Kodandarama Temple Vontimitta

Getting there

• By air

  Instead of Kadapa, you can fly to Tirupati Airport, which has regular flights.

• By train

  Cuddapah (HX) and Bhakarapet (BKPT) are the stations listed for the district.

• By road

  The temple is about 25 km from Kadapa city, on the state highway that runs towards Tirupati.

Why devotees come here

Kodandarama Temple in Vontimitta, YSR Kadapa district, is one of the most prominent Sri Rama temples in Andhra Pradesh. Its idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are carved from a single stone, and it is the official venue for the state's Sita Rama Kalyanam during Sri Rama Navami.

Local legend says Rama, Lakshmana and Sita spent time here during their years in exile. Once, when Sita was thirsty, Rama shot an arrow into the ground, and sweet water gushed out. Believers say the idols in the temple are the ones once worshipped by Jambavantha, the bear character of the Ramayana.

Inscriptions show that building began in 1356, under Bukkaraya, and went on into the 17th century. Vijayanagara and Matli rulers added to it. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams took over the temple in September 2015. Three large gopurams are aligned along the cardinal directions, and the five-tiered eastern one is the main entrance.

The Ranga Mandapam has 32 carved pillars, and its Yali pillars show the refined art of the Vijayanagara period. The sanctum holds a monolithic image of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, carved from one block of stone.

Festivals

• Sri Rama NavamiSri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams

  Held over several days, with Dhwajarohanam and daily processions of the deities on different vahanams.

• Full moon during Sri Rama NavamiSita Rama Kalyanam

  The state-sponsored celebration of the wedding. One year's wedding was set for April 1.

Tips for your visit

• Look closely at the Yali pillars in the Ranga Mandapam, which show refined Vijayanagara art.
• The five-tiered eastern gopuram is the main entrance.

Questions people ask