Andhra Pradesh Temples

Draksharamam Temple in Andhra Pradesh is the abode of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy and Goddess Manikyamba. The preceding deity at Draksharamam Temple is in the form of a “Linga”, 2.6 m tall of one large Crystal (known as the “Spatika Linga”).

Another popular name of the temple is Dakshina Kasi Kshetram. The literal translation of Draksharamam is ‘Abode of Daksha Prajapathi’, the father of Sati and the father in law of Lord Shiva. Sati was the wife of Lord Shiva. The Draksharama Temple is one of the Five Powerful Temples of Lord Shiva which are known as “Pancharamas” in Andhra Pradesh.

Draksharamam Temple History

Bhimeswara Swamy temple or Draksharamam temple is 25 km from Amalapuram and 28 km away from Kakinada on the Eastern bank of Godavari River. The ‘Skanda Purana’ of Shri Vyasa exhaustively describes the history of this pilgrimage destination. According to mythology, when Dasksha decided to perform a Yagna, he made a trip to Kailash Parbat. He did so with an intention to invite the Gods and Goddesses to grace the occasion and sanctify the ‘Yagna’.

However, the Lord was in a spiritual trance and did not realize that he had a visitor. Dasksha mistook this as being indifference on Lord Shiva’s part and returned without inviting the Lord and Sati. In spite of not getting the invitation, Sati expressed her desire to attend the pooja to the Lord. The Lord warned her that she will not be welcomed in her home but when Sati insisted, he let her go. As expected, Sati was not greeted warmly in her father’s house and everyone gave her the cold shoulder.

Humiliated by this, Sati decided to give up her life instead of returning to her husband with a fallen face. She dropped down dead in her father’s house. When Shiva learnt about this tragedy, he sent his son Veerabhadra to break Daksha’s ego and he himself came down to Daksha’s home. Veerabhadra, along with other Siva Ganas, including Kali, brought down Daksha and destroyed the Yajna. Lord Shiva carried Sati’s dead body over his shoulders and danced the ‘Pralaya Thandava’ or the destruction dance.

At this moment, Lord Vishnu descended and in order to redeem Lord Shiva’s grief, he cut down Sati’s body into 18 pieces with his ‘chakra’. The places on earth where the 18 pieces fell came to be known as the ‘Ashta Dasa Peethas’ and Sri Manikyamba of Draksharama is the twelfth of them and it is believed that the left cheek of Sati fell here.

Draksharamam Temple building is two storied and resembles a fort. There are 2 “Prakarams” or paths; outer and inner. The outer path has four entrances coming from four different directions. Each entrance has the most intricately carved Gopurams and is known to be in 4 different forms of Goddesses i.e. Gogulamma, Nookambika, Moodhambike, GhattambikeIn.

The main deity of the temple is Lord Bheemeswar Swamy, in the form of a 2.6 mts tall Shiva Lingam (the tallest Shiva Lingam in the world) which is made of crystal and has black stripes on the upper portion. Legend has that these stripes were the markings of the tiger skin that Lord Shiva was wearing when he found with Arjun under the disguise of a hunter. The early morning sun light falls directly on the Shiva lingam. Visitors can take a flight of steps towards the upper level of the Sanctum to see the upper structure of Lord Bheemeswar Swamy.

Towards the back side of the temple is the shrine of Manikyamba Devi in the left corner. The Goddess is looking towards the left which signifies her as Vamachara Devatha.

Lord Vishnu, present at the draksharamam temple with his consort Lakshmi Devi, is the Kshetrapalaka of Draksharamam. His shrine is at the entrance of main Temple.

There are other smaller shrines inside the main temple. Some of them are Praakara Bhairavudu, Viroopa, Natarajeshwar, Vaamana, Visheshwara, Dancing Ganapathi, Dundhi Ganapathi, Goddess Kanakadurga and Goddess Annapurna. The Kashi Vishweshwara Swamy temple faces south and is on the right side of Bheemeshwara Swamy temple.

The water from the Sapta Godavari Kundam (seven Godavari pond) is very sacred and is used for performing pooja. According to mythology, “Saptamaharishis” or the Seven Sages divided the Godavari River into seven streams in an attempt to end their penance. Of these seven streams, Draksharamam, Bharadhwaja, Viswamitra and Jamadagni streams known as the “Antarvahinis” and are believed to have gone underground. Later, these streams merged into a pond which is now known as Sapta Godavari Kundam.

Significance of Draksharamam Temple

The draksharamamam temple’s history can be dated back to the thirteenth century and it is one of the ‘Pancharamas’. It is an ancient and a holy pagoda and is a protected monument today. It is visited by thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati.

The Archaeological Department of India as taken the responsibility of restoring and renovating the beauty of the structure. Because of the inscriptions and epigraphs on the temple walls, this place is a paradise of historians and epigraphists.

