Draksharamam temple, known as Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, is one of South India’s most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, it proudly stands among the five Pancharama Kshetras, carrying over a thousand years of unbroken devotion and Chalukyan architectural brilliance. The presiding deity Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and goddess Manikyamba together attract millions of pilgrims every year seeking spiritual blessings.
From Abhishekam rituals to Kumkum Archana, the temple offers a complete worship experience. Whether you travel from Kakinada, Rajahmundry, or Vijayawada, Draksharamam rewards every devotee with an unforgettable divine encounter rooted in deep religious significance.
What Is Draksharamam Temple?
The Draksharamam temple, formally called the Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, is a celebrated Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the town of Draksharama in the Ramachandrapuram Mandal of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, this temple is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, a group of five sacred Shiva temples in the region considered highly auspicious in the Hindu calendar.
The presiding deity is Lord Bhimeswara Swamy, a form of Shiva. The temple also houses the goddess Manikyamba, the consort of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy, who is worshipped separately with rituals like Kumkum Archana.
Why Is It Religiously Significant?
- It is one of five Pancharama Kshetras in Andhra Pradesh
- The deity is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu)
- Devotees believe a pilgrimage here washes away sins
- The temple tank on the premises holds deep spiritual importance
- It is an active center for deity worship throughout the year
Draksharamam Temple History
The Draksharamam temple history dates back over a thousand years. It is believed to have been built during the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, a powerful ruling lineage that governed the coastal Andhra region between the 7th and 12th centuries.
Draksharamam Temple Built By
Historical records and inscriptions suggest that the temple was constructed by Chalukya Bhima I, a prominent ruler of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, around the 9th century CE. The architectural style reflects the distinct Chalukyan influence, with intricate carvings, a towering gopuram (gateway tower), and a well-planned sanctum sanctorum.
Key historical facts:
- The temple is mentioned in several ancient Sanskrit texts and Puranas
- It is believed to be over 1,000 years old
- Successive rulers added and renovated portions of the structure
- The temple holds significant inscriptional evidence on its walls
- It is protected and maintained today by the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department
Draksharamam Temple Timings
Planning your visit around the correct temple timings ensures a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience. The temple follows different schedules depending on regular days, the holy month of Karthika Masam, and Masa Sivaratri.
Regular Day Darshan Timings
On standard days, the temple operates in two sessions with an afternoon break.
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Morning Session | 06:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM | 03:00 PM |
| Evening Session | 03:00 PM | 08:00 PM |
The afternoon break allows for temple maintenance and the ritual rest period for the deities. Devotees are advised to plan their arrival either in the morning session for early morning worship or in the evening session for the evening aarti.
Karthika Masam Temple Timings
Karthika Masam is considered the most auspicious month in the Hindu calendar for Lord Shiva devotees. During this period, the temple extends its hours to accommodate the larger influx of pilgrims.
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Morning Session | 05:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:30 PM | 03:00 PM |
| Evening Session | 03:00 PM | 08:30 PM |
The morning session begins a full hour earlier at 5:00 AM, allowing devotees to participate in pre-sunrise rituals and early morning worship.
Masa Sivaratri Darshan Timings
Masa Sivaratri is a monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva. On these days, continuous darshan is offered without any afternoon break.
| Occasion | Start Time | End Time | Break |
| Masa Sivaratri | 06:00 AM | 08:00 PM | No Break |
This makes Masa Sivaratri an ideal day for devotees who cannot time their visit around session breaks.
Draksharamam Temple Pooja Schedule
Beyond general darshan, the temple offers specific poojas that devotees can participate in or witness.
Abhishekam Timings
The Abhishekam is a sacred bathing ritual performed on the deity, considered the most powerful form of Lord Shiva worship.
- Regular Days: 06:00 AM to 09:00 AM
- Karthika Masam and Masa Sivaratri: 05:00 AM to 11:00 AM
The extended Abhishekam window during Karthika Masam and Masa Sivaratri is due to the high number of devotees seeking to participate in this bathing ritual during these sacred periods.
Kumkum Archana Timings
The Kumkum Archana is a floral and vermillion offering ritual performed for goddess Manikyamba. Unlike Abhishekam, these timings remain consistent throughout the year.
| Session | Timings |
| Morning Session | 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Evening Session | 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM |
These timings apply on regular days, during Karthika Masam, and on Masa Sivaratri, making it easy to plan.
Draksharamam Temple Distance From Major Cities
One of the most common queries from pilgrims is the travel distance from nearby cities. Here is a clear breakdown.
Kakinada to Draksharamam Distance
Kakinada, a major port city in East Godavari District, is approximately 40 to 45 kilometers from Draksharamam. The journey takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road via the NH-216 route.
