Visiting the Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is a spiritual journey that thousands of devotees undertake every year. Located in the serene East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, this temple is not just a place of worship; it is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, making it a site of immense religious significance. The energy here is palpable, and the architectural grandeur dates back centuries, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural past.
However, a pilgrimage requires planning. Arriving at the temple only to find the sanctum sanctorum closed can disrupt your schedule and dampen the spiritual experience. The temple operates on a strict schedule that changes depending on the auspiciousness of the month or specific festival days. Whether you are planning a regular visit or a pilgrimage during the holy month of Karthika Masam, knowing the exact opening and closing hours is essential.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the Draksharamam temple timings for darshan and poojas. We have categorized the schedule into regular days, the holy month of Karthika Masam, and the specific festival of Masa Sivaratri, ensuring you can plan your visit with precision and peace of mind.
General Opening and Closing Hours
For the majority of the year, the temple follows a standard operating procedure. This schedule splits the day into two distinct sessions: a morning session and an evening session. During the afternoon, the temple remains closed to allow for the deities’ rest and temple maintenance.
On standard days, the temple opens for early morning worship at 6:00 am. Devotees are welcome to offer their prayers until noon. Following a three-hour break, the doors reopen at 3:00 pm and remain open until the final darshan at 8:00 pm.
However, these timings shift significantly during special religious periods to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
Timings During Karthika Masam
Karthika Masam is considered one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar, particularly for Lord Shiva. During this period, the temple extends its hours to ensure everyone gets a chance for darshan.
- Morning: 5:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Evening: 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The morning session begins an hour earlier than usual, at 5:00 am, allowing devotees to participate in early morning rituals before sunrise. The break in the afternoon remains, but the temple stays open slightly longer in the morning (until 12:30 pm) and in the evening (until 8:30 pm).
Timings During Masa Sivaratri
Masa Sivaratri is a monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva. On these specific days, the temple management removes the afternoon break entirely to facilitate continuous worship.
- Continuous Darshan: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
On Masa Sivaratri, there is no break in between the morning and evening sessions. You can visit at any time throughout the day without worrying about the afternoon closure.
Detailed Pooja Schedule
Beyond general darshan, many devotees visit Draksharamam to perform specific rituals like Abhishekam and Kumkum Archana. These poojas have their own designated windows of time.
Abhishekam Timings
The Abhishekam is a bathing ritual of the deity, often considered the most powerful form of worship for Lord Shiva.
- Regular Days: On standard days, you can perform Abhishekam between 6:00 am and 9:00 am.
- . The ritual begins at Karthika Masam & Masa Sivaratri: Due to increased demand and the sacred significance of these days, the window has been extended.
Kumkum Archana Timings
The Kumkum Archana is performed for the Goddess Manikyamba, the consort of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy. Interestingly, the timings for this pooja remain consistent regardless of the season.
Whether you are visiting on a regular day, during Karthika Masam, or on Masa Sivaratri, the schedule is as follows:
- Morning Session: 6:00 am – 10:00 am
- Evening Session: 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Overview of Temple Schedule
To make it easier to visualize, here is a consolidated view of the timings discussed above.
Darshan Timings:
| Occasion | Morning Hours | Evening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Days | 06:00 am – 12:00 pm | 03:00 pm – 08:00 pm |
| Karthika Masam | 05:00 am – 12:30 pm | 03:00 pm – 08:30 pm |
| Masa Sivaratri | 06:00 am – 08:00 pm | No Break |
Pooja Timings:
| Pooja Name | Regular Days | Karthika Masam / Masa Sivaratri |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishekam | 06:00 am – 09:00 am | 05:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Kumkum Archana | 06:00 am – 10:00 am 03:00 pm – 08:00 pm | 06:00 am – 10:00 am 03:00 pm – 08:00 pm |
Contact the Temple Management
Occasionally, you may have specific questions regarding ticket prices, accommodation, or verifying timings for specific dates that might be affected by solar or lunar eclipses. In such cases, it is best to reach out directly to the temple administration.
Here are the official contact details for the Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple:
- Title: Executive Officer
- Location: Draksharama, Ramachandrapuram (M), East Godavari District
- Pin Code: 533 262
- Phone Number: 08857-252488
Plan Your Pilgrimage Wisely
A visit to Draksharamam is a chance to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with the divine. By keeping these timings in mind, you ensure that your focus remains on your prayers rather than the clock.
If you are traveling from a distance, we recommend arriving at the town of Draksharama at least an hour before your intended darshan time. This gives you ample room to freshen up, purchase necessary pooja materials from the local stalls, and perhaps enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple tank before stepping inside. Whether you choose the quietude of a regular Tuesday or the vibrant energy of Karthika Masam, Lord Bhimeswara Swamy awaits.