Draksharamam

Bhimeswara Swamy Temple

Draksharama, also known as Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is one of the five most divine Shiva temples collectively known as Pancharama Kshetram. The temple is also popular for being a Shiva Kshetra as well as a Shakti Kshetra. According to legends, Goddess Sati’s cheek fell here and since then the place is dedicated to Goddess Manikyamba. The crystal Shiva Lingam (about 2.4 m. high) inside the temple is the main attraction. The temple is also admirable for its superlative architecture boasting of highlights like two-storied mandapa, intricately carved pillars, towering gopurams and an amazingly impressive ventilation system. It is believed that the temple constructed in one night continues to have an incomplete wall which was not completed before the sunrise. Many small temples within the complex are dedicated to the deities like Manikyamba, Natarajeshwar, Ganapathi, Visheshwara and Kanakadurga. The temple also hosts grand celebrations on occasions like Mahashivaratri and other festivals.