Draksharamam Temple Timings: What to Know Before You Go

Draksharamam temple is one of Andhra Pradesh’s most sacred shrines, recognized as both a Pancharama Kshetra and the 12th Shakti Peetam in India. Dedicated to Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and Goddess Manikyamba Devi, this thousand-year-old temple attracts lakhs of pilgrims annually. Draksharamam temple timings follow a two-session daily schedule, 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 

During Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam, darshan begins as early as 5:00 AM with continuous rituals throughout the day. For confirmed seva bookings and pooja slot reservations, the draksharamam temple official website at aptemples.ap.gov.in is the most reliable and fastest booking platform available for every devotee.

What Makes Draksharamam Temple So Special?

Before planning your visit, it helps to understand why this temple holds such deep significance across India. Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple was built between the 9th and 10th centuries by King Bhima of the Eastern Chalukya Dynasty. It stands as one of the most powerful Pancharama Kshetras, a group of five ancient Shiva temples located across the Krishna and Godavari river regions of Andhra Pradesh.

The temple is dedicated to two primary deities:

• Lord Bhimeswara Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva, believed to grant health, peace, and liberation
• Goddess Manikyamba Devi, the presiding Shakti, venerated as the 12th Shakti Peetam

The architecture follows the classical Dravidian style, featuring towering gopurams (gateways), intricately carved stone pillars, and large mandapams (halls). The craftsmanship reflects the artistic brilliance of ancient Andhra sculptors from over a thousand years ago.

Why Devotees Visit Draksharamam

Pilgrims travel from across India for several specific reasons:

• To perform Abhishekam (sacred bathing of the deity) for blessings of health and prosperity
• To seek blessings during Karthika Masam, considered the holiest month in the Telugu calendar
• To attend Maha Shivaratri celebrations, which draw lakhs of devotees annually
• To experience the rare distinction of worshipping at both a Pancharama Kshetra and a Shakti Peetam in a single visit

This dual sanctity makes Draksharamam one of the most spiritually charged destinations in South India.

Draksharamam Temple Darshan Timings 2026

The temple follows a two-session darshan system daily, a morning session and an evening session, with a mandatory afternoon break for deity rituals and rest. Knowing these timings in advance helps you avoid arriving during the closed hours.

Session	Timings
Temple Opens	6:00 AM
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Afternoon Break (Closed)	12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Evening Darshan	3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Temple Closes	8:00 PM

The table above reflects the standard daily schedule. The afternoon closure is a common practice at major South Indian temples, allowing priests to complete midday rituals privately.

Best Time to Visit for a Peaceful Darshan

Not all hours are equally calm. Here is a quick breakdown of crowd levels throughout the day:

• 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, Least crowded, ideal for Abhishekam and quiet prayer
• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Moderate crowd, good for general darshan
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Lighter crowd in early evening
• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Busier, especially on Mondays and festival days

Tip: Weekday mornings between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM offer the most peaceful and spiritually immersive experience. Avoid Mondays and full moon days if you prefer shorter queues.

Special Festival Darshan Timings at Draksharamam Temple

During major Hindu festivals, the temple extends its darshan hours significantly to accommodate the surge of pilgrims. Priests perform special rituals throughout the day, and the entire temple complex is decorated with flowers, oil lamps, and rangoli.

Festival / Occasion	Extended Timings
Maha Shivaratri	5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Continuous, No Break)
Masa Shivaratri (Monthly)	5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Karthika Masam (Oct–Nov)	5:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Ugadi & Telugu New Year	6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

During Karthika Masam, the holiest month in the Telugu Hindu tradition, the temple sees its highest annual footfall. Devotees perform deepa pradakshina (circumambulation with oil lamps) around the temple every evening, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.

What Happens During Maha Shivaratri?

Maha Shivaratri at Draksharamam is a grand, all-night celebration. Key highlights include:

• Continuous Rudrabhishekam performed every three hours through the night
• Deepa Alankaram, decorating the deity with thousands of oil lamps
• Special Kalyana Utsavam (divine wedding ceremony) for Lord Bhimeswara and Goddess Manikyamba
• Massive Annadanam (free meal distribution) for all visiting pilgrims

Arriving by 4:30 AM on Maha Shivaratri gives you the best chance to complete darshan before crowds peak.

