Pancharama Kshetra ‘The Draksharamam Temple

Last year I shifted to Andhra Pradesh, and since then I am exploring this beautiful state of India. The more I get to understand its rich culture and heritage, the more I am bowled over.  Like layers of onions, every layer gives a different perspective of the land.

With astonishing beaches, sacred lush green hills, ancient caves, thrilling wildlife, Araku valley, and the rich emerald green forest – Andhra simply spell-binds you.

Blessed by the river Godavari, the state is known as  “the rice bowl of India”. I am loving the fresh fruits and vegetables, Araku coffee, Cashews, and of course the Tea Villas.

But underlying all these, what comes out distinctly are the ancient Temples in the state. I have travelled to almost all the states of India, and what I observed about Andhra is its rich heritage of Hindu Temples.

One can find temples in every nook and corner of Andhra Pradesh. These sacred temples not only have great religious significance but also have brilliant centuries-old architecture. Among these mystical temples, Tirupati Balaji temple is the most visited temple by devotees worldwide. Also, Badrachalam Sitaramswamy Temple, Kanaka Durga temple, and Srisailam temple are a few of the temples that must-visit temples in Andhra Pradesh.

Pancharama Kshetras

The devout of Hinduism in South India, more so, Andhra Pradesh, swear by the Pancharama Kshetras, or simply Pancharamas, located at five different sites in the state. Pancharama Kshetras are the five Hindu temples of Lord Shiva, each installed by five different deities. Interestingly, the Shivalingam at these temples is the scattered parts of one single lingam, which has an intriguing story.

It is believed that Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya was engaged in a decisive battle with the invincible demon Tarakasura. However, due to the power of the pendant of Shivalingam worn by the demon, Kartikeya could not vanquish him.

Lord Vishnu then came to Kartikeya’s help and advised him to destroy the protective Shivalingam worn by the demon and kill him.

Kartikeya killed Tarakasura with Agneyastra (fire weapon). The Shivalingam that broke into pieces by Kartikeya’s weapons were safely installed and worshipped by Hindu deities Indra, Chandra and Surya along with Vishnu and Kartikeya at five different sites in today’s Andhra Pradesh.

The five Pancharamas namely are: Amararama, Draksharama, Somarama, Ksheerarama, and Kumararama

Draksharamam Temple

Recently I visited Draksharamam temple. Colloquially known as Draksharama, which means the ‘Abode of Daksha Prajapathi’ –the beloved father of Devi ‘Sati’ and the father-in-law of Lord Shiva.

The temple is unique as it is one of the five Pancharamas and also one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. Lord Bheemeswara Swamy and Manikyamba are the main deities here.

The temple site is associated with the tragic death of Sati Devi, as a result of a dispute between her father King Daksha and her husband Lord Shiva. It is believed that Draksharama is the site of Daksha’s yagna where Sati immolated herself. After the death of Sati, the 12th part of her body i.e. her left cheek fell here which is now known in the form of Goddess Manikyamba.

It is believed that Surya God (Sun) installed the Shivalingam here.

Architecture

The temple has impressive architecture. 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.This temple is a protected monument.

The place has such a divine aura and is not to be missed if you are in the vicinity.

Rakhi Sunil Kumar