Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Telangana

Address

Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, Bhadrachalam, Bhadradri Kothagudem district Telangana 507111

Deity

Vaikutha Rama Amman: Sita

Introduction

• Location: Situated on the banks of the Godavari River in Bhadrachalam, East Telangana, India.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, along with Sita and Lakshmana.
• Significance: The temple is believed to house a self-manifested icon of Vaikuntha Rama, featuring Rama in a four-armed form, along with Sita and Lakshmana.
• History: Some believe the temple was built or repaired by Kancherla Gopanna, also known as Bhadrachala Ramadasu, in the 17th century.
• Architecture: The temple has four entrances, with the northern entrance being the Rajagopuram (main tower) called Vaikuntha Dwaram.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is associated with the Ramayana legend, where a devotee named Bhadra meditated on the banks of the Godavari River, hoping to meet Lord Rama.
• Due to Rama’s promise and Vishnu’s desire to fulfill it, Vishnu appeared as a four-armed Rama (holding a conch, discus, bow, and arrow) to bless Bhadra.
• A separate legend recounts that a tribal woman named Pokala Dhammakka discovered the central icon of Rama in an anthill, which led to the construction of a mandapam with the help of villagers.

Special Features:

• The temple is divided into three parts symbolizing the head, heart, and feet of Bhadra. Footprints of Rama are visible on a rock at the entrance.
• Rajagopuram: The main tower represents Bhadra’s feet.
• A gold-plated dwajasthambam (flag post) stands opposite the sanctum, adorned with carvings of Garuda and topped by an eight-faced Sudarshana Chakra.
• The central icon of Rama is in a padmasana posture, holding the conch, discus, bow, and arrow, with Sita seated on his lap and Lakshmana standing beside him.

Festivals:

• Brahmotsavam is the biggest festival, with the main event being the Sri Sitarama Thirukalyana Mahotsavam, celebrating the marriage of Rama and Sita on Rama Navami.
• Other important festivals include Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Vasanthotsavam, and Vijayadashami.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Bhadrachalam

Nearest Railway Station

Bhadrachalam Station

Nearest Airport

Rajahmundry

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