The Sri SitaRamachandraswamy is a temple located in Telangana, India. The place is dedicated to Lord Rama, who is considered the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. Its specific location is by the Godavari river in the town of Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana.
Those who come here and worship Rama attain excellence with the blessings of the deity. The temple is also used as a center to spread awareness about the Vaishnavite tradition. It is also a prime hub for various festivities such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi,Vasanthotsavam, and Vijayadashami. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated with a grand splendor, and an event also depicts Rama and Sita's marriage on Sri RamaNavami.
The Legend Related
Rama was incarnated in the TretaYuga as an avatar of Vishnu. While completing his exile of 14 years with MataSita and Brother Laxman, Rama once turned a stone turned into a human called Bhadra. Bhadra was then considered the son of Mount Meru.
When Bhadra got to know about how he was born, he meditated on the Godavari River banks for several years. Pleased from his prayers, Rama promised him that he would return to meet Bhadra after finding Sita, who was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana.
However, Rama forgot his promise, and as a result, Vishnu himself decided to appear in front of Bhadraas Rama. However, Vishnu forgot that Rama is a human, and he appeared to Bhadrawith four arms holding a Conch, Chakra, Bow, and the arrow.
Bhadra was then turned into a hillock, and the images of the deities remained on the summit. This hillock was then was referred to as Bhadrachalam. The Rama's icon was known by different names Vaikuntha Rama and Rama Narayana.
Inside the Temple
The temple can be seen divided into three parts signifying the head, heart, and feet of Bhadra. The first part is Bhadra's head denoted by a shrine. Inside there is a rock structure on which white clay is applied to be recognized as its head. This rock also has footprints that are considered to be of Rama's.
The second part depicts Bhadra's heart, where a shrine is located equivalent to his heart.The third part, which is the Rajagopuram, is considered as Bhadra's feet.
There are four entrances and 50 steps needed to reach the main entrance. There is a door named VaikunthaDwaram that ensures a proper visit to devotees. There is a flag post opposite the sanctum. It is made of five-metal alloy and gold-plated with a carved image of Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu.
The central icon is the self-manifested form where Rama is in a seated position having Sita on his lap.Rama can be seen with four hands holding his weapons while Lakshmana stands to his left.
There is an icon of Ranganatha, the reclining form of Vishnu, which is believed to be installed by the devotee of Lord Rama, Gopanna. Inside there is a temple dedicated to his beloved Laxmi as well.
Bhadrachalam temple make san important pilgrimage site where devotees visit to witness the rare idols of Lord Rama and admire the mythological tales related to it.
Best Time to Visit the Temple
The place is tropical,where the summers are scorching hot, and the winters are pleasant. Hence the time of April to September comes as best to visit. Devotees should always check the major event before coming here so they can witness the temple in its glorious form.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi,twelve-day long annual Brahmotsavam, and ten-day celebrations of Dussehra are major events during which devotees should make their visit. Vasanthotsavam and Hanuman Jayanti are also celebrated significantly.
The Bhadrachalam town is well-connected with Railways and Air. One can reach Bhadrachalam railway station, 40 km from the main town, and hire a cab to reach. If you plan to travel by air, then Rajahmundry domestic airport is the nearest one at a distance of 185 kilometers from the temple.
People can also have a taste of other sights such as Papi Kondalu that is a hill range. Abhaya Anjaneya Temple which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and Sabari river.
Get more information about the temple located in South India and other regions of the country. Visit Astropedia and explore the next sanctum you wish to travel to.
