Draksharama Temple – Bhimeswara Swamy, Draksharamam (Pancharama Kshetra)
Draksharama, also known as Draksharamam, is one of the most sacred and historically significant temples among the Pancharama Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped here as Bhimeswara Swamy, this ancient temple is located in the lush green region of Konaseema.
Renowned for its architectural grandeur, powerful Shiva Lingam, and deep mythological roots, Draksharama stands as a timeless center of Shaivite devotion.
ద్రాక్షారామ క్షేత్రం – పరిచయం (Telugu)
ద్రాక్షారామం పంచారామ క్షేత్రాలలో అత్యంత ప్రసిద్ధమైనది. కోనసీమ ప్రాంతంలో ఉన్న ఈ ఆలయంలో శివుడు భీమేశ్వర స్వామిగా కొలువై ఉన్నాడు.
ఈ క్షేత్రం పురాణాలు, చరిత్ర, శిల్పకళలకు నిలయంగా ప్రసిద్ధి చెందింది. గోదావరి నది పరివాహక ప్రాంతంలో ఉండటం వల్ల ఈ ఆలయానికి ప్రత్యేక పవిత్రత ఉంది.
Location & Temple Details
- Temple Name: Draksharama (Draksharamam)
- Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva – Bhimeswara Swamy
- Location: Draksharamam
- Region: Konaseema
- State: Andhra Pradesh
- Temple Type: Pancharama Kshetra
Mythological Origin of Draksharama
According to Hindu mythology, the origin of Draksharama is linked to the legendary slaying of the demon Tarakasura by Lord Kumara Swamy (Kartikeya). After Tarakasura’s death, the Shiva Lingam that existed in his throat shattered into five divine fragments.
One of those fragments fell at Draksharamam, giving rise to the Bhimeswara Swamy Lingam. It is believed that the Lingam here was installed and worshipped by the Devas themselves.
స్థల పురాణం – తెలుగు
తారకాసురుని సంహారం అనంతరం అతని గొంతులో ఉన్న శివలింగం ఐదు ముక్కలుగా విరిగిపోయిందని పురాణాలు చెబుతాయి. ఆ ముక్కలలో ఒకటి ద్రాక్షారామంలో పడింది.
ఇక్కడ దేవతలు శివలింగాన్ని ప్రతిష్ఠించి పూజలు చేసినందువల్ల ఈ క్షేత్రానికి విశేష మహత్యం లభించింది.
Historical Significance
Draksharama Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples among the Pancharama Kshetras. The temple reached its architectural and cultural peak during the reign of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty.
King Chalukya Bhima I (892–922 CE) is credited with the major construction and renovation of this temple. Numerous inscriptions found in and around the temple provide insights into land grants, temple rituals, and Shaivite traditions.
The temple was later patronized by the Chola and Vijayanagara rulers, further enhancing its grandeur.
Architectural Grandeur of Draksharama
Draksharama Temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian temple architecture. The temple complex is expansive, featuring towering gopurams, intricately carved stone pillars, and spacious mandapas.
A unique feature of this temple is the two-storied sanctum (dwitala vimana), which is rare in Shiva temples. The upper floor houses a Shiva shrine, making Draksharama architecturally distinctive.
శిల్పకళా విశేషాలు (Telugu)
ఈ ఆలయంలోని స్తంభాలు, గోడలపై ఉన్న శిల్పాలు శివతాండవం, దేవతలు, పురాణ కథలను ప్రతిబింబిస్తాయి. ద్వితల గర్భగృహం ఈ ఆలయానికి ప్రత్యేక ఆకర్షణ.
Religious Importance and Worship
Bhimeswara Swamy is worshipped with elaborate daily rituals including Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, Archana, and Alankaram. Special poojas are performed on Mondays, Pradosham, and Maha Shivaratri.
Devotees believe that praying at Draksharama removes obstacles, grants strength, and bestows spiritual liberation.
Kartika Masam and Pancharama Yatra
Draksharama holds special significance during Kartika Masam. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to perform deepa daanam and sacred Shiva abhishekams.
As part of the Pancharama Yatra, Draksharama is considered one of the most powerful kshetras and is often visited early in the pilgrimage.
కార్తీక మాస ప్రత్యేకత (Telugu)
కార్తీక మాసంలో భీమేశ్వర స్వామి దర్శనం చేయడం వలన అపారమైన పుణ్యం లభిస్తుందని భక్తుల విశ్వాసం.
How to Reach Draksharama
- By Road: Well connected from Kakinada, Rajahmundry, and Amalapuram
- By Rail: Nearest railway station – Kakinada Town
- By Air: Nearest airport – Rajahmundry
Conclusion
Draksharama – Bhimeswara Swamy Temple stands as a divine confluence of mythology, architecture, and unwavering devotion. As one of the revered Pancharama Kshetras, it offers spiritual strength and inner peace to devotees.
A visit to Draksharamam is believed to cleanse sins, strengthen faith, and lead the seeker closer to Lord Shiva’s grace.
Om Namah Shivaya 🙏
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