Vontimitta Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Vontimitta Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, vontimitta Salabad, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 516001

Diety

Sri Kodandarama Swamy

Introduction

• Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and located in Vontimitta, Korajampet taluk, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh.
• Built in the 16th century, it is an excellent example of Vijayanagara architecture.
• It is the largest and oldest temple in the region, 25 km from Kadapa and close to Rajampet.
• Recently taken over by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and declared an Ancient Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Puranic Significance:

• Constructed during the reign of Chola and Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century.
• Local legend credits the temple’s construction to Vontudu and Mittudu, robbers-turned-devotees of Rama, who turned into stone after building it.
• Bammera Potana, the author of the Telugu Maha Bhagavatham, dedicated his work to Rama at this temple.
• Vavilakolanu Subba Rao, known as ‘Andhra Valmiki’, spent time here worshipping Rama while translating Valmiki’s Ramayana into Telugu.
• Annamacharya, a saint-poet, visited the temple and composed kirtans in Rama’s praise.
• The French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier visited the temple in 1652 and admired its architecture.
• The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) houses a composite idol of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana carved from a single rock.
• Notably, Hanuman is absent in the main temple but has a separate shrine.

Special Features:

• The mandapa (Rangamantapam) is an open-air theatre supported by 32 pillars, known as Madhyarangaradapam.
• The temple has three ornate Gopurams: the main entrance tower faces east, with two additional towers facing north and south.
• The eastern Gopuram is a five-tiered structure with steps leading to the entrance.
• The temple precincts include two sacred water tanks, Rama Theertham and Lakshmana Theertham.
• A unique sculpture of Ganesha in a dancing posture can be seen in the mandapam.

Festivals:

• Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, is celebrated with grandeur at this temple.

Century/Period/Age

16th century.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India.

Nearest Bus Station

Vontimitta

Nearest Railway Station

Vontimitta

Nearest Airport

Kadapa

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