Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple at Bhadrachalam, in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana, is one of the most important temples of Lord Sri Rama in India. It stands on a hillock beside the holy Godavari river, and is lovingly called Dakshina Ayodhya – the Ayodhya of the South. The temple is forever linked with the great devotee Bhakta Ramadasu, whose devotion and songs have made Bhadrachalam dear to every Telugu home.
Main Deity – Vaikuntha Rama
The presiding deity is a rare form of Sri Rama known as Vaikuntha Rama: the Lord is seen with four arms, holding the bow and arrow together with the conch and discus of Vishnu, with Sita Devi seated on his lap and Lakshmana standing beside him. The deities are regarded as self-manifested, and devotees see in this form both the divine Rama of the Ramayana and Vishnu himself.
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
According to tradition, the sage Bhadra, a son of Mount Meru, performed long penance on the banks of the Godavari, praying for a vision of Sri Rama. Pleased with his devotion, the Lord appeared before him in his Vaikuntha form and agreed to stay forever on his head – and Bhadra became the hill on which the temple stands. The place came to be called Bhadrachalam, "Bhadra's hill". The region is also linked with Rama's years in the forest: Parnasala, where Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have lived, and where Sita was carried away by Ravana, is nearby.
Bhakta Ramadasu
In the 17th century, Kancherla Gopanna was a tahsildar (revenue officer) of the region under Abul Hasan Tana Shah, the Qutb Shahi ruler of Golconda. A deep devotee of Rama, he found the shrine in ruins and rebuilt it using the revenue he had collected, intending to repay it. For this he was imprisoned at Golconda for twelve years, and during that time he poured out his devotion in songs to Rama.
According to tradition, Rama and Lakshmana then appeared before the king in disguise and repaid the entire amount in gold coins, after which Gopanna was freed and honoured. He became known as Bhakta Ramadasu, and his keertanas – such as the famous songs asking Rama why he delays to come to his devotee's aid – remain among the best-loved devotional songs in the Telugu language and in Carnatic music.
Sri Rama Navami Kalyanam
The greatest festival at Bhadrachalam is the Sita Rama Kalyanam on Sri Rama Navami, in the month of Chaitra (around March–April). The divine wedding of Sita and Rama is performed in a grand open pavilion before lakhs of devotees, with talambralu (sacred rice coloured with turmeric) showered over the deities. By a long tradition, silk garments and pearls are presented to the deities on behalf of the government on this occasion. The Pattabhishekam (coronation) of Sri Rama is celebrated the next day.
Other Festivals
- Vaikuntha Ekadasi (December–January): celebrated with the Teppotsavam, the Lord's float festival on the Godavari, and the Uttara Dwara darshan.
- Vasanthotsavam and Brahmotsavams: celebrated around Sri Rama Navami.
- Godavari Pushkaralu: held once in twelve years, when lakhs of pilgrims bathe in the Godavari at Bhadrachalam.
Temple Timings
- The temple opens early in the morning and is open in the morning and again in the evening, with a break in the afternoon.
- Timings change during Sri Rama Navami and festivals. Please check the official Devasthanam website before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Bhadrachalam is about 40 km from Kothagudem, about 120 km from Khammam and about 310 km from Hyderabad. TGSRTC and APSRTC buses connect it with Hyderabad, Khammam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry and other towns.
By Train: the nearest railway station is Bhadrachalam Road at Kothagudem, about 40 km away.
By Air: the nearest airports are Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) and Vijayawada International Airport (VGA), each roughly 180–200 km away by road.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional, modest dress is recommended – dhoti or kurta-pyjama for men, and saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
- Godavari bath: pilgrims often bathe in the Godavari at the ghats before darshan; take care during high water in the monsoon.
- Crowds: Sri Rama Navami and Vaikuntha Ekadasi draw enormous crowds; book accommodation well in advance.
- Nearby places: Parnasala, the Ramadasu memorial and the Godavari ghats, and other temples on this site – the Sita Ram Bagh Mandir, Hyderabad and the Yadadri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple.
- Another great Rama kshetra: the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta, where Andhra Pradesh's state Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam is held under the full moon.
