Draksharama, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Deities: Draksharama (Shiva)
Location: Ramachandrapuram, near Kakinada City, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
Best time to visit: All year around
Known as: Dakshina Kaasi & Five Pancharama Kshetrams
Festival & Event: Mahashivaratri, Devi Navaratrulu (Navaratri), Kartika Masam, Dhanur Masam

Draksharama is one of the Pancharama Kshetras which is located at Draksharamam town near Kakinada city in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in South India.

The Shiva deity is known as Bhimeswara Swamy. The temple is situated on the eastern bank of Godavari River. The consort of Lord Bhimeswara is Manikyamba. According to local belief the Shivalinga at the temple was installed and established by the god, Surya. Maha Shivaratri, Devi Navaratrulu (Navaratri), Kartika Masam, Dhanur Masam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.

According to local legend, the temple was built by angels in one night. The construction of the perimeter wall could not be completed before sunrise and still stands incomplete. Several attempts have been made to construct the uncompleted part of the wall but all those efforts have failed with the constructed wall collapsing within a few months.

There is a railway station in Draksharama in Kakinada-Kotipalli railway line.

As per the Government of India, the temple construction was started in mid 800A.D and completed somewhere around 11th century. The construction of the temple is marvel, a two staired Mandapam and two walled, one inside other, inner temple (Garbhaalaya) makes it a very profound and very cultural and noble architecture, in those times. Its architecture is still a library for students of architecture. The ventilation of the inner temple really amazes. Temple is always full of light and air with very good ventilation to all sides’ surprises. The temple's two stair Mandapam is a real astonishment for anyone, and the pillars in the temple are carved so delicately skilfully carved. Many Shasanas (Official & Historical Registry Chronicles) have been written on the stone walls of the temple from time to time, from legions of Chola & Satavahanas to Vijayanagar & Reddy Kingdoms that ruled over centuries. Scripts are Dravidian Tamil, Devanagri, Telegu scripts of both Sanskrit and Telugu language.

The village is called Dakshina (South) Kaasi. The Siva linga in this temple is said to be a one large Crystal, which is 2.6 meters high. Shiva is accompanied by Dakshayani, who is the first wife of Shiva (also the daughter of Daksha, so is the name Dakshayani). Manikyamba goddess ,said to be one part of Sati Devi, among 18 pieces ,that fell here ,is a Shakti pith.

Legend:
Draksharama is very famous as the seat of a temple of Bhimeswaraswami. Draksharama is also called as Dakshina Kaasi or the Southern Banaras.

Vedvyas is said to have founded this temple, and the Ravi tree and Lingam said to have been founded by him, are still shown. Within the temple is a curious well, the mouth of which is in the shape of a strung bow. It is called the Rudra Tirth and a Lingam at the site of the Western gate is said to be making a daily pilgrimage to Banaras. Right at the main entrance of the temple, there is the image of Ganapati, who has been praised by devotees as the fulfiller of the wishes and desires of his Bhaktas.

There is also here a Navagraha shrine and the shrine of the Ashta Dikpalakas in the eastern Mukhamandapam.

There is also in the temple a Vigraha of Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swami. This is said to have been installed by Sri Ramachandra as the Kshetrapalaka. It is generally believed that a Divya Sthalam becomes a Punya Sthalam, only when there is a Vishnu image in Shivalaya, and a Shiva image in Vishnualaya. Hence, the importance of this.

This Mandir constitutes one of the five Pancharama Kshetrams in Andhra Pradesh.

1) Amareshwar / Amaravana
2) Draksharama
3) Kumararama at Kotipalli (Bhimaramam at Samalkot)
4) Ksheeraramam at Palakollu
5) Somaramam at Bhimavaram (Bhimeswara temples at Bhimeswara)

Attractions:
The temple is noted not only for its architectural beauty and historical importance, but also for its sanctity and holiness and attracts pilgrims in thousands every year.

Festival & Event:
Mahashivratri, Devi Navaratrulu (Navaratri), Kartika Masam, Dhanur Masam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.

How to reach:
by Road: Draksharama is situated at a distance of four miles from Ramachandrapuram, which is a Taluk headquarters of East Godavari District of Andhra. One can reach it either from Rajahmundry or from Kakinada by road.
by Rail: This holy place is connected with major railway track of Indiaby.
by Air: HyderabadWhere to stay: Kakinada, Godavari Distt.

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