Bhimeswara Swamy Temple in Draksharamam
· Summer: 22°C-40°C
· Winter: 20°C-33°C
· Monsoon: July-November
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 06:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 08:00 p.m. (closed from 12 noon to 03:00 p.m.)
Weekly Holiday: Open 7 days a week.
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: Free
Children:
Free
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
Free
Children:
Free
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Draksharama, also known as Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is one of the five most divine Shiva temples collectively known as Pancharama Kshetram. The temple is also popular for being a Shiva Kshetra as well as a Shakti Kshetra. According to legends, Goddess Sati’s cheek fell here and since then the place is dedicated to Goddess Manikyamba.
The crystal Shiva Lingam (about 2.4 m. high) inside the temple is the main attraction. The temple is also admirable for its superlative architecture boasting of highlights like two-storied mandapa, intricately carved pillars, towering gopurams and an amazingly impressive ventilation system. It is believed that the temple constructed in one night continues to have an incomplete wall which was not completed before the sunrise.
Many small temples within the complex are dedicated to the deities like Manikyamba, Natarajeshwar, Ganapathi, Visheshwara and Kanakadurga. The temple also hosts grand celebrations on occasions like Mahashivaratri and other festivals.
Connectivites
Road:
Draksharamam is best accessible by road as it is located close to the popular towns and cities like Ramachandrapuram, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Yanam and Samalkota. State transport buses start from each of these destinations to reach the temple village. You can also plan the journey in taxi or private vehicle.
Railway:
There are many rail access points near Draksharamam from where one can easily access the temple in local buses, taxis or cabs. Kakinada Railway Station (about 31 km. away), Samalkota Railway Station (about 40 km. away) and Rajahmundry Railway Station (about 45 km. away) are some of the possible options.
Airway:
Rajahmundry Airport (about 57 km. away) is the nearest airport to the temple. Flights from the airport operate to and from Hyderabad International Airport. Taxis and cabs from the airport conveniently take to the temple.