Rajahmundry to Draksharamam Distance
Rajahmundry (also called Rajamahendravaram), a well-connected city on the banks of the Godavari River, is around 50 to 55 kilometers from Draksharamam. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours by road.
Vijayawada to Draksharamam Distance
Vijayawada, the commercial capital of Andhra Pradesh, is approximately 230 to 250 kilometers from Draksharamam. Pilgrims usually travel by road or rail via Rajahmundry and then proceed to the temple town.
Samarlakota to Draksharamam Distance
Samarlakota is a town very close to Kakinada and is approximately 35 to 40 kilometers from Draksharamam, making it one of the nearest major towns to the temple.
Quick Distance Summary Table
| City | Approximate Distance | Estimated Travel Time |
| Kakinada | 40 to 45 km | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Rajahmundry | 50 to 55 km | 1.5 hours |
| Vijayawada | 230 to 250 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Samarlakota | 35 to 40 km | 1 hour |
For Draksharamam temple distance from your location, use Google Maps and search “Draksharamam Temple” to get real-time directions and travel time from your current position.
Nearby Places to Visit Around Draksharamam Temple
A pilgrimage to Draksharamam can easily be combined with visits to other significant religious and historical sites in the region.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Samalkot Kumararama Temple: One of the other five Pancharama Kshetras, located around 35 km away, dedicated to Lord Kumara Bhimeswara
- Rajahmundry (Rajamahendravaram): A culturally rich city on the Godavari River, home to the famous Godavari Pushkara ghats and ISKCON temple
- Kakinada Beach: A scenic coastal destination about 40 km away, ideal for a relaxed stopover after your pilgrimage
- Annavaram Temple: The Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple at Annavaram, around 50 km from Draksharamam, is a popular Vaishnavite shrine
- Kadiam Nurseries: World-renowned for its vast plant nurseries, located en route near Rajahmundry, worth a brief stop
Draksharamam Temple Official Website and Contact
For verified and updated information on special darshan slots, festival schedules, and accommodation:
Temple Administration Contact
| Detail | Information |
| Designation | Executive Officer |
| Location | Draksharama, Ramachandrapuram Mandal, East Godavari District |
| Pin Code | 533 262 |
| Phone Number | 08857-252488 |
Devotees can also check dailydarshantime.com for regularly updated Draksharamam darshan timings, pooja schedules, and festival-specific information. The Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department also maintains an official portal where temple details are periodically updated.
Tips for Planning Your Pilgrimage
Before you head to Draksharamam, keep these practical points in mind:
- Arrive at least one hour before your preferred darshan session
- Purchase pooja materials from the local stalls near the temple tank
- Dress in traditional attire as the temple follows a dress code
- Avoid visiting during peak festival days if you prefer a quieter experience
- Carry cash as digital payment may not always be available at all stalls
- For Abhishekam bookings, contact the temple administration in advance during Karthika Masam
Also Read About: Kanipakam Temple Timings That Most Pilgrims Don’t Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Draksharamam Famous For?
Draksharamam temple is famous as one of the five sacred Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
Which Body Part of Sati Fell in Draksharamam?
According to Hindu mythology, the right cheek of Goddess Sati fell at Draksharamam temple, making it a significant Shakti Peetha for devoted pilgrims.
How Far is Draksharamam Temple from Kakinada Beach?
Draksharamam temple is approximately 40 to 45 kilometers from Kakinada Beach, with an estimated travel time of around one to one-and-a-half hours by road.
Is Draksharamam Dakshina Kashi?
Yes, Draksharamam temple is widely regarded as Dakshina Kashi due to its immense religious significance, powerful Shiva presence, and deep-rooted spiritual heritage in Andhra Pradesh.
Conclusion
Draksharamam temple stands as one of South India’s most powerful Shiva shrines, holding an irreplaceable place among the five Pancharama Kshetras in Andhra Pradesh. Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and goddess Manikyamba together make this a complete spiritual destination for millions of devotees annually. The temple’s rich Chalukyan architecture, centuries-old history, and deeply rooted religious significance make every visit truly transformative.
Whether you come for Abhishekam, Kumkum Archana, or simply darshan, the sanctum sanctorum carries an energy unlike anywhere else. Plan your timings wisely, arrive early during Karthika Masam, and experience the divine presence that has drawn pilgrims to Draksharamam for over a thousand years.
Michael Anderson is a spiritual content writer with 8+ years of experience documenting temple darshan timings across India. He has completed 100+ projects with 95% client satisfaction, helping thousands of devotees plan meaningful spiritual journeys.