Daily Pooja & Aarti Schedule at Draksharamam Temple (2026)

Every ritual at Draksharamam follows a precise schedule rooted in Agama Shastra, the ancient Sanskrit texts governing temple worship. Each pooja marks a specific moment in the deity’s symbolic daily life, from waking up to resting at night.

Pooja / Ritual	Regular Days	Special Days (Shivaratri / Karthika Masam)
Suprabhatam (Morning Wake-Up Ritual)	6:00 AM	5:00 AM
Abhishekam (Holy Bath of the Deity)	6:00 AM – 9:00 AM	5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Kumkum Archana (Vermilion Prayer)	6:00 AM – 10:00 AM	5:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Morning Aarti	7:00 AM	6:30 AM
Noon Aarti	12:00 PM	12:30 PM
Evening Kumkum Archana	3:00 PM – 8:00 PM	3:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Evening Aarti	7:00 PM	7:30 PM

The table captures the full daily ritual cycle. Each pooja transitions smoothly into the next, creating an uninterrupted flow of divine energy throughout the day.

Understanding the Key Rituals

Suprabhatam is the first ritual of the day, priests chant sacred hymns to awaken Lord Bhimeswara Swamy. It is considered highly auspicious to be present during this ritual as the sanctum is charged with fresh spiritual energy.

Abhishekam involves bathing the Shivalingam with sacred substances including:

• Milk (Dugdha Abhishekam), for peace and mental clarity
• Honey (Madhu Abhishekam), for prosperity
• Panchamrita (five nectars), for overall well-being
• Sacred water from the Godavari River, for spiritual purification

Kumkum Archana is performed specifically for Goddess Manikyamba Devi. Devotees offer vermilion and fresh flowers while chanting her 108 names, seeking blessings for family harmony and protection.

Aarti is performed three times daily, morning, noon, and evening, with camphor flames, bells, and the chanting of Vedic mantras filling the air with a deeply meditative atmosphere.

Draksharamam Temple Seva Ticket Prices (2026)

Sevas allow devotees to participate directly in temple rituals rather than simply observing. Each seva has a fixed ticket price, and booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially on Mondays and festival days.

Seva / Pooja	Ticket Price (INR)
Suprabhatam Seva	₹50
Abhishekam	₹200
Special Abhishekam	₹500
Alankaram (Deity Decoration)	₹150
Aarti Seva	₹100
Sarva Darshan (General)	Free

These prices are set by the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department and are subject to revision during major festivals. General darshan (Sarva Darshan) remains completely free for all devotees regardless of the day or season.

Which Seva Should You Choose?

Here is a simple guide based on your intention:

• Choose Abhishekam if you are praying for health, recovery from illness, or family well-being
• Choose Special Abhishekam (₹500) for a more elaborate, personalized ritual with extended priest assistance
• Choose Alankaram to witness the deity adorned with flowers and ornaments, a visually moving experience
• Choose Aarti Seva for a spiritually uplifting group worship experience
• Choose Suprabhatam if you want to begin your day with the first divine ritual of the temple

How to Book Draksharamam Temple Darshan & Sevas Online (2026)

The Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department manages online bookings for all government-administered temples including Draksharamam through its official portal. Online booking saves significant time, especially during peak seasons.

Step-by-Step Online Booking Process

Follow these steps to complete your booking smoothly:

1. Visit the official website, Go to https://www.aptemples.ap.gov.in
2. Register or Log In, Create a new account using your mobile number and email ID, or log in if you already have one
3. Select the Temple, Search for “Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam” from the temple directory
4. Choose Your Seva or Darshan, Select the type of seva, your preferred date, and available time slot
5. Enter Devotee Details, Fill in name, age, and gender for all participating devotees accurately
6. Make Payment, Pay securely via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking
7. Save Your Confirmation, You will receive a confirmation via SMS and email, screenshot it or print it
8. Show at Temple Counter, Present your confirmation at the designated counter for a hassle-free entry

