Draksharamam Manikyamba Temple
The Draksharamam temple, located in the town of Draksharamam in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, which are sacred shrines dedicated to the goddess Shakti. These peethas are believed to be places where body parts of the goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a divine dance of destruction, carrying Sati’s body.
In the Draksharamam temple, the presiding deity is Bhimeswara Swamy (Lord Shiva), and the goddess is Manikyamba. Manikyamba is considered to be the form of the goddess Shakti associated with this Shakti Peetha.
The legend associated with the Draksharamam Shakti Peetha is as follows:
The Story of Draksharamam Shakti Peetha:
According to Hindu religious history, the story of the Draksharamam Shakti Peetha is connected to the episode of the Daksha Yagna and the self-immolation of Sati.
- Daksha Prajapati, a powerful sage and one of the sons of Lord Brahma, held a grand Yagna (fire sacrifice) but intentionally did not invite his daughter Sati and her husband, Lord Shiva, as he disapproved of their union.
- Despite Lord Shiva’s advice against it, Sati decided to attend her father’s Yagna. Upon reaching the Yagna, Daksha insulted Sati and Lord Shiva, which deeply angered Sati.
- Unable to bear the humiliation, Sati invoked her inner yogic powers and immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. This act of self-immolation led to immense grief and anger in Lord Shiva.
- Enraged by the loss of Sati, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the dance of destruction. During this cosmic dance, it is believed that various body parts of Sati’s burnt body fell at different locations, forming the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
In the case of Draksharamam, it is believed that Sati’s left cheek (Manikya) fell here, and hence, the goddess is known as Manikyamba. The Draksharamam temple is considered one of the holiest shrines in Andhra Pradesh and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva and the goddess Shakti. It is also known for its architectural and historical significance.
Draksharamam Sri Bhimeshwara Swamy Temple, Pancharama Shiva Temple at Draksharamam