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Draksharamam is in the village of
Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari District. It is at a distance of about
26-km from Kakinada and 48-km
from Rajahmundry. This place
is also called, as "Dakshina Kashi" (Southern Banaras). It is
considered highly sacred, next only to Benaras, the holiest of Shiva
temples in the country.
The
temple at this place is one of the very ancient shrines of India and is
known to history from the time of Satavahanas and it is one of the most
important 'Shaiva Aramas'. Inscriptional evidences in the temple indicate
the antiquity of the shrine dating as early as the 11th century, when the
Chola king Rajaraja was reigning at Rajahmundry.
The Legends
Local legend goes like this, a king by the name of Kaksha Prajapati,
father-in-law of Lord Shiva performed a great 'Yagna' (a holy puja) with
the motive of insulting his son-in-law. All were invited to this puja
except his own son-in-law. Parvati attended the Yagna, though uninvited,
and was ill-treated. Unable to withstand the insult, she subjected herself
to self-immolation. Thus this place is known as "Daksha Vatika"
and later as "Dakshramam" or "Draksharamam".
According to another legend seven sages 'Kashyapa', 'Atri', 'Gauthama
Bharadwaja', 'Vishwamitra', 'Jadmadagni' and 'Vasihshta' - called "Saptamaharishis"
in order to end their penance divided the 'Akhanda' (unbranched) Godavari
River into seven different streams at Draskharama. Three streams
Bharadhwaja, Vishwamitra and Jamadagni known as "Antarvahinies",
were believed to have gone under ground. The devotees consider a
seven-river pond called "Saptha Godavari Kundam" near the
temple, sacred. Devotees take dip in this holy pond.
There are a number of 'Sasanas' (rock edicts) engraved on the walls of
the temple. The temple art is a blend of sculptural traditions of Chalukya
and Chola styles. Famous Telugu poet 'Srinatha' (4th century) is said to
have written a 'Prabhanda Kavya' "Bhimakhanda" about this sacred
place.
Inspired From The Sun
The construction of the temple is said to have originated with the Sun.
The 'Linga' here is one of the five bits worn by Taksha round his neck.
The Bhimesvara Lingam, which is a 'Sphatika' (White) Lingam, is also one
of the three Lingams in 'Trilinga Desa'. The Shiva Linga, in this is 5m
high and stands sixth in the line of 'Jyotir Linga'. Half of the Lingam is
white while the other half is black. Many devotees are attracted to this
place because of grand appearance and unique height of the Linga.
Draksharamam is also sacred to the Muslims. The mosque and the tomb of
Syed Shah Bhaji Aulia are greatly revered by them.
Thousands of pilgrims attend the 'Bhimesvaraswami Kalyanam', which is celebrated for five days during January-February.
Rail: The nearest railway station is in
Kakinada at a distance of 26-km.
Even though Kakinada is the nearest railway station
Rajahmundry is the preferred
railway station, which is 40-km on
Chennai -Calcutta
section, and is well connected with all parts of the state.
Road: One can easily reach Draksharamam by bus from Kakinada and
Rajahmundry.
Choultries are available at Drakshramam Accommodation is also available in the hotels at Kakinada and Rajahmundry.