DRAKSHARAMAM (ANDHRA PRADESH) ------- Lord Shiva

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DRAKSHARAMAM

 

Draksharamam is a Shavite shrine 185 kms from Vijayawada, 17 km from Kakinada

and 40 km from Rajahmundry. It is believed that sage Vyasa who performed penance

here named this as Dakshina Kasi (Southern Benaras). Legend has it that the

Saptamaharshis (Seven Sages) to achieve the ends of their penance divided the

akhanda (unbranched) Godavari river into seven different streams at Draksharama.

Bharadhwaja, Viswamitra and Jamadagni streams known as Antarvahinies, were

believed to have gone under ground.

 

There is Sapta Godavari Kundam (Seven river pond) near the temple. Devotees

bathe in this kundam. The festival of Sivarathri attracts huge crowds of

pilgrims. According to another local legend, a king by name Daksha Prajapati

performed a great yagya with the motive of insulting his son-in-law Lord Siva.

The king invited everyone except his own son-in-law. Parvathi, Shiva's consort,

though uninvited, attended the yagya and was ill treated. Unable to withstand

the insult, she subjected herself to self immolation.

 

Thus this place is known as "Daksha Vatika". And later as Daksharamam or

Draksharamam. There are number of rock edicts engraved on the walls of the

temple. The temple art shows the influence of a blend of sculptural traditions

of Chalukya and Chola styles. Famous Telugu poet Srinatha (14th century) is said

to have written a Prabhanda Kavya 'Bhimakhanda' about this sacred place.