If you ever get to visit Andhra Pradesh, then you should visit Draksharamam temple. It is a temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is also famous as “Dakshina Kashi”. The main deities of Lord Shiva are Lord Bheemeshwara Swamy and Manikyamba. The Shiva linga in the temple is around 9 feet tall where a flight of steps leads you to the upper level of the Linga where one could see the head of the holy Lord Bheemeshwara Swamy. Manikyamba Devi’s shrine is installed in the back-end of the temple.
Shiva Linga
Sri Manikyamba Devi
At the entrance of the temple there is a shrine of Lord Vishnu and a shrine of Lakshmi Devi. There are many other shrines that are installed in temple. The water for the abhishekas comes from the Godavari Kundam as it is considered to be holy. The Pond is called Sapta Kundam because it is said that seven streams forms this pond making it sacred.
Sapta Kundam
Drakasharama is located near Ramachandrapuram in Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. There is an amazing road transport facility available to reach this place. One can drive all the way to the temple or can also opt for local transports, cabs and government buses that are readily available. If you are planning to come in the train then the nearest railway station is Samalkot junction. There are a couple of trains which come till Annavaram. The remaining distance has to be covered by local transports or cabs. If you are planning to travel via airways then the nearest airport would be Rajamandry or Vijayawada. From there you can either take train or a cab to reach the place.
History has a beautiful story within!
Legend shares a beautiful story about the temple, its name and its existence. The Shiva Linga that was inside the throat of Tarakasura broke into 5 pieces during Tarakasura Vadh. Thus, it is called as Draksharama.
The Temple
When you need to visit the place?
You can visit the temple anytime as the weather in this place is moderate. But try avoiding rainy season and visit during winter or summer. The best time to pay your visit is during the festivals especially during Maha Shivarathri. Watching the Maha Shivarathri celebration here is treat to the eyes. The festival usually falls in the month of February or March. The Navarathri festival is also celebrated in great pomp in the month of October/November.
The place also provides good accommodation to all the visitors. There are rooms which are air conditioned and non-air conditioned that are available at reasonable prices affordable to all. The place is sophisticated and well maintained for all the deities and visitors who come every day. Enjoy the bliss of temple and attain peace of mind by visiting this sacred place. It is one of the famous temples in South India and has to be visited once in a lifetime.
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