Kodandarama Swamy Temple - Vontimitta

 Kodandarama Swamy Temple - Vontimitta

Kodandarama Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Rama, located in Vontimitta town in Vontimitta Mandalam of Kadapa District in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta (or Ontimitta) is the largest and most famous temple in Kadapa district. This temple set within a complex of sprawling ramparts, the temple has three towering gopurams and mandapas with a wealth of ornate sculptures depicting Lord Rama and his consorts.

The temple, is built in Vijayanagara architectural style, and is dated back to 16th century. It is stated to be the largest temple in the region. It is located at a distance of 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Kadapa and is close to Rajampet.

Vontimitta Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple History:

Unlike most temples dedicated to Rama, there is not a single statue of Hanumana inside vontimitta temple.

According to the local legend, this temple was built in a single day by Vontudu and Mittudu they was nishada (boya) vamsha, who were robbers-turned-devotees of Rama. After building this extraordinary 32 pillers temple, they are said to have turned into stone.

Another legend says that Lord Rama spent some time in Vontimitta at the time of aranyavasam with Sita and Lakshmana. One day Sita felt thirsty, then Lord Rama shot an arrow deep into the earth, and then spring of water came out. Later that water spring became 2 small tanks and named them as Rama Theertham and Lakshmana Theertham.

Another story is, Lord Jambavantha has placed Lord Rama Idol in this temple consists of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana Idol on the single rock.

Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple Vontimitta Specialty:

This temple Mandapam contains 32 pillars called as “Madhyarangaradapam”.

The main idol of this temple Lord Rama worshipped as Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy, and found the bow on his right hand and arrow on his left hand in standing posture along with Sita and Lakshmana made of the single rock

The other temples are Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Goddesses Sita, Lakshmana, Lord Kanuma, and Lord Ganesha.

This temple has 3 ornate Gopurams (towers) of which the central tower, which faces east, is the entrance gateway to the temple; the other two towers face north and south. This central tower is built in five tiers, and a number of steps are provided to access the approach gate of the tower.

Significance

While earlier the official Ramanavami celebrations of the state were held in Bhadrachalam, after Andhra's bifurcation, the Kodandarama Swamy Temple was chosen as the venue (From 2015) . The Brahmotsavam of the temple falls around Ramanavami (March-April).

How to Reach

The closest airport near this temple is in Kadapa which is 35 kms away. 

Vontimitta is the nearest Train Station.

This temple is well connected by Kadapa.