Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta, in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most important temples of Lord Sri Rama in the Telugu lands. A magnificent 16th-century monument of the Vijayanagara style, it is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which took over its management in 2015. Since the formation of the present state of Andhra Pradesh, Vontimitta has been the venue of the state's official Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam celebrations.
Main Deities
The temple's great treasure is its sanctum, where Sri Rama, holding the Kodanda bow, Sita Devi and Lakshmana are carved together from a single stone. Because of this, the village has long been called Ekasila Nagaram – "the town of the single stone". Devotees note that Hanuman does not appear in the main group, and explain that the Lord is shown here as he was before meeting Hanuman; Hanuman is worshipped in a separate shrine in the complex.
Legends and Devotees
- The name Vontimitta: local tradition says the village is named after two devoted brothers, Vontudu and Mittudu, whose faith is linked with the temple's beginnings.
- Bammera Potana: according to the tradition of this region, the great Telugu poet Bammera Potana lived at Vontimitta and dedicated his Andhra Maha Bhagavatam to Lord Rama here. (Other places in the Telugu lands also hold traditions about the poet, and both are cherished.)
- Andhra Valmiki: Vavilakolanu Subba Rao, honoured as Andhra Valmiki for rendering Valmiki's Ramayana into Telugu, spent many years here in worship and service of the Lord.
Architecture
The temple developed under the Vijayanagara kings and later local rulers. Its tall five-tiered eastern Rajagopuram welcomes devotees into a spacious courtyard, and its celebrated Ranga Mandapam stands on 32 richly carved pillars showing deities, dancers, musicians and scenes from the Ramayana and the Bhagavatam. The complex is set in open, rocky country, with sacred tanks nearby.
Festivals
- Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavam (March–April): the grandest celebration of the year, held over several days with processions of the Lord on different vahanams.
- Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam: the state-level celestial wedding is the high point of the Brahmotsavam. Unusually, it is performed at night under the full moon, a few days after Sri Rama Navami. A legend explains that the Moon god was sad to have missed seeing Rama's wedding, which took place in daylight, and Rama blessed him so that the Kalyanam at Vontimitta would be held in the moonlight. Lakhs of devotees attend, and silk vastrams and pearls are offered on behalf of the state.
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi (December–January) and Sri Rama Navami day itself are also celebrated with special worship.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night.
- Timings change during the Brahmotsavam and on special days; please check TTD's official channels before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Vontimitta is about 25 km from Kadapa, on the Kadapa–Rajampet road, and about 110 km from Tirupati. APSRTC buses run frequently from Kadapa and Rajampet.
By Train: Ontimitta has a small station on the Guntakal–Renigunta line; Kadapa, about 25 km away, is the nearest major station.
By Air: the nearest airport is Kadapa Airport (CDP), about 30 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional dress is expected, as at other TTD temples.
- Kalyanam: crowds are very large on the Kalyanam night; plan your travel and arrival well in advance.
- Heritage: take time to see the carvings of the Ranga Mandapam; please do not climb on or touch the old sculptures.
- Other Rama kshetras: devotees of Sri Rama also cherish the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Bhadrachalam, on the banks of the Godavari.
- TTD temples: pilgrims travelling on to Tirupati often visit the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, Tiruchanur.
