About Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam
The twelfth peetha of the Ashtadasha — Sati's left cheek fell here — at Draksharamam in East Godavari district. Shares its complex with the Bhimeswara Swamy temple, one of the five Pancharama Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh; the 9th-century Eastern Chalukyan structure is among the oldest in coastal Andhra.
History
Draksharamam takes its name from Daksha — Sati's father, whose yajna led to her self-immolation. The mythology holds that Sati's left cheek fell at this spot, and Daksha himself is said to have performed penance here in remorse. The Bhimeswara Swamy Shiva temple was built in the 9th–10th century by the Eastern Chalukyan king Bhima I (after whom the temple is named, though the linga is also identified with Bhima the Pandava); the 14-foot polished black-stone linga is among the largest functioning lingas in southern India. The Manikyamba Devi shrine within the same complex enshrines a self-manifested (svayambhu) idol — the goddess is depicted in a benign seated form, distinct from the fierce Devis of the eastern Shakti Peethas. Draksharamam is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras of Andhra Pradesh — Shiva temples said to have been established by Kumaraswamy (Kartikeya) using fragments of a single linga split by him. The 12th peetha in the stotram, 'Manikye Daksha vatika'.
Best Time to Visit
November to February
Entry fees in your currency
- Linga Abhishekam₹250$…
- Manikyamba Sankalpa Puja₹150–₹500$…
- Pancharatna seva₹2,500$…
Live INR rates, refreshed hourly. Confirm at the gate counter — entry fees may have changed since this page was updated.
Entry Fee · Tickets
How much does it cost to visit Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam?
Free temple entry. Special pujas paid separately.
- Linga AbhishekamOn the Bhimeswara linga, conducted at sunrise₹250
- Manikyamba Sankalpa PujaBy appointment with the temple priest₹150–₹500
- Pancharatna sevaPre-dawn ritual, by advance booking only₹2,500
- Open 5 a.m. to 12 noon and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Maha Shivaratri sees lakhs of pilgrims — book darshan slots well in advance
- Modest dress required; no leather items
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Travel Tips
- From Rajahmundry: 1-hour drive (45 km); closest railhead is Kotipalli (15 km), but most pilgrims rail to Rajahmundry then taxi
- Combine with the wider Pancharama circuit: Amararama (Amaravati, 380 km), Bhimarama (Samalkota, 50 km), Kumararama (Samarlakota, 25 km), and Ksheerarama (Palakollu, 90 km)
- Pithapuram (Puruhutika, 70 km) is the natural pairing — both peethas in one day if pressed for time
- The temple has two tiers of access: outer corridor (open all day) and inner sanctum (timed darshan slots) — coordinate with the priest for a smooth visit
- Stay overnight at Rajahmundry — better hotels and the natural base for the wider Andhra coastal pilgrimage
Temples & Heritage Sites
- Bhimeswara Swamy Temple — adjoining Pancharama Shiva shrine
- Pithapuram Puruhutika + Kukkuteswara — partner peetha + Shiva, 70 km
- Kumararama (Samarlakota) — Pancharama partner, 25 km
- Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy — 90 km
How to Reach Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam
Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam is located in Andhra Pradesh, India at coordinates 16.8175°N, 82.0681°E. You can reach Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam by air (nearest airport in Andhra Pradesh), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam?
- The best time to visit Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam is November to February.
- What are the top travel tips for Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam?
- From Rajahmundry: 1-hour drive (45 km); closest railhead is Kotipalli (15 km), but most pilgrims rail to Rajahmundry then taxi. Combine with the wider Pancharama circuit: Amararama (Amaravati, 380 km), Bhimarama (Samalkota, 50 km), Kumararama (Samarlakota, 25 km), and Ksheerarama (Palakollu, 90 km). Pithapuram (Puruhutika, 70 km) is the natural pairing — both peethas in one day if pressed for time. The temple has two tiers of access: outer corridor (open all day) and inner sanctum (timed darshan slots) — coordinate with the priest for a smooth visit. Stay overnight at Rajahmundry — better hotels and the natural base for the wider Andhra coastal pilgrimage.
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