The inscriptions on draksharamam temple date back to the 9^th and 10^th centuries during the reign of Chalukya King Bhima. During this time, the dynasty was under the attack by the Rashtrakotas. According to the inscriptions, Chalukyas had to fight over 360 battles. There are over 400 inscriptions that date back to the 11^th Later this region was ruled by the Chola and Kalinga dynasty.

Devi Navaratrulu, Karthika Masam, Dhanurmasam, Birthday Celebration of Sri Bhimeswara Swamy varu, Subrahmanya Shasti, Maha Sivaratri and Kalyanam etc., are some of the important festivals celebrated at this Temple.

Draksharamam Temple follows an ancient South Indian Architectural style. Draksharamam Temple structure consists of 2 mandaps along with two walls. The sanctum or the inner garbhaalaya consists of intricate decor and crafting which showcases the work of master craftsmanship and represents cultural grandeur of the contemporary era. The temple also serves as a library for students of archaeological architecture.

This inner sanctum of draksharamam temple consists of a pedestal which has been built for priests to perform their rituals. Aurangzeb, when he invaded the temple, plundered the diamonds that had been studded into the walls. Ever since then this sanctum remains dark as the diamonds acted as a light source.

Inside the temple, the ventilation and illumination are rather impressive and proves the sensibility of the contemporary architects of that time. One can feel the inflow of rejuvenating air and the lightning arrangements within the temple.

The inscriptions and scripts are written in Dravidian, Tamil, Devanagiri, Telugu scripts in Sanskrit and Telugu languages. The inscriptions speak of the Chola, Sathvahanas, Vijaynagara and Reddy dynasties that once ruled over this region.

The draksharamam temple has been constructed in an area of over 12 acres and is surrounded by tall walls. 26 Lords reside in the temple as a family. The visitors are welcomed by Dundi Ganapati and Natya (Dancing) Ganapati at the main entrance. The trunk of Ganapati faces to his right similar to the Ganapati in Kasi.

The temples of Lord Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, Goddess Annapurna along with Lord Visveswara Swamy and Virupaksha Swamy, Bala Bheemeswara, Saptha mathrukalu, Lord Suryanarayana Swamy, Lord Subrahmanyeswara Swamy, Lord Lakshmi Ganapati, Lord Brahma installed by Krishna Devaraya exist here. Also, present in the temple are the halls for Navagraha and Ashta Dikpalakas.

Draksharamam Temple Timings

• Draksharamam Temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 8 PM.
• There is afternoon break between 12 pm to 3 pm during which the darshan is closed.
• Once a month on Masa Shivaratri and once a year on Maha Shivaratri, the temple is open throughout the day starting from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Festivals celebrated at Draksharamam Temple

Maha Shivarathri is the busiest time in the temple. It comes in the month of February or March. Around the same time in the month, the marriage ceremony or “Sri Swamivari Kalyanam” is held on Bhishma Ekadasi. Following is the list of all the festivals that are celebrated at the temple, along with the months in which they are celebrated:

1. Sarrannavarathri Festival from Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to Dwadasi every year (October)
2. Kartheeka Monday Festivals and Jwalathoranam in Karteeka masam every year (November)
3. Sri Swamyvari Birthday on Margasira Suddha Chaturdhasi every year (December).
4. Shasti Festival in the Month of December every year
5. Sri Swamyvari Kalyanam on Bhisma Ekadasi Day in Magha Masam Every year (February)
6. Mahasivarathri Festival in Maghamasam every year (February-March).

Poojas and Rituals at Draksharamam Temple

1. Laksha Patri Puja
2. Laksha Kumkumarchana
3. Laksha Vattula Nomu
4. Surya Namaskaramulu
5. Ekadasa Rudramu
6. Mahanyasa Purvaka Abhishekamu
7. Sahasra Kumkumarchana
8. Laghu Vyasa Poorvaka Eka Vaara Abhishekam
9. Ashtotthara Kumkumarchana
10. Masa Shivaratri Abhishekam (Every month)
11. Masa Shivaratri Kumkuma Puja (Every month)
12. Abhishekam (Every Monday)
13. Puja (Every Friday)
14. Nomulu / Aksharabhyasam / Annaprasana
15. Special Darshan Ticket (On Festivals)
16. Keshakhandana
17. Upanayanamu
18. Abhishekam Ticket(Monthly)
19. Kumkumarchana Ticket(Monthly)
20. Abhishekam at the time of Dasara Festival(For 10 days)
21. Kumkumarchana at the time of Dasara Festival (For 10 days)
22. Rudra Homam
23. Japam/Tarpanam /Nava Varaarchana
24. Nitya Kalyanam
25. Sthala Puranam
26. Sri Swamy vari Archana
27. Abhishekam/Kumkumarchana
28. Ubhayam at the time of Dasara
29. Nitya Samuhika Abhishekam, Kumkumarchana(For One Year)

How to reach Draksharamam Temple?

