Draksharamam Temple is a temple situated in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the pancharama kshetras, which are five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is also known as Dakshina Kasi, which means the southern equivalent of Varanasi, the holiest city in India. The temple is visited by devotees of Lord Shiva, who worship him as Bhimeswara, the lord of strength and power.
The temple is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a serene and scenic atmosphere for the pilgrims. It is also rich in history, culture, and architecture, and has many legends and stories associated with it. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this temple and why it is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves spirituality, art, and heritage.
History of the Temple
The history of Draksharamam Temple dates back to the ancient times, when Lord Shiva incarnated as Bhimeswara to protect his devotee Daksha from his own wrath. According to the legend, Daksha was the son of Brahma, the creator of the universe, and the father of Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Daksha was arrogant and disrespectful towards Lord Shiva, and did not invite him to his yagna (sacrificial fire ceremony). Sati, who was hurt and angry by her father’s insult, decided to attend the yagna without Lord Shiva’s permission. There, she faced the humiliation and abuse of her father and his guests, who spoke ill of Lord Shiva. Unable to bear the pain and dishonor, Sati immolated herself in the yagna fire.
Lord Shiva, who was enraged by the death of his beloved, took the form of Bhimeswara and destroyed the yagna and killed Daksha and his followers. He then carried the charred body of Sati and wandered around the earth, grieving and lamenting. The gods and sages were worried that Lord Shiva’s sorrow and anger would cause havoc in the world, and prayed to Lord Vishnu to pacify him. Lord Vishnu then used his Sudarshana Chakra (discus) to cut the body of Sati into 18 pieces, which fell in different places in India. These places are known as the Shakti Peethas, which are the places where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation.
One of the Shakti Peethas is Draksharamam, where the left cheek of Sati fell. Here, Lord Shiva settled as Bhimeswara, and was worshipped by his devotee Daksha, who was resurrected by Lord Vishnu with a goat’s head. Daksha repented for his sins and sought the forgiveness and blessings of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, who was pleased by his devotion, granted him his wish and named the place as Draksharamam, which means the abode of the divine power.
The temple was built by the Eastern Chalukya king Bhima I in the 9th century CE, and consecrated by his son Vijayaditya II in 892 CE. The temple was patronised by various dynasties and rulers, such as the Cholas, the Kakatiyas, the Reddys, and the Vijayanagara kings. The temple has about 381 inscriptions from various dynasties and rulers who patronised it. The temple is also an ASI-protected monument, which indicates its archaeological and architectural value.
Architecture of the Temple
The temple is built in the Chola and Chalukyan styles of temple architecture, which are characterised by intricate carvings, motifs, and patterns. The temple complex covers an area of 12 acres and has two prakaras (enclosures). The outer prakara has four entrances, each with a gopuram (tower). The inner prakara has a mandapa (hall) with 108 pillars, each with a lion’s face carved on it.
The main attraction of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum, which houses the idol of Bhimeswara. The idol is a long cylindrical crystal, which is about 14 feet high and 2 feet wide. The idol is covered with a silk cloth throughout the year, except on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, which falls in February or March. On this day, the silk cloth is removed, and the devotees can have a darshan (view) of the original idol. This is a rare and auspicious event, and thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple to witness it.
The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Manikyamba. She is the consort of Bhimeswara, and is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. She is believed to grant happiness and prosperity to the devotees. The temple also has a sacred pond, called the Sapta Godavari Kundam, which is said to have been created by the seven holy rivers of India. The temple also has a pyramidal tower, called the Vimanam, which is adorned with sculptures and paintings of various deities and scenes from the Hindu epics.
Significance of the Temple
The temple is one of the five most powerful and prominent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. It is one of the pancharama kshetras, which are five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Andhra Pradesh. The concept and importance of the pancharama kshetras are related to the story of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the demon Tarakasura.
According to the legend, Tarakasura was a powerful demon who had obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by any weapon, except by the Shivalinga (a symbol of Lord Shiva). He became arrogant and tyrannical, and oppressed the gods and the sages. The gods and the sages then prayed to Lord Vishnu to save them from Tarakasura. Lord Vishnu then took the form of Kumara, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and fought with Tarakasura. He broke the Shivalinga into five pieces with his weapon, and killed Tarakasura. The five pieces of the Shivalinga then became the five pancharama kshetras, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in different forms.
The five pancharama kshetras are:
1. Draksharamam, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Bhimeswara, the lord of strength and power.
2. Amararamam, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Amaralingeswara, the lord of immortality and eternity.
