In the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, stands one of the Pancharama Kshetras, the Bhimeshwar Swamy temple dedicated to the divinity of Lord Shiva. This is one of the few temples where the Lord and the Goddess have equal importance. The Manikyamba Devi shrine is considered one of the Ashta Shakthipeetha, where the left cheek of Sati devi fell. It is believed that Sun God installed the Shivalingam here. It is also believed that Sage Vyasa worshipped the Lord here. The temple was built by the  Chalukyan King of Vengi - Bhima, during 9th -10th centuries. The temple has many inscriptions through various eras of Cholas, Chalukyas and Kalinga rulers.

Location Andhra Pradesh , East Godavari, Hyderabad

Legend

The legend regarding the origin of temple describes the war between Lord Kumara Swamy and Tarakasura. As per the legend, Kumaraswamy broke the Lingam worn by Tarakasur as instructed by Lord Vishnu as he could not defeat the demon who had the Lingam on him. One of the places where the fragmented Lingam fell is the Sri Bheemeshwra Temple. It is hence known as one of the Pancharama khsetras of Lord Shiva.                                                                    

The temple is also regarded as a Shaktipeetha where the left cheek of Sati devi fell when the Sudarshana Chakra cut her burnt body into pieces. It is believed that Draksharama is the site of Daksha's yagna where Sati immolated herself.

The temple is a part of the Pancharama Kshetra darshan yatra and one of the Ashta Shakthipeetha.

This temple is part of famous Pancharama Kshetra Darshan Yatra and Shaktipeethas.

Architecture

The stone-built temple is constructed in Chalukya and Chola style of architecture. The temple has a two storied mandapa and two parkaras, one inside of the other. The Garbhagriha is the epitome of architectural excellence of the earlier eras. The temple has inscription of various dynasties that ruled through the history. The walls and pillars are adorned with sculptures. There are four entrances with each having carved tiered gopurams and fort-like outer wall. The Shiva lingam is nearly 9 feet tall and the darshan of the Lingam is spread over two floors. Manikyamaba Devi Temple present in inner prakara of Lord Bhimeswara swamy temple. There are various smaller shrines for other deities.

Culture

Draksharamam is considered Dakshina Kashi and is one of the sacred pilgrimage centres of the area.

Darsan Info

Sri Bhimeshwara temple timings: 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM and from 3.00 PM to 8.00 PM.

Since this is considered the place where Sati immolated herself, no yagna are conducted in the temple. The temple is a part of the Pancharama Kshetra darshan yatra.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

March - Shivratri

October - Navrathri

November - Karthika deepam

Temple Rituals

The priests perform regular pujas and rituals to the deities.

Special Rituals

On every Ekadasi day, Ekantha seva of the Lord and Goddess is performed. Special pujas like the Kumkumarchana are done to the Devi deity on Fridays.

Additional Info

 

Alla Vari restaurant.

Annadanam is provided in the temple everyday

 

 Supermarket : Available