• By Road: The bus route connects the temple well with the neighbouring cities. The temple is situated at a distance of 50 km from Rajahmundry, 28 km from Kakinada Town and 6 km from Ramachandrapuram and buses ply on a routine basis on these routes.
• By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Samalkot Junction.
• By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Rajahmundry which is at a distance of 50 km from the temple.

Where to stay nearby?

In the Devasthanam, dormitories are available at a charge of Rs. 200.00/- per day. Devotees can also avail one of the two A.C. suites with attached Bathrooms at a cost of Rs. 700.00/- per day per suite. Other rooms are also available at reasonable prices and usually, the prices start from Rs.100 or 200 per day depending on the room sizes.

Right in front of the temple, a choultry is also available. Here the devotees can relax for some time and also avail food, free of cost. Accommodations arealso available in near cities like Kakinada, Samalkota or Rajahmundry and from these areas, one can take a day trip via the bus to Draksharamam.

Where to eat nearby?

In the front of the draksharamam temple is the Choultry where free food is available to all the devotees. There are other small restaurants located around the temple where local and South Indian food is available.

Nearby Temples

• Kumararamam at Samalkota is one of the Pancharama Kshetras and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy and the Linga here is made up of limestone. It is located at a distance of 44 km or 1 hour from Draksharamam.
• Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Devastanam at Annavaram is built in the Dravidian style. The presiding deity Lord Satyadeva, with his consort Sri Anantha Lakshmi on one Side and Lord Siva on the other. The temple is located at a distance of 75 km or 1 and a half hour Draksharamam.
• Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Swamy Temple at Rajahmundry is dedicated to Markandaya, the miracle child of a Muni called Mrukhanada. It is located at a distance of 48 km or 1 hour from Draksharamam.
• Ashta Someswarulu – Lord Chandra, in an attempt to calm Lord Shiva, installed 8 Shiva Linga’s around the main Draksharamam temple in 8 directions. The collection of these lingas is known as Ashta Someswarulu. These 8 Lingas are Kolanka, Venturu, Kotipalli, Vella, Korumella, Someswaram and Penumalla.

Amaravati Temple is in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is in honor of Amaralingeswara, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. There is a huge Shiva Lingam that is worshiped here. Another deity of the Amaravati Temple is goddess Bala Chamundika, the consort of Amaralingeswara Swamy. In this guide you will find out about Amaravati temple timings, history, poojas list, significance and how to travel to Amaravati.

Amaravati Temple Timings

Here are the timings of Amaravati Temple:

What is the history of Amaravati Temple?

The most popular historical legend that revolves around Amravati temple is that the 15 feet Shiva Lingam here was nailed to stop its growth. There is a red mark at the top of the Lingam which is the blood stain that oozed out when the nail was hammered into it.

The Skanda Purana narrates a unique story of the Amaravati Temple. As per the Purana, at the end of Dwaparayuga, almost 5053 years ago, the Sounakadi saints asked the way to liberation to Maharishi Narada. Maharishi informed that Lord Krishna created River Krishna so that saints can bath in its water and attain salvation. Any devotee, who stays here for three days, bathes in the holy waters of the river and worships Lord Amareswara, shall attain liberty. Anyone who dies here shall be absorbed into Lord Shiva; hence, the importance of the place led to the construction of the temple.

Another legend states that when the demons defeated the gods at Varanasi, Lord Shiva appeared to defeat the demons. Devotees also believe that God Indra established the Shiva Lingum at this temple.

As per some, the temple was actually a Buddhist stupa and hence the base of the Amaravati Temple is still in Buddhist architectural form. The Mula Virat within the sanctum is in the form of a white marble lotus medallion, which is a feature of the Buddhist architecture.

Amaravati Temple exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture, built on a small hammock, known as Krouncha Shaila. There are four gopurams encircling the shrine along with a Vimana, all built in the Dravidian way. The walls of the temple are contain inscriptions, which are similar to that of the Kota chiefs of Amaravathi and Sri Krishnadevraya, monarch of the Vijayanagara Empire. The wife of Proli Nayudu, the then minister of the Kota king, Ketaraja, inscribed the inscription on the Mukhamantapa pillar .

The temple contains three concentric circles. While the first circle houses the temples of Mahishasura Mardini, Veerabhadraswamy, Omkareswara Swamy, Guru Dattareya, and Agasteswara Swamy, the second circle contains the temples of Vinayaka, Kalabhairava, Anjaneya, Nagendraswamy, Kumaraswamy along with the statue of Lord Krishna under a tree. The third circle is a bit above the second circle and comes with the temples of Kasi Viswanatha, Mallikarjuna, Pushpadanteswara Swamy and Kalahasthiswara. At the heart of these three circles is the deity of Amaralingeswara Swamy. Kalahasti temple has the remedy for Rahu Ketu Puja.

