and Abhisekham are the daily pujas performed.
The main festival of the Bhimeswara temple is Maha Shivaratri Festival. The festival is observed on 28th day of Magha Masam(Febraury/March) every year. On this day thousand of people visit the temple and worship the lord which includes observing Fast and keeping awake(Jagaram) all the night reciting Pamchakshari or reading Shiva Puranas.
The important auspicious month is Karthika Masa (October/November). During this month thousands of devotees lighting the lamps in front of Lord Shiva and Goddess Manikyamba.
The other imortant festivals are Vaisakha Pournami, Sravana Purnima, Karthika Purnima, Vasantha Panchami, Gowri Vratam and SaranNavaratrulu.
There are dormitories available whose rent is Rs. 200.00/- per day. The Devasthanam has two A.C. suites in their guest house with attached Bathroom whose rent is Rs. 700.00/- per day for each suite. There are also rooms available at reasonable rates. Generally the fare starts from Rs.100 for a smaller room and Rs.200 for a bigger room on per day basis. There is also a choultry in front of the temple where you get food free of cost and also provides a nice place to relax. Another best option is to stay at any of the places like Kakinada, Samalkota or Rajahmundry as you can find pretty good accommodation here. From these places, you can make a day trip to Draksharamam.