Draksharamam Temple (Sri Manikyambadevi Sametha Sri Bheemeswara Swamy Temple) – Complete Guide, Darshan Timings, Sevas & Online Booking

Draksharamam Temple, also known as Draksharama Sri Manikyambadevi Sametha Sri Bheemeswara Swamy Temple, is one of the Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Draksharamam village, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

This temple is a rare and sacred confluence of Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha, where Lord Bheemeswara Swamy and Goddess Manikyamba Devi bless devotees together.

About Draksharamam Temple

Draksharamam is a 9th-century temple built by the Eastern Chalukyas and holds immense architectural, spiritual, and historical significance. The temple stands as one of the five Pancharama temples—the others being Amararama, Somarama, Ksheerarama, and Kumararama.
The temple’s name is derived from “Draksha” (Daksha Prajapati) and “Aramam” (Garden), signifying the site where Daksha Yagna took place.

History of Draksharamam Temple

According to legend, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Goddess Parvati, performed a yagna without inviting Lord Shiva. Enraged, Parvati immolated herself, and Lord Shiva destroyed Daksha’s sacrifice. Later, this place became known as Draksharama, where Lord Shiva resided as Bheemeswara Swamy.
The temple was constructed by the Eastern Chalukya ruler Bhima (9th century CE) and expanded during the Kakatiya and Vijayanagara reigns. The inscriptions on the temple walls describe royal donations and ancient Vedic rituals.

Deities

• Main Deity: Sri Bheemeswara Swamy (Lord Shiva) – one of the Pancharama Jyotirlingas

• Consort: Goddess Manikyamba Devi – one of the 18 Shakti Peethas

• Sub Shrines: Lord Vinayaka, Subramanya Swamy, Nandeeswara, Surya Bhagavan, Saptha Matrukas, and Navagrahas

The Shiva Lingam here is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and divided into two visible layers—representing the unity of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Temple Significance

• One of the Pancharama Kshetras in Andhra Pradesh

• One of the Ashta Dasha (18) Shakti Peethas

• Believed that Lord Surya installed the Shiva Linga

• Kumkum Archana to Goddess Manikyamba Devi grants peace, prosperity, and marital harmony

Adopted Temples

The Draksharamam Temple Board also maintains several nearby shrines including:

• Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple

• Sri Vinayaka Swamy Temple

• Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

• Sri Saneeswara Swamy Temple

These temples are spiritually connected and form part of the greater Draksharamam pilgrimage circuit.

Temple Board Members

The temple is administered by the Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh Government, under the Draksharamam Temple Devasthanam Trust Board.
The board oversees temple administration, pooja arrangements, festivals, donations, and developmental projects.

Pilgrim Services

Draksharamam Temple provides various facilities for pilgrims:

• Free drinking water and rest sheds

• Cloakroom and footwear deposit counter

• Free meals (Annadanam) for devotees daily

• Information center for Seva & Darshan

• Vehicle parking and prasadam counters

Sevas and Poojas

Note: Seva rates may vary during special occasions or temple festivals.

Darshanam Timings (2025–2026)

Special extended darshans are available on Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Navaratri days.

Accommodation

The temple provides comfortable lodging for devotees at affordable prices.

• Devasthanam Cottages: AC and Non-AC rooms available

• Guest Houses: Near temple premises

• Private Hotels: Available in Ramachandrapuram and Kakinada

For bookings:Visit the Temple Information Office or call +91-8857-252488.

Donation

Devotees can offer donations for:

• Annadanam Scheme

• Nitya Deepa & Naivedyam

• Renovation Funds

• Vidya Dana & Vedha Pathashala Support

Donations can be made at the temple office or through the official Andhra Pradesh Endowments website:
👉 https://www.aptemples.org/en-in/home

Daily Rituals

1. Suprabhatha Seva – Morning wake-up of deities

2. Abhishekam – Sacred bath with milk, honey & water

3. Alankarana – Decoration with flowers & ornaments

4. Kumkum Archana – To Goddess Manikyamba

5. Naivedyam – Food offering

6. Maha Harathi – Final worship before temple closing

Institutions Under the Temple

• Draksharamam Vedha Pathashala – Promotes Vedic education for students

• Temple Charitable Trust – Engaged in social welfare and community development

• Muttam & Peetams: Spiritual guidance centers that conduct religious discourses, yagnas, and cultural activities

Vedha Pathashala

The temple runs a Vedic School (Vedha Pathashala) for training students in ancient scriptures, rituals, and temple traditions.

