Draksharama

Daksharama is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that are sacred to the Hindu god Siva. The temple is located in Daksharamam town of East Godavari in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Bhimeswara Swamy refers to Lord Siva in this temple.

Bhimeswara Swamy Temple
Bhimeswara Swamy temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	East Godavari
Deity	Siva
Festivals	Maha Shivaratri, Kartik Purnima
Location
Location	Daksharamam
State	Andhra Pradesh
Country	India
Location in Andhra Pradesh
Geographic coordinates	16.792°N 82.0633°E
Architecture
Type	Dravidian architecture
Date established	Unknown
Specifications
Temple(s)	1
Inscriptions	Telugu and Sanskrit
Elevation	31.4 m (103 ft)

History of the temple

Inscriptions in the temple reveal that it was built between the 9th and 10th centuries CE by the Eastern Chalukyan king, Bhima. Architecturally and sculpturally, the temple reflects a blend of Chalukyan and Chola styles.[1]

The temple is historically prominent. It was built by Eastern Chalukyas who reigned over this area. It's believed to have been constructed earlier to the Bhimeswaraswamy temple in SamarlaKota (Samalkot) that was built between 892 C.E. and 922 C.E.

Mythology

Daksharama is considered to be the place where Daksha Yagnam happened. Lord Siva sanctified the place after the rampage and carnage carried out at the place by Lord Veerabhadra. Due to this tale, Daksharama is also known as Dakshina Kaasi (Varanasi of the South).

How to Reach

Daksharamama is located at a distance of 25 km from Amalapuram, 28 km from Kakinada and 50 km from Rajahmundry. People can reach Rajahmundry and Kakinada by train and from there by road can reach Daksharamam. State highway connects it with all major towns and cities in India. Frequent bus services are available. The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport.

References

1. Ramaswamy, Chitra (6 July 2017). "Rich in lore and sculptures". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 November 2019.