Draupadi, beloved Mahabharat heroine, wife of the Pandavas, known for her bravery, outspokenness, loyalty is worshipped devotedly, especially in parts of South India.
Draupadi has hundreds of temples consecrated in her name in South India, in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka but no notable one in the north. There are shrines too in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Reunion island.
Located in Nagarathpete, this is one of the oldest, most significant temples dedicated to Draupadi. Believed to be over 800 years old, the temple venerates the Pandavas and the goddess.
Velachery is the site of a very old shrine where she is worshipped as a village goddess. The temple honours local traditions -- annual festivals like Theemithi, where devotees walk over fire to remember Draupadi’s trials.
Another prominent Draupadi mandir is at Alandur. She is honoured for being a symbol of virtue and resilience.
The temple is part of the Pancha Rathas complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Carved from a single granite rock in the 7th century, the monolithic structure is dedicated to Draupadi.
A town renowned for its temples, it has several Draupadi Amman temples too that host various festivals celebrating Draupadi’s legacy.
The very old Draupadi shrine, part of the larger temple complex located in Moolpet locality of the Andhra Pradesh town, is historically significant and her murthi is made from stone.
The Saidapet mandir is for Draupadi and the Pandavas and is said to be over 300 years old. It hosts the annual Uriyadi festival, celebrating Lord Krishna’s childhood and features rituals honouring Draupadi’s strength and devotion.