Overview
The Bhimeswara Swamy Temple at Draksharamam, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, houses the Manikyamba shrine, one of the Ashtadasha (18) Maha Shakti Peethas. Sources disagree on the exact body part: most identify Sati's left cheek, though at least one source instead cites her navel; this platform notes both rather than asserting either as settled. The temple complex is also one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, a distinct regional Shaiva pilgrimage circuit, giving Draksharamam a dual identity as both a major Shiva and Shakti site.
History
Draksharamam's founding legend connects the site to King Daksha's own yajna, the same sacrificial ceremony whose disruption by Sati's death set the entire Shakti Peetha tradition in motion; the temple's stone construction reflects a blend of Chalukya and Chola architectural styles, with a two-storeyed mandapa and two enclosing parakaras (courtyards).
Spiritual Significance
Draksharamam's combined identity as both a Pancharama Kshetra (Shiva) and an Ashtadasha Maha Shakti Peetha (Shakti) places it, alongside Srisailam's Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple also covered on this platform, among a small number of sites where major Shaiva and Shakta pilgrimage traditions converge at the same physical location.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
Manikyamba's identification within the Ashtadasha Maha Shakti Peetha tradition is documented in the Ashta Dasa Shakti Peetha Stotram attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. Specific verse-level citation requires expert verification before publication.
Prayers at Draksharamam Bhimeswara-Manikyamba Temple
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजंगतुंगमालिकाम्।
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्मवेदस्वरूपम्।
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम्।
नागेन्द्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्माङ्गरागाय महेश्वराय।
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: October to February offers the most comfortable weather.
Getting there: Draksharamam is on the Kakinada road in East Godavari district; Kakinada and Rajahmundry both offer railway and road access, with Rajahmundry having the nearest airport.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy access and lack of any trekking requirement.
Accommodation
Kakinada and Rajahmundry offer a fuller range of accommodation; Draksharamam itself offers more limited local options.
Local Services
Basic pilgrim services are available locally; fuller services are available in Kakinada or Rajahmundry.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Explore the temple's dual identity as both a Pancharama Kshetra and an Ashtadasha Maha Shakti Peetha, a distinctive combination shared with Srisailam.
- Note the platform's own flagged discrepancy between the left-cheek and navel body-part attributions.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't treat the Shakti Peetha and the Pancharama Kshetra as separate destinations, they occupy the same temple complex.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
Another site combining major Shaiva and Shakta pilgrimage traditions, in the same state.
- Popular Shakti Peeths of India (overview)
This platform's overview of the wider pan-India Shakti Peetha cluster.
Preservation
As a significant regional temple complex with dual Shaiva-Shakta status, Draksharamam benefits from ongoing Andhra Pradesh state heritage and temple-trust conservation investment.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own official trust donation channels, and use registered guides for a respectful, well-informed visit.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-10. Scaffolding content: This page was seeded with well-known public information for development purposes and is pending full editorial review before publication.