Name: Kakinada
Rating: 3.5

Draksharamam, Kakinada Overview

Located on the eastern bank of Godavari, Draksharamam Temple is one of the five most powerful and prominent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the country. 40kms away from Rajahmundry, the temple architecture dates back to 11th century. Draksharamam is perfect for a religious pilgrimage, the scenery around the temple is pleasant and the road journey to the temple is nothing short of beautiful. The area and the temple is also called 'Dakshin Kashi' - that signifies its importance as a place of immense religious importance.

The architecture of the ancient temple is fascinating as it adorns many inscriptions, symbols and visuals carved on them. There are several stories which go around the formation of this temple and the Sapta Godavari Kundam near the temple. The temple architecture is in the form of a fort and has delighted a number or pilgrims from all over the world.

Etymology of Draksharamam

December- February is considered the best period to pay a visit to Draksharama as the weather is the most pleasant during this time.

Legend of Draksharamam

The buses run by the state tourism department and their private counterparts run frequently in the area.

History of Draksharamam

There are a range of accommodation facilities in Rajahmundry with price starting from 200-300 per day/ room to luxury rooms starting from Rs. 1000 and thereafter.

Architecture of Draksharamam Temple

Carry light snacks with you as the journey is long. When in the temple, try to get someone to tell you the mythical stories which are associated with Draksharama.

Festivals at Draksharamam

Maha Shivratri is the most grandly celebrated festival at the temple and it attracts hundreds of pilgrims from far and wide. The festival is celebrated during the months of February/March. At the same time, Sri Swamivari Kalyanam (marriage ceremony) is also held on Bhishma Ekadasi. Navratri is another festival that is celebrated with great pomp and show. This one comes during October - November. In December, the pilgrims also celebrate the birth anniversary of the Lord known as Shasti Festival.

Accommodation at Draksharamam

Draksharamam Temple has a Devasthanam which has your accommodation needs covered. You can stay here in a decent room. The prices of these rooms vary as per size, for example, a small room would ideally cost INR 100 per night and a larger one would cost INR 200 per night. A.C. Suites with attached washrooms can be booked at INR 700 per day. There is also an inn across the road from the temple where you can get free food.

Ashta Someswarulu Temples

It is believed that the original lingam installed at Draksharamam was so powerful that even the Rishis, Munis and sages were not able to approach the Lord. It is also believed that the lingam itself has a fiery and agonistical quality. As a solution to the problem, the Sapta Rishis installed seven other lingams in close vicinity to the one at the Draksharamam which had a cooling nature and these were associated to the moon. Another eighth lingam was installed but this one was dedicated to the Sun God and the natural feisty energy was retained. These eight lingams cover all the eight directions and also the Lord became approachable to everybody. Ever since, pilgrims and devotees who come here to offer prayers also visit these lingams to seek blessings from the Lord.

Temples to Visit near Draksharamam

Kumararamam
Kumararamam is another revered temple located in Samalkota at a distance of 44 kms from Draksharamam which is presided by Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy - a form of Lord Shiva. The highlight of the temple is the lingam which is made out of limestone.
Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Devastanam
Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Devastanam is a temple dedicated to Lord Satyadeva which is in Annavaram. Built in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple also has Lord Shiva and Sri Anantha Lakshmi along with the presiding deity.
Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Swamy Temple
Located in Rajahmundry at a distance of 48 km, Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Markandaya and is a revered pilgrimage spot.
Besides, there are 8 Shiva lingams in the names of Kolanka, Venturu, Kothipalli, Vella, Korumella, Someswaram and Penumalla, installed around Draksharamam which are revered by the Hindu pilgrims. These Shiva lingams together are known as Ashta Someswarulu.

How to Reach

Draksharamam is located at a distance of just 6 kms from Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The nearest airport is Rajahmundry and the nearest railway stations Kakinada, Rajahmundry. Samalkot (junction) Sometimes trains also halt at Annavaram which is the nearest place to Draksharamam. Regular buses also ply on the route and can drop you to the destination. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or drive down on your own as per your convenience.

How to reach Draksharamam

Air: You can board a flight to Hyderabad, it is 458 kms away from Draksharama, this distance can be covered by road. You can also take a connecting flight from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry which is 48kms away from the temple. Local cabs and buses are available to cover this distance.
Rail: Nearest stations are Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Samalkot. While Samalkot is directly connected to the metros of the country, to reach Kakinada, Rajahmundry, you will have to change once within the city.
Road: Located merely 6kms away from Ramachandran Puram in the East Godavari District, Only buses are considered suitable to reach the temple. There are buses running from various part of the country. If coming from Kolkata or North India, you will need to take NH5. People undertake a break journey and travel by train first and then take a local bus which frequently runs between Kakinada and Draksharama.

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Draksharamam Reviews

Your rating

Simha Simha

on Draksharamam 3 years ago

Super place As per puranam daksharamam is equal and higher importance to Kashi( Varanasi). It is the place where Daksha praja pathi( son of Bhrama) is done a yagam without inviting Shiva.

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