Besides engagement in the daily worship of the Lord, the temple trust of Amaravati Temple also participates in various charities for the overall development of the society.

What is the significance of Amaravati Temple?

Significance of Amaravati Temple is that it is in honour of  Lord Shiva, as the destroyer of the universe. It is one of the five Pancharamas, or holy sites, the other four being, Kumararama, Ksheerarama and Bheemarama and Draksharama. Worshiping at this temple is believed to resolve family issues.

Amaravati is an important site of Hindu and Buddhist religion. It was a centre of Buddhist art and still bears many relics of the same.

River Krishna is pious and devotees often dip in its holy waters to cleanse their souls.

The Amaravati Temple is also unique in its style of worship. Unlike other Shiva temples, Abhishekam (the custom of pouring libations) is performed from upstairs as the 15 feet Shiva Lingam is too high to be reached from the ground floor.

Besides its religious significance, the temple is also historically important. The inscriptions which are engraved on the walls of the shrine describe the ruling kings of the region.

What is the Dress Code for Amaravati Temple?

The dress code for Amaravati Temple is:

• The temple committee encourages traditional get up of men and women while visiting the temple. The temple does not permit short dresses.
• One should not use footwear within the temple premises.
• The temple also does not allow photography.
• One should switch off their mobile phones as well. Visitors can keep their belongings at the temple office.

Which festivals are celebrated at Amaravati Temple?

The Amaravati Temple is crowded with devotees during different festivals and it is one of the best times to experience the true South Indian rituals.

• Maha Shivaratri is the major festival of the Amaravati Temple. Celebrated during the Hindu month of Magha Bahula Dasami (which is generally the month of March), during this festival devotees bathe the Shiva Lingum with milk on all the four phases of the day.
• Navaratri celebrations also take place with great pomp and show at the temple, during the Hindu month of Ashwin (September- October)
• The temple celebrates the Kalyana Utsavs throughout the year. These are marriage festivals and hence, visitors can witness the typical South Indian style of the wedding during the wedding months at the temple.
• Janmastami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. This festival generally takes place during the month of Bhadon (July or August).

Which sevas take place at Amaravati Temple?

Besides the festivities, there are regular rituals at the Amaravati Temple.

• During the ritual of Dhoopa, Deepa, Naivedyam, the air of the temple complex fills with the aroma of incense and the sound of bells create a celestial environment.
• Abhishekam is another important ritual of the shrine. The priest pours milk over the Shiva Lingam, chanting the holy mantras or just ‘Om Namah Shivai.’
• As the Shiva Lingum is very high, hence pedestal is there for the devotees so that they can perform this ritual with ease.

What is the official website of Amaravati Temple?

There is no official website for Amaravati Temple.  You can find all the information you need here.

How to reach Amaravati Temple?

Amaravati is an important tourist destination of Andhra Pradesh and hence easily accessible.

• Air: Nearest airport is the Vijayawada. It is 82 kilometres from the temple.
• Train: Pedakurapadu is the nearest railway station; 19 kilometres from Amaravati Temple.
• Road: State buses, APSRTC ply non-stop between Amaravathi and Guntur. Buses also connect the temple city with other cities, like Vijaywada, Mangalagiri, Sattenapalle and Hyderabad.

Where to stay near Amaravati?

Tourists can avail decent hotels at Amaravathi. For luxurious accommodation, they must arrange for a stay at Guntur. Amaravati Temple trust also has special guest houses. The government has also made special arrangements for thousands of pilgrims that visit the temple and they can find accommodation at PWD travellers’ bungalow.

Where to eat in Amaravati?

There are several vegetarian hotels available near Amaravati Temple. The food comes with the unique South Indian flavour. The food stalls are clean and the food is tasty.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Amaravati Temple are:

• Venugopala Swamy: This 1800 years old temple is near Amaravati Temple and is for Venugopal, an incarnation of Lord Narayana.
• Sai Baba temple: One of the most popular temples of Andhra Pradesh, this temple is also popular by the name of Shirdi Sai and is in honour the saint, Sai Baba.
• Lalitha peetham: Dedicated to Goddess Lalitha Devi, this temple is an abode of peace. Be here during Rama Navami and Vijaya Dasami to enjoy the colours of festivals.
• Buddha stupa: Also known as the Amaravathi Stupa, this Buddhist relic depicts the wonderful art and architecture of ancient India. This stupa is adjacent to the Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple.
• Buddha statue: Located at Hyderabad, this serene idol of Lord Buddha is a popular tourist destination. With a height of 17.5 metres, this statue is on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake.

Hence, a trip to Amaravati Temple is not only a pilgrimage but also an excursion to the ancient art and architecture of India. The site of Amaravathi depicts a wonderful fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism, amazing the tourists.