Sri Bhimeswara Temple, Draksharamam

About the temple

Sri Bhimeswara Temple is the abode of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy(Lord Shiva) and his consort Goddess Manikyamba. Shri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is located at Draksharamam, East Godavari District, Andhrapradesh, India. The main deity of the temple is in the form of Linga of 2.6metres height which is said to be of one large Crystal(known as Spatika Linga).

The temple is popularly known as Dakshina Kasi Kshetram. Draksharama temple is one the Five Powerful Temples of Lord Shiva known as “Pancharamas” in Andhra pradesh.

Temple History

Sri Bhimeswara Temple, Draksharama, was constructed by Eastern Chalukyan King Bhima in the period 892A.D. to 902A.D. and also consecrated the Shiva Linga and called as Lord Bhimeswara after his own name. Draksharama Temple was developed and patronized by many Royal Dynasties like Eastern Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Cholas, Eastern Gangas, Kakatiyas, Reddi Kings and Vijayanagaras as well as some minor dynasties.

The Puranas and Contemporary Literature states the Origin and Antiquity of the place. “Skanda Purana” describes the sanctity of Draksharama Temple.The Great Telugu Poet “Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu” explained the significance of the Temple in his “Bhimeswara Puranam”.

Draksharama is also referred as Jananathapuram, Pedda Dakaremi, Bhimanathapuram, Dakshapovana and Dakshina Kasi in many Epigraphs.

Architecture

Shri Bhimeswara Temple consists of two storyed temple having “Dviprakaras”. The temple can be approached by four entrances on the cardinal directions. The temple is situated inside two enclosures. It contain a flight of steps to go the first floor. The Lofty Linga elevated from the ground floor and the actual worship is offered at the first floor only. On the upper floor, pillars having carved images like Nataraja, Kiratarjuna, Parvati Deavi and etc.,

The other shrines in the temple are Brahma, LakshmiNarayana Ganapati, Nakulesvara, Anjaneya, Virupaksha, Nataraja, Kuamara Swamy, Mahisasuramardhini, Saptamatrikas, Bhirava, Viswewwara and Annapurna. To the right side of Bhimeswara Temple Kasi Visweswara Temple(South Facing) is situated.

An interesting sculptural panel has the figure of SaptaRishi’s and Arundanti. The Seven Sages(SaptaRishi’s) are Atri, Bhrigu, Kautsa, Vasistha, Gautama, Kasyapa, Angirasa. This panel is located near the Sapta-Godvari tank of the temple.