Sri Bheemeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam, East Godavari District, AP

It is one of the Shiva Pancharamas and one of 18 Shakti Peethas. It is famous as both Shiva kshetra and Shakti kshetra. Lord Bheemeswara swamy and Manikyamba are main the deities here. This place is also called as Dakshina Kashi.

There is an interesting legend regarding the name of this place and existence of Lord Shiva in this place. During Tarakasura vadha, the Shiva Linga which was in the throat of Tarakasura broke into five pieces and one of the pieces fell here. Thereafter, it came to be known as Draksharamam.

 At the entrance of the temple

The temple is a 2 storied complex and looks like a fort. It has 2 Prakarams(paths). The outer Prakaram has 4 entrances in 4 different directions with beautifully carved Gopurams and each of the entrance is known in the form of 4 different forms of Goddesses i.e. Gogulamma, Nookambika, Moodhambike, GhattambikeIn this temple we can see Lord Bheemeswar Swamy, who is the main deity in the form of a tall Shiva Lingam. The Shiva Lingam is nearly 9 ft. A flight of steps leads one to the upper level of the Sanctum where one can see the upper part of Lord Bheemeswar Swamy. The speciality of this Shiva Lingam is that, the early morning tender Sun light falls on the Shiva Lingam. The Shiva linga is of a crystal texture. There are black stripes on the upper part. These are said to be the markings of the tiger skin worn by Lord Shiva when He was in disguise of a Hunter when he fought with Arjuna.

Manikyamba Devi’s shrine is present in backside of the temple at the left corner. Goddess face is looking towards left, signifying her as Vamachara Devatha.

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