Important Online Booking Tips

• Book at least 3–5 days in advance for regular visits and 2–3 weeks ahead for festival dates
• Cancellations and rescheduling options are available through the same portal within the designated cancellation window
• Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport) along with your booking confirmation
• Mobile data inside the temple complex can be slow, always carry a printed or offline copy of your booking

Draksharamam Temple Visitor Information & Travel Tips (2026)

Detail	Information
Full Address	Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam, Konaseema District, Andhra Pradesh – 533262
Contact Number	08857-252488
Official Website	www.aptemples.ap.gov.in
Nearest Railway Station	Samalkot Junction (~15 km)
Nearest Airport	Rajahmundry Airport (~35 km)

How to Reach Draksharamam Temple

Getting to the temple is straightforward from multiple routes:

• By Train: The nearest major railway station is Samalkot Junction, well-connected to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Chennai. From Samalkot, autos and taxis are easily available to Draksharamam (approx. 15 km)
• By Air: Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) is the closest airport, approximately 35 km away. Taxis and cabs are available from the airport
• By Road: Draksharamam is accessible via NH16 and state highways. APSRTC buses run regular services from Rajahmundry and Kakinada

Dress Code & Temple Etiquette

The temple follows a traditional dress code that all visitors must respect:

• Men should wear dhoti, lungi, or full-length trousers, shorts are not permitted inside the sanctum
• Women should wear saree, salwar kameez, or any modest traditional Indian attire
• Footwear must be removed at the entrance, free cloakroom services are available
• Photography inside the main sanctum is strictly prohibited
• Maintain silence and avoid using mobile phones near the sanctum

Facilities Available at the Temple

• Free Annadanam (Meal Hall): Hot meals are distributed free of charge to all pilgrims daily
• Drinking Water: Clean drinking water stations are available throughout the temple complex
• Cloakroom: Secure storage for footwear and belongings near the entrance
• Accommodation: Several dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) and budget hotels are available in and around Draksharamam town

Nearby Places to Visit

Making Draksharamam the base of your spiritual trip? Consider visiting these nearby landmarks:

• Samalkota Temple (Kumararama), Another of the five Pancharama Kshetras, just 15 km away
• Godavari River Banks (Rajahmundry), Sacred bathing ghats and scenic Pushkara areas, ~35 km
• Antarvedi Temple, A sacred confluence of the Godavari and the Bay of Bengal, about 60 km away
• Bhimeswara Swamy Park, A peaceful garden adjacent to the temple complex, ideal for a quiet rest between darshans

Also Read About: Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur Tickets: Skip the Queue!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time of Draksharamam Darshan?

Draksharamam temple timings are 6:00 AM–12:00 PM and 3:00 PM–8:00 PM daily. The temple remains closed during afternoon hours.

What is the speciality of Draksharamam temple?

Draksharamam temple is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras and the 12th Shakti Peetam, dedicated to Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and Goddess Manikyamba Devi.

What are the famous places in Draksharamam?

Near Draksharamam temple timings area, famous spots include Samalkota Temple, Godavari River Ghats, Antarvedi Sangamam, and the scenic Bhimeswara Swamy Park nearby.

Which part of Sati Devi fell in Draksharamam?

According to Hindu mythology, the left cheek of Goddess Sati fell at Draksharamam, making it one of the most sacred eighteen Shakti Peetams in India.

Which shaktipeeth in Draksharamam?

Draksharamam is the 12th Shakti Peetam among eighteen sacred Shakti Peetams. Goddess Manikyamba Devi is worshipped here as the presiding Shakti alongside Lord Bhimeswara Swamy.

Why did Lakshman Ji never see Sita’s face?

Lakshman Ji, out of deep respect and devotion, vowed never to look at Sita’s face, recognizing only her feet during their entire forest exile together.

Conclusion

Draksharamam temple stands as one of South India’s most powerful spiritual destinations, combining the sacred distinction of a Pancharama Kshetra and Shakti Peetam under one roof. Draksharamam temple timings run from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening daily. 

During major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam, extended hours begin as early as 5:00 AM. For seva bookings, pooja schedules, and confirmed darshan slots, visit the draksharamam temple official website at aptemples.ap.gov.in before your trip. Arriving early on weekday mornings guarantees a peaceful, crowd-free darshan with Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and Goddess Manikyamba Devi.