Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam
Draksharamam
The grandest Pancharama shrine, kept as Andhra's stop for the Guru graha in the nine-planet circuit.
⭐ Why it is famous
The largest and most richly built of the five Pancharama Kshetras, doubling as an Ashtadasa Shakti Peetha for Manikyamba. Its scale and centrality in Andhra's Shaiva geography have made it the temple regional tradition sets aside for Guru (Jupiter) worship on the state's navagraha route.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Built up chiefly under the Eastern Chalukyas from the 9th–11th centuries, with a stepped tank and multi-tiered gopuram, Draksharamam has drawn continuous royal patronage from the Chalukyas through the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagara kings.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darshan; special entry line on festival days
- Combined Shiva-Shakti Peetha darshan in one campus
- Kartika Somavaram Mondays draw large crowds
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam, Draksharamam, KonaseemaRajahmundry Junction (RJY) — 45 km
Draksharamam bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) — 45 km
Draksharamam is 28 km from Kakinada and 25 km from Amalapuram, well linked by APSRTC buses.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Lodges in Draksharamam village
- Hotels in Kakinada or Rajahmundry
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,200 | ₹4,200 | ₹7,500 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Godavari delta paddy country
- Ramachandrapuram market town
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
November–February, or Maha Sivaratri