KODANTARAMA TEMPLE -VONTIMITTA- KADAPPADISTRICT-ANDHRA PRADESH
Introduction The Kodandarama temple at Vontimitta is a major Hindu templeabout 25 kilometers east of Kadapa city, in the Kadappa district AndhraPradesh. Built during the Vijayanagara Empire era, along with those atSomapalem and Tadpatri, the Vontimitta temple reflects the architecturalprinciples that flourished in the Deccan region with Vijayanagara patrons. The temple is dedicated to Rama, the Vishnu avatar best knownthrough the epic Ramayana. There are several Kodandarama temples in India, suchas the one in Hampi. TheVontimitta temple offers a comparative benchmark. The temple name is derived from the word kodanda (bow), asthe Hindu legends of focus here are Rama with a bow (along with Lakshmana) asthey meet and engage Sugriva and Hanuman in their epic struggle for Sita anddharma. The temple, an example of Vijayanagara architectural style, astold earlier is dated to the 16th century. It is stated to be the largest temple in the region. Legend According to the legend, the temple was built by Vontudu andMittudu they was nishada(boya) vamsha, who were robbers-turned-devotees ofRama. After building the temple, they are said to have turned into stone. Another legend says that Rama Sita and Lakshmana spent sometime at the time of their exile. Sita felt thirsty. Lord Rama shot an arrowdeep into the earth, and sweet water gushed. Later, that water springs into twosmall tanks named Rama theertham and Lakshmana theertham. History This temple is more than 1,000 years old. It was first builtduring the Chola dynasty in the 10th century and later improved and expanded bythe Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century. The temple’s design and carvingsclearly show the beautiful Vijayanagara-style architecture, and many ancientwritings and royal symbols are still visible on the walls. The temple was builtduring the reign of Chola kings Agnikulas and Vijayanagara kings around the16th century. Even a French traveller named Tavernier visited this templein 1652 and wrote about its beauty. Bammera Potana who lived in Vontimitta wrote his magnum opusMaha Bhagavatham in Telugu language and dedicated it to Rama. VavilakolanuSubba Rao, known as ‘AndhraValmiki’ for translating Valmiki’s Ramayana (the Hindu epic thatnarrates Rama's tale) into Telugu also spent his time here worshipping Rama. The saint-poet Annamacharya is said to have visited the temple and composed andsang songs or kirtans in praise of Rama. In the 18th century, the temple got even more beautiful andgrand, thanks to the efforts of a nobleman named Sri Dodla Rami Reddy. He tookgreat interest in the temple’s construction and made many improvements. Thefinal work was completed in the year 1784, and since then, the temple hasbecome even more important and loved by devotees. Architectural styles: The temple and itsadjoining buildings are one of the centrally protected monuments of nationalimportance. The temple, the largest in the region is built inVijayanagara style of architecture, in the "Sandhara" order within arectangular yard enclosed by walls. The temple, is architecturally elegant andimpressive. It has three ornate Gopurams (towers) of which the central tower,which faces east, is the entrance gateway to the temple; the other two towersface north and south. This central tower is built in five tiers, and a numberof steps are provided to access the approach gate of the tower. The mandapa or the Rangamantapam, the open-air theatre, hasexquisite sculptures. As the mandapa is supported over 32 pillars it is knownas Madhyarangaradapam. The colonnades in the mandapa have carved figurines ofattendant apsaras (nymphs). Thecolumns of the central support system on the southern side display carvings ofthe gods Krishna and Vishnu. Each of the corner columns have threelayers carved with images of apsaras and deities. In the central part of themandapa, there are piers which are adorned with images of the mythicalcreatures yali. The roof of the central part is built up with many decorativebrackets or corbels. In one of the columns of the mandapa, images of Rama andhis brother Lakshmana are sculpted. Rama is shown here in a standing positionwith bow in the right hand and arrow in the left hand. Other decorative artdepiction in Rama's image consists of Kundalas (ear-rings), haras (garlands),valayas, yagnopavita (sacred thread) and so forth. Lakshmana's figure issculpted in tribhanga posture with his right hand held down free while the lefthand holds a bow. Adornments carved on this image are kirtimukuta (conicalcrown), graivevakas, channavira, udarbandha (waist band), yagnopavita andpurnaruka. Krishna is in dvibhanga posture with the left leg firmly onthe ground and the right leg bent at the knee and crossed over the left leg, astyle termed as Vyatyastapada. Of his two arms, the right hand is shown holdingthe Govardhan Hill while the other is rested on kati. The image is ornamentedwith kirtimukuta and many more other ornaments. Two cows are also depicted byhis side. Sanctum The sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha is approached from themandapa through an antaraalayam or inner chamber, which is adorned withsculptures. In thegarbhagriha, the central icon of Rama along with his consort Sita and Lakshmanaare carved as a