About Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam
Twelfth peetha of the Ashtadasha, at Draksharamam in East Godavari district — the place where Sati's left cheek is said to have fallen. The shrine shares its complex with the Bhimeswara Swamy temple, one of Andhra Pradesh's five Pancharama Kshetras. The 9th-century Eastern Chalukyan structure is among coastal Andhra's oldest.
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.
Planning Your Visit to Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam
Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam lies in Andhra Pradesh, India, and ranks among the state’s most-visited pilgrimage destinations. The nearest major city and transport gateway is Visakhapatnam, roughly 156 km away — most travellers route through Visakhapatnam by air or rail before continuing on to Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam. Time your trip for November to February for the most comfortable weather.
Visitors from United States are eligible for India’s e-Tourist Visa — apply online a few days before you fly. all on-site costs are in Indian Rupees (₹); use the currency converter above to see each ticket tier in your home currency.
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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.
- Where is Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam located?
- Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam is in Andhra Pradesh, India, at 16.8175° N, 82.0681° E. The nearest major city and transport hub is Visakhapatnam, about 156 km away.
- What are the best places to visit near Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam?
- Top attractions near Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam include Puruhutika Devi Temple, Pithapuram (about 39 km away), Araku Valley (about 188 km away), Chitrakote Falls (about 268 km away) — all easy to combine on a Andhra Pradesh trip.
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