• Subjects include Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Agama Shastra

• Students are provided free accommodation, meals, and education funded by temple donations

Charitable Trust

The Draksharamam Temple Charitable Trust supports:

• Poor feeding programs (Annadanam)

• Free medical camps

• Educational support for underprivileged students

• Temple heritage conservation projects

Transport – How to Reach Draksharamam

🚗 By Road:

• From Kakinada: 28 km (45 mins)

• From Rajahmundry: 50 km (1 hr 15 mins)

• From Amalapuram: 35 km (1 hr)

APSRTC buses and taxis are available regularly from nearby towns.

🚆 By Train:

• Nearest Railway Station: Ramachandrapuram (8 km)

• Other stations: Kakinada Town (28 km), Rajahmundry (50 km)

✈️ By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Rajahmundry Airport (60 km)

• Alternative: Visakhapatnam Airport (180 km)

Places to Visit Near Draksharamam

1. Kumararama Temple (Samalkot) – 25 km

2. Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy Temple – 80 km

3. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary – 40 km

4. Kakinada Beach – 30 km

5. Dowleswaram Barrage, Rajahmundry – 55 km

These destinations are perfect for pilgrims extending their spiritual and cultural journey.

General Information

• Temple Address:
  Draksharama Sri Bheemeswara Swamy Temple,
  Draksharamam, East Godavari District,
  Andhra Pradesh – 533262

• Contact Number: +91-8857-252488

• Official Website: https://www.aptemples.org/en-in/temples/BMSDRM/visit

• Email: info@draksharamamtemple.ap.gov.in (if available)

• Temple Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended (Men: Dhoti, Women: Saree/Churidar)

• Photography: Allowed outside sanctum only

• Mobile phones: Restricted inside the main sanctum

• Parking: Available near temple premises

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main deity of Draksharamam Temple?

Lord Bheemeswara Swamy (Shiva) with Goddess Manikyamba Devi.

2. Is online booking available for Draksharamam Temple darshan?

Yes, through https://www.aptemples.org/en-in/home under AP Endowments Seva Booking.

3. What is the timing for Kumkum Archana?

Every morning from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

4. What are the best months to visit Draksharamam?

During Karthika Masam, Maha Shivaratri, and Navaratri festivals.

5. Is accommodation available near the temple?

Yes, Devasthanam cottages and private hotels are available.

6. What is the significance of Draksharamam Temple?

It is both a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped together. It’s one of the Pancharama Kshetras and Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas in India.

7. What are the darshan timings at Draksharamam Temple?

The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily.

8. What is special about Kumkum Archana?

Kumkum Archana is performed to Goddess Manikyamba Devi for spiritual harmony, marital peace, and protection against negative influences.

9. Which is the nearest railway station to Draksharamam?

The nearest station is Ramachandrapuram Railway Station, just 8 km away.

10. Can devotees perform Rudrabhishekam at Draksharamam?

Yes, Rudrabhishekam Seva is performed daily evening. Advance booking is suggested.

🕉️ Conclusion

The Draksharamam Temple is not just a place of worship — it’s a living symbol of devotion, architecture, and divine energy. As both a Jyotirlinga and Shakti Peetha, it attracts lakhs of devotees who seek peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.

Plan your pilgrimage in 2025–2026 to experience the sacred aura of Draksharama Sri Manikyambadevi Sametha Sri Bheemeswara Swamy Temple — a divine jewel of Andhra Pradesh.