Sri Manikyamba Devi Temple, Draksharamam

Sri Manikyamba Devi Temple is the most significant pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh. This sacred site is renowned for its majestic architectural grandeur and rich cultural and historical significance.

Sri Manikyamba Devi Temple is the 12th Shakti Peetha as described in Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stotra.

Manikyamba Devi Shakti Peetha is a powerful site where Sati Devi’s left cheek fell. This temple is located in Draksharamam, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of the River Godavari.

The Manikyamba Devi Shakti Peetha is located inside the temple complex of the Lord Bheemeshwara Swamy temple.

This is the temple where Shiva and Shakti are given equal importance. It is one of three such temples. Lord Bheemeshwara, along with Manikyamba Devi, is worshipped with equal importance.

The other two temples are Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Mata Annapurna Temple, and the third is Kukkuteswara Swamy with Puruhutika Devi.

The powerful deity of Manikyamba Devi is seen in a seated posture holding the atma linga in her hand. She radiates a spiritual aura to all the devotees who come to have her darshan.

The eye of the goddess Manikyamba is always seen towards the left side, symbolizing that she is worshiped in Vama Marga.

Surya Deva and the Saptarishis visited this temple and offered their prayers.

In ancient times, there lived a Brahmin widow who lost her young daughter. To preserve her child’s memory, she crafted a golden deity. Over time, the deity is said to have miraculously begun speaking, possessing a divine and mystical power of speech.

In love with her daughter, the old Brahmin lady decorated the deity with manikyas (gems). Hence, the deity came to be known as Manikyeshwari or Manikyamba.

Sri Manikyamba Devi Temple is a marvelous example of Chola and Chalukya style architecture. It was built by Bhima, an Eastern Chalukya king, during the 9th-10th century. Bheemeshwara Temple is constructed on two floors — a rare architectural feature. The deity of Manikyamba is enshrined on the north-eastern side of the temple.

This is a massive temple built over 12 acres of land.

The temple has many inscriptions carved on its walls in Telugu and Sanskrit. This magnificent temple contains two prakaras: an outer and an inner prakara. The outer prakara has four entrances with gopurams, and features elegantly sculpted carvings of goddesses like Gogulamma, Nookambika, Moodhambika, and Ghattambhika.

Inside the spacious temple complex, many other deities are worshipped, including Lakshmi Narasimha, Ganapathi, Lakshmi Devi, Kalabhairava, the Ashtabhairavas, Veerabhadra, Vishnu, Brahma, Subramanya Swamy, the Saptamatrikas, and many others.

Within the temple complex, there is a temple tank called Sapta Godavari Kunda. The waters of this kunda are brought from the Saptarishis from seven different rivers.

The temple is well-maintained and is under the care of the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Navaratri: This is the grandest and most elaborate festival, celebrated for 10 days. On each day, the deity is adorned in different forms. It is celebrated from Ashwayuja Shuddha Padyamai to Dashami every year (October- November).

Sri Swamyvari Kalyanam: This is the grand festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. This day falls on Magha Masam on the auspicious day of Bhisma Ekadasi (February).

Devotees can have the darshan of Manikyamba Devi during the following hours:

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On Wednesdays, there are slight changes in the timings.

Morning: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Evening: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The best time to visit the Sri Manikyamba Devi Temple is from October to March. During this time, you can enjoy the peaceful darshan amidst the cool and pleasant weather conditions.

Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple: This temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and is located in Sarpavaram, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Kukkuteswara, a form of Lord Shiva, and is located in Pithampura, Andhra Pradesh.

Kotipalli Someshwara Temple: In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshiped as Someshwara. It is located in Kotipalli, Andhra Pradesh.

If you plan to visit the Sri Manikyamba Devi Temple and other sacred places, embark on your spiritual journey with Tirtha Yatra’s Srikurmam Simhachalam Yatra.
All arrangements for your yatra will be well taken care of.

To reach the Sri Manikyamba Devi Temple in Draksharamam, Andhra Pradesh, by air, rail, or road, you can follow these guidelines:

By Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport. It is a domestic airport, which is located just 12 km from the temple. Visakhapatnam Airport is an international airport 145 km away from the temple. From these airports, you can reach the temple by traveling in a cab, taxi, or bus.

By Railway: Rajahmundry Railway Station is the nearest railway station, 62 km away. From here, you can travel by auto, cab, or bus to reach the temple.

By Road: If you travel by bus, the nearest bus stand is Draksharamam Bus Stand. It is located just 850 km away from the temple.