Draksharamam, the divine gem of Andhra Pradesh | Fusion - WeRIndia

Hidden along the sacred banks of the Godavari River lies Draksharamam, one of South India’s most revered Shiva temples.

Situated approximately 50 km from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, this holy site is renowned for its spiritual energy, ancient architecture, and rich mythology.

It is often referred to as Dakshina Kashi, the Varanasi of the South.

Draksharamam is part of the sacred Pancharama Kshetras, the five temples where fragments of Lord Shiva’s Linga are believed to have fallen.

The presiding deity, Lord Bheemeshwara Swamy, represents Lord Shiva, and his consort, Goddess Manikyamba, stands as an embodiment of Shakti.

Unlike most temples, both deities here are worshipped with equal reverence, symbolising perfect divine balance.

According to Hindu mythology, when the demon king Tarakasura was slain by Lord Shanmuka (Kartikeya), the Shiva Linga in his throat shattered into five pieces, creating the Pancharama temples.

Draksharamam is said to be one of these sacred sites, and legends claim the Sun God himself built the temple.

Goddess Manikyamba is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Sati, whose left cheek fell here after her self-immolation, making this place the 12th Shakti Peetha.

Her idol is slightly tilted to the left and rests upon a Sri Chakra, representing her worship through the Vama Marga or left-hand path of devotion.

The temple is celebrated for its splendid stone carvings and over 800 inscriptions etched across its walls.

The towering Shiva Linga, nearly 10 feet high, receives the first rays of the morning sun, a sight that enhances its divinity.

The sanctum has two levels, allowing devotees to witness the Linga from base to crown.

A fascinating local legend says that angels constructed the temple in a single night, but the perimeter wall remained unfinished before sunrise. Even today, repeated attempts to complete it have failed mysteriously.

Eight smaller Shiva shrines encircle the main temple, said to have been established by the Moon God to absorb the divine energy radiating from Lord Bheemeshwara’s Linga.

Draksharamam is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest railway station is Samalkot Junction, while Rajahmundry and Vijayawada serve as the closest airports.

The temple welcomes visitors year-round, but festivals like Maha Shivaratri (February-March) and Navaratri (October-November) are particularly vibrant.

Affordable lodging, peaceful surroundings, and divine atmosphere make Draksharamam a must-visit for devotees and travellers alike, a sacred destination where history, legend, and faith unite beautifully.

Image Credit: Kavurisgs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Draksharamam_Temple.jpg