3. Somaramam, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Someswara, the lord of the moon and the soma (nectar).
4. Ksheeraramam, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Ksheeralingeswara, the lord of milk and the ksheera (ocean of milk).
5. Kumararamam, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kumara Bhimeswara, the lord of youth and the kumara (son of Shiva).
It is believed that visiting these five temples is equivalent to visiting the five elements of nature, and that one can attain salvation by worshipping Lord Shiva in these temples. The temple is also a place of immense religious and spiritual significance, as it is the place where Lord Shiva manifested his supreme power and grace, and where he was worshipped by his devotee Daksha. The temple is also a place of ritual and worship, where various poojas and sevas are performed daily and on special occasions. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are Dola Utsava, Kalyanotsava, Chandanotsava, Maha Shivaratri, and Navaratri Utsava. The temple also offers various services and facilities to the devotees, such as annaprasadam (free food), gosamrakshana (cow protection), and nrusimha vanam (a garden dedicated to Lord Narasimha).
How to Reach the Temple
The temple is located in the Draksharamam village, which is about 28 km from the town of Kakinada and 50 km from the city of Rajahmundry. The temple can be reached by various modes of transport, such as air, rail, and road.
By air: The nearest airport is the Rajahmundry Airport, which is about 65 km from the temple. From the airport, one can take a taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By rail: The nearest railway station is the Draksharamam Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the temple. From the station, one can take a taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By road: The temple is well-connected by road to the towns and cities of Andhra Pradesh. There are regular buses and taxis available from Kakinada and Rajahmundry to the temple. One can also drive to the temple by following the NH 16 and the Draksharamam Road.
The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days of the week.
The best time to visit the temple is during the months of April and May, when the Chandanotsava festival is celebrated and the idol of Bhimeswara is revealed to the public.
Nearby Attractions
There are many other attractions near the temple that can be visited along with the temple, such as:
The other pancharama kshetras in Andhra Pradesh, such as the Amararamam Temple, the Somaramam Temple, the Ksheeraramam Temple, and the Kumararamam Temple. These temples are also dedicated to Lord Shiva in different forms, and are believed to grant salvation to the devotees who visit them.
1. The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a mangrove forest and a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to various species of flora and fauna, such as crocodiles, otters, turtles, dolphins, and birds. It is also a place of natural beauty and tranquility, where one can enjoy boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
2. The Biccavolu Temples, which are a group of 10 temples that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries CE. They are built in the Chalukyan style of architecture, and are known for their exquisite sculptures and carvings. The most famous among them is the Sri Golingeswara Swamy Temple, which has a 16 feet high Shivalinga made of black stone.
3. The Annavaram Temple, which is a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana, who is a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the most popular and visited temples in Andhra Pradesh, and is known for its unique architecture and rituals. The temple also offers a panoramic view of the Pampa River and the surrounding hills.
4. The Rajahmundry City, which is one of the oldest and largest cities in Andhra Pradesh. It is also known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, as it is the birthplace of many poets, writers, and artists. The city has many attractions, such as the Godavari Bridge, the ISKCON Temple, the Rallabandi Subbarao Government Museum, and the Pushkar Ghat.
5. The Papikondalu Boat Cruise, which is a scenic and adventurous ride on the Godavari River. The cruise takes the visitors through the Papikondalu hills, which are a range of mountains that resemble a partition of hair. The cruise also offers a glimpse of the tribal life and culture, as well as the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.
6. The Rayali Temple, which is a unique temple that combines the worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple has a single idol, which has the front half of Lord Shiva and the back half of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also known as the Ardhanareeswara Temple, which means the temple of the half-female god.
7. The Uppada Beach, which is a pristine and serene beach that is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. It is also a place of natural beauty and charm, where one can enjoy the view of the sea and the sky, and the breeze and the sand.
Conclusion
Draksharamam Temple is a place of divine power and grace, where one can experience the presence and blessings of Lord Shiva in his unique form of Bhimeswara. It is a place of history, culture, and architecture, where one can admire the beauty and craftsmanship of the temple and its surroundings. It is a place of pilgrimage, where one can seek the salvation and prosperity of the Lord and his consort. It is a place of adventure, where one can explore the various attractions and activities near the temple and enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of the region.
If you are looking for a spiritual, cultural, and fun-filled destination, then Draksharamam Temple is the perfect choice for you. Book your trip today and experience the magic and mystery of this temple.