Draksharama Temple - Draksharamam

In the East Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh, India, there is a Hindu temple, Draksharama temple, also called Draksharamam. It devotes itself to Lord Shiva and is one of the five famous Pancharama Kshetras. The temple is well-known for its distinctive design, relevance in history, and spiritual meaning.

History

The sanctuary was allegedly constructed by Lord Indra as an atonement for his crimes. This temple's Lingam, which represents Lord Shiva, appears to be a swayambhu (self-manifested) object. Later, the sanctuary underwent renovations under the control of several kingdoms, including the Cholas, Eastern Chalukyas, and Kalingas.

The Draksharama Temple's building is a synthesis of the Chalukyan and Chola forms with a dash of Kalinga design. A center mandapam (hall) and four auxiliary mandapams are present in each corner of the sanctuary. Beautifully carved supports that feature elaborate carvings and statues hold the Mandapams.

Additionally, the sanctuary contains several shrines honoring different gods, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Surya, and Goddess Saraswathi. In addition, there are several smaller churches, ponds, and parks within the compound.

Best Time To Visit

February is a nice and chilly month. The best time to explore the temple and its environs is between 20°C and 30°C during these months.

An excellent time to tour the sanctuary is during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. The rainy season revitalizes the temple's surrounding lush vegetation.

In the summer months, the temperature can rise as high as 40°C, which can be unpleasant for visitors.

Additionally, it is crucial to review the schedule of nearby festivals because the temple holds several celebrations throughout the year. Going during one of these celebrations can be a memorable and enlightening experience.

How To Reach

In the East Godavari region of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, there is Draksharama Temple. 

Here are some of the feasible ways to reach the temple:

By Air:

Rajahmundry International Airport, 53 kilometers from Draksharama, is the closest airport. You can take a bus or a cab from the airport to get to the sanctuary.

By Train:

Samalkot Junction, which is about 17 kilometers from Draksharama, is the closest train stop. You can get to the sanctuary by bus or cab from the railroad stop.

By Bus:

Major towns in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states are easily accessible from Draksharama via route. Numerous buses travel to Draksharama from important towns like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and others.

By Vehicle/Cab:

Draksharama is also accessible by vehicle or cab. The distances between the shrine and Kakinada, Rajahmundry, and Visakhapatnam are about 40, 53, and 160 kilometers, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Draksharama Temple is an important place of worship in Andhra Pradesh. It is popular for its distinctive design, historical value, and spiritual relevance.