History of the Temple:
Sri
Bhimeswara Temple, Draksharama, was constructed by Eastern Chalukyan
King Bhima in the period 892A.D. to 902A.D. and also consecrated the
Shiva Linga and called as Lord Bhimeswara after his own name.
Draksharama Temple was developed and patronized by many Royal Dynasties
like Eastern Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Cholas, Eastern Gangas,
Kakatiyas, Reddi Kings and Vijayanagaras as well as some minor
dynasties.
The
Puranas and Contemporary Literature states the Origin and Antiquity of
the place. "Skanda Purana" describes the sanctity of Draksharama
Temple.The Great Telugu Poet "Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu" explained the
significance of the Temple in his "Bhimeswara Puranam".
Draksharama
is also referred as Jananathapuram, Pedda Dakaremi, Bhimanathapuram,
Dakshapovana and Dakshina Kasi in many Epigraphs.
Description of the Temple:
Shri
Bhimeswara Temple consists of two storyed temple having "Dviprakaras".
The temple can be approached by four entrances on the cardinal
directions. The temple is situated inside two enclosures. It contain a
flight of steps to go the first floor. The Lofty Linga elevated from the
ground floor and the actual worship is offered at the first floor only.
On the upper floor, pillars having carved images like Nataraja,
Kiratarjuna, Parvati Deavi and etc.,
The
other shrines in the temple are Brahma, LakshmiNarayana Ganapati,
Nakulesvara, Anjaneya, Virupaksha, Nataraja, Kuamara Swamy,
Mahisasuramardhini, Saptamatrikas, Bhirava, Viswewwara and Annapurna. To
the right side of Bhimeswara Temple Kasi Visweswara Temple(South
Facing) is situated.
An
interesting sculptural panel has the figure of SaptaRishi's and
Arundanti. The Seven Sages(SaptaRishi's) are Atri, Bhrigu, Kautsa,
Vasistha, Gautama, Kasyapa, Angirasa. This panel is located near the
Sapta-Godvari tank of the temple.
Important Festivals:
The
main festival of the Bhimeswara temple is Maha Shivaratri Festival. The
festival is observed on 28th day of Magha Masam(Febraury/March) every
year. On this day thousand of people visit the temple and worship the
lord which includes observing Fast and keeping awake(Jagaram) all the
night reciting Pamchakshari or reading Shiva Puranas.
The
important auspicious month is Karthika Masa (October/November). During
this month thousands of devotees lighting the lamps in front of Lord
Shiva and Goddess Manikyamba.
The
other imortant festivals are Vaisakha Pournami, Sravana Purnima,
Karthika Purnima, Vasantha Panchami, Gowri Vratam and SaranNavaratrulu.