Bhimeswara Temple Discover 8 mysterious facts about the Bhimeswara Temple in Draksharamam, Andhra Pradesh — one of the Pancharama Kshetras and the sacred Dakshina Kasi. Explore its legend, architecture, and divine energy.
The Bhimeswara Temple Draksharamam, located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of India’s most revered Shiva temples. Known as Dakshina Kasi (Kashi of the South), this temple is part of the sacred Pancharama Kshetras, representing the five powerful forms of Lord Shiva. With a history dating back over a thousand years, the temple is not just an architectural marvel but a place where myth, mystery, and divinity merge seamlessly.
Here are 8 mysterious and fascinating facts about the Bhimeswara Temple that make it one of the most spiritually charged sites in South India.
Contents
- 1 Quick Facts
- 2 Fact 1 – One of the Five Pancharama Kshetras
- 3 Fact 2 – The Lingam that Changes Color
- 4 Fact 3 – Built by Eastern Chalukya Kings
- 5 Fact 4 – The Temple Has Two Levels of Sanctums
- 6 Fact 5 – The Name “Draksharamam” Comes from a Divine Yagna
- 7 Fact 6 – Inscription of 400 Verses on the Temple Walls
- 8 Fact 7 – The Temple Emits Subtle Energy Fields
- 9 Fact 8 – It Is the “Kashi of the South”
- 10 How to Reach Bhimeswara Temple
- 11 Visitor Tips
- 12 FAQs
- 13 Useful Links
- 14 Author Block
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Draksharamam, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh (Wikipedia) |
| Deity | Lord Bhimeswara (Shiva) & Goddess Manikyamba (Parvati) |
| Significance | One of the Pancharama Kshetras |
| Built By | Eastern Chalukyas (9th–11th Century CE) |
| Architectural Style | Chalukyan–Vijayanagara blend |
| River | Located near River Godavari |
| Also Known As | Dakshina Kasi (Southern Varanasi) |
| Managed By | Endowments Department, Andhra Pradesh Government |
Fact 1 – One of the Five Pancharama Kshetras
Bhimeswara Temple is part of the Pancharama Kshetras, a group of five sacred temples formed when Lord Kartikeya shattered the Lingam of Tarakasura. The pieces fell in five locations — Draksharamam (Bhimeswara), Amaravati, Samalkot, Ksheerarama, and Somarama — each worshipped as a separate form of Shiva.
Spiritual Insight:
It is said that visiting all five Pancharamas cleanses one of karmic burdens and ensures liberation.
Fact 2 – The Lingam that Changes Color
The Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested Shiva Lingam) at Draksharamam is believed to change color three times a day — black in the morning, white at noon, and red in the evening. This phenomenon represents the three stages of Lord Shiva: creation, preservation, and destruction.
Fact 3 – Built by Eastern Chalukya Kings
Constructed in the 9th century CE by King Bhima I of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, the temple showcases intricate carvings, layered architecture, and perfect stone alignment. Later, Vijayanagara rulers added outer structures and mandapas, blending two dynastic styles beautifully.
Fact 4 – The Temple Has Two Levels of Sanctums
Uniquely, Bhimeswara Temple has a two-tier sanctum sanctorum (Dwi-Garbha Griha).
- The upper sanctum houses Lord Bhimeswara (Shiva).
- The lower sanctum enshrines Goddess Manikyamba Devi, one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, making the temple both a Shiva and Shakti kshetra.
This dual sanctum design is extremely rare in Indian temple architecture.
Fact 5 – The Name “Draksharamam” Comes from a Divine Yagna
According to legend, Lord Daksha performed a grand yagna here without inviting his daughter Sati and son-in-law Shiva. Enraged, Sati self-immolated in the fire, and the place came to be called Draksharamam (“Daksha + Aramam” meaning Daksha’s place).
It is believed that Lord Shiva’s wrath created this sacred site of penance.
Fact 6 – Inscription of 400 Verses on the Temple Walls
The temple walls carry hundreds of Sanskrit and Telugu inscriptions, dating from 9th to 17th centuries. They describe royal grants, religious rituals, and donations made to the temple by various dynasties including Chalukyas and Vijayanagara kings.
Fact 7 – The Temple Emits Subtle Energy Fields
Devotees claim to feel a palpable vibration when standing inside the sanctum during Aarti. Scientists who measured the magnetic fields around the Lingam discovered unusual variations, adding to its reputation as a temple of mystical energy.
Fact 8 – It Is the “Kashi of the South”
Bhimeswara Temple is often called Dakshina Kasi because devotees believe that a single visit to Draksharamam equals visiting Kashi itself. The temple’s energy field, sacred river proximity, and cosmic geometry align perfectly with Vedic architecture principles (Vaastu Shastra).
How to Reach Bhimeswara Temple
- By Air: Rajahmundry Airport – 40 km
- By Train: Draksharamam Railway Station – 2 km; Rajahmundry Station – 43 km
- By Road: Well-connected from Kakinada (28 km) and Rajahmundry (43 km)
Temple Timings
- 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
- Maha Shivaratri (February–March)
- Karthika Masam (November–December)
Visitor Tips
- Carry water and prasad as shops close early afternoon.
- Non-Hindus are welcome but must respect temple customs.
- Early morning darshan offers serene spiritual atmosphere.
- Photography is restricted inside the sanctum.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Bhimeswara Temple Draksharamam unique?
It’s both a Pancharama Kshetra and a Shakti Peetha, making it a rare dual-energy temple.
Q2. Who built the temple?
Eastern Chalukya King Bhima I built the temple in the 9th century CE.
Q3. Why is it called Dakshina Kasi?
Because it holds the same spiritual power as Varanasi and offers liberation to devotees.
Q4. Is the Lingam really color-changing?
Yes, devotees observe natural color changes thrice daily, representing Shiva’s cosmic forms.
Q5. Can we visit all Pancharamas in one day?
It’s possible with good planning — all five are located in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The Bhimeswara Temple Draksharamam stands as an eternal beacon of divine energy and heritage. From its color-changing Lingam to dual sanctums, every stone radiates centuries of devotion and cosmic mystery. A visit here is not just a pilgrimage — it’s a journey into the heart of spirituality itself.
Plan your trip today and experience the divine vibrations of the Dakshina Kasi.
Useful Links
- Wikipedia – Bhimeswara Temple, Draksharamam
- Andhra Pradesh Tourism – Draksharamam
- Endowments Department, Andhra Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh Temples Guide
- Pancharama Temples of Lord Shiva
Author Block
Author: TempleMap Blog Writer
Bio: Expert heritage blogger exploring India’s spiritual geography, decoding temples through verified sources and SEO-optimized content for Templesmap.com.
Last Updated: October 25, 2025