Draksharama Bhimeswara Temple

Also known locally as Draksharamam, Dakshina Kashi, Daksha Vatika, and Daksha Tapovana, this ancient temple stands on the banks of a river, offering a tranquil spiritual ambience for devotees seeking darshan of Lord Shiva, the primary deity.

The temple also houses shrines for Goddess Manikyamba, Ganapati, Kartikeya, and Bhairava, making it a significant destination for worshippers of multiple deities. The Draksharama Bhimeswara Temple is renowned for its Dravidian architecture and is recognized as an ASI protected monument.

Built by the Eastern Chalukya king Bhima I, the temple’s heritage and grandeur attract visitors from across the country. The temple is also a Shakti Peetha, with the Manikyamba shrine situated within the premises, drawing devotees seeking blessings from the Divine Mother.

Devotees can visit the temple during its open hours from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The best time to visit is in the morning hours between 8 AM and 12 PM, during the winter months from November to February, or in the festival season when the temple comes alive with special rituals and celebrations.

Major festivals observed here include Maha Shivaratri (February-March), Sarrannavarathri (October), Karthika Masam (November), Bhisma Ekadasi (February), the birthday of Sri Bhimeswara Swamy (December), and Subrahmanya Shasti.

A variety of poojas are performed in the temple, including Abhishekam, Kumkumarchana, Kalyanotsavam, Laksha Patri Puja, Laksha Kumkumarchana, Surya Namaskaramulu, Ekadasa Rudramu, and special rituals during Dasara and Masa Shivaratri.

Services like Aksharabhyasam, Annaprasana, Keshakhandana, and Upanayanam are also available, with poojas conducted in Telugu. Free darshan is offered to all devotees.

The temple maintains a traditional dress code: men are required to wear dhotis or formal pants and shirts, while women should wear sarees or churidar/salwar kameez with dupatta. Reaching Draksharama Bhimeswara Temple is convenient via multiple routes.

From Kakinada (28-30 km), visitors can take a taxi or APSRTC bus to Ramachandrapuram, followed by a local auto or taxi to Draksharamam. From Rajahmundry (50-55 km), travel is via NH5, diverting at Ramachandrapuram.

Ferry services are available from Yanam or Amalapuram via Kotipalli to cross the Godavari River. The nearest railway stations are Kakinada Town (28 km), Samalkot Junction (35 km), Anaparti (19 km), and Dwarapudi (20 km).

Rajahmundry Airport (50 km) and Visakhapatnam Airport (140 km) are the closest airports. Accommodation options include Devasthanam rooms at the temple, small lodges in Ramachandrapuram (6 km), and hotels in Kakinada (30 km). Free food (annadanam) and various prasadam are provided to devotees.

Limited paid parking is available near the temple, and the main entrance is wheelchair accessible, though stairs lead to the upper level. Photography is not allowed inside the main sanctum but is permitted in the outer courtyard with restrictions.

For more information, devotees can visit the official website or contact the temple at 08857-252488.

Nearby attractions include Manikyamba Shakti Peeth, Samalkot Kumararama Temple, Kotipalli Temple, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ainavilli Ganesh Temple, making Draksharamam a holistic spiritual and cultural destination.