Draksharama Shakti Peetha

Sri Bhimeswara Swamy and Manikyamba Devi Temple stands at Draksharamam in Andhra Pradesh. The sacred complex is revered in several overlapping traditions. Bhimeswara is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Shiva and Draksharamam is also counted among the traditional Trilinga Kshetras. Manikyamba Devi is honoured in the Ashtadasha, or eighteen, Maha Shakti Peetha tradition, giving the temple a strong Shakta identity alongside its Shaiva importance.

For the Shakti Peetha record used in this database, Draksharama is associated with Sati’s left cheek. The goddess is named Manikyamba and Bhimeswara is identified as the corresponding Bhairava. Banwari Lal Kanchhal’s classification treats the location as a Samshaktipeeth, while the widely followed South Indian Ashtadasha tradition regards Manikyamba as a Maha Shakti Peetha. These classifications represent different source traditions and should be presented without forcing them into a single hierarchy.

The temple is noted for its monumental stone construction and multi-level sacred architecture. Its ritual life reflects the combined identity of the complex: Maha Shivaratri and Karthika Masam focus strongly on Bhimeswara Swamy, while Navaratri brings special worship for Manikyamba Devi. Draksharamam therefore remains a major pilgrimage centre where Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together within one historic temple precinct.