Draksharamam

Behind every famous temple lies a strange tale and in the case of the Shaivite temple of Draksharamam in East Godavari, it is no different. King Daksha performed a great Yagna and purposely did not invite his son-in-law Shiva, with a view to belittling him. However, Parvati decided to attend the function at her father's place though uninvited. But she was insulted by her father in front of the assembled guests. Unable to bear the mental torment, she got herself consumed by flames and thus came about the name as Daksha Vatika, which went on to be called Daksharamam and subsequently Draksharamam.

A Bhimeswara temple in the area is another attraction and Sivaratri is a special occasion. The temple is just under 20 km from the East Godavari district headquarters town of Kakinada and about 40 km from the ancient city of Rajahmundry, a derivation from the original Rajamahendri.