Ashta Someswaras

Eight Shiva lingas are placed in the eight directions (cardinal and inter-cardinal) around Draksharamam. According to regional tradition, the linga in Draksharamam is said to have been consecrated by the sun god Surya. This resulted in rise of atmospheric temperatures in the surrounding regions. To control these high temperatures, the moon god Chandra consecrated eight lingas in the eight directions of Draksharamam. The Dhraksharama lingam, along with these eight lingas together, are known as nava (nine) lingas. Visiting these nava lingas on the same day is believed to be a holy act.