Tirupati Kodandarama Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

RS Mada St, Nehru Nagar,

Tirupati, Chittoor District

Andhra Pradesh 517501

Moolavar

Kodandarama

Amman

Sita

Introduction

The Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple is one of the prominent temples in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, second only to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in fame. Located in the heart of the holy city, it is administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. The temple is situated very close to the Govindaraja Swamy Temple, another well-known pilgrimage site in the area.

Puranic Significance

The temple was built by the Cholas during the 10th century AD and was further developed by various kings, most notably Sri Krishna Deva Raya in the 15th century AD.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and houses the idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. It also features a sub-shrine for Anjaneya (Hanuman), the devoted mount of Lord Rama.
According to the Varaha Purana, during Treta Yuga, Lord Rama, along with Sita Devi and Lakshmana, is believed to have resided in this region upon his return from Lankapuri.

Special Features

The temple is east-facing and is known for its magnificent three-tiered Rajagopuram (temple tower).
The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana on either side. The Anjaneya Shrine opposite the main temple features an impressive 8-feet idol of Lord Hanuman.
The temple tank, known as Ramchandra Pushkarini, is closely associated with the temple and holds significance in the temple’s rituals and practices.

Festivals

The Rama Navami festival is celebrated with immense grandeur, which includes the Hanumantha Vahana Seva on the day of Sri Rama Navami, followed by the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on Dasami and the Sri Rama Pattabhisheka Mahotsavam on Ekadasi.
The nine-day annual Brahmotsavams are the largest celebrations of the temple, held every year between March and April, marking the most important event in the temple’s calendar.
The three-day Teppotsavams (Float Festival) are celebrated in April, during which the processional deities of Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are taken on a float in the Sri Ramachandra Pushkarini.