Motupalli Kothanda Rama Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Motupalli Kothanda Rama Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Motupalli, Prakasam District,

Andhra Pradesh 523184

Moolavar

Kothanda Rama Swamy

Introduction

The Kothanda Rama Swamy Temple, in Motupalli village within the Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India, is devoted to Lord Rama, considered an incarnation (Avathara) of Lord Vishnu. Situated along the Bay of Bengal coastline, this village is also known as Mohanagiripuram.

Puranic Significance

Motupalli, also known as Mutfili in the historical accounts of Italian merchant Marco Polo, who visited the area in the 13th century CE, had once been a thriving port with substantial trade ties to South Asian countries, particularly during the medieval era. However, its prominence gradually waned with the arrival of the British on the East coast, as they shifted their trade activities primarily to Machilipatnam, situated in the present-day Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.

Archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have uncovered various artifacts in Motupalli, including Chinese pottery and copper coins from the Ming dynasty, coins from the Chola period, bronze items, and pottery. The Kothanda Rama Swamy Temple in Motupalli was originally constructed during the Chola dynasty’s reign and underwent extensive renovations during the Kakatiya rule. Remarkably, this temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old.

Special Features

Its architectural layout comprises a Mukha Mandapa (front hall), Antrala (vestibule), and Sanctum. Facing the Sanctum, you’ll find an idol of Hanuman. Within the Sanctum, the principal deity is Lord Kothanda Rama Swamy. The Vimana (tower) above the Sanctum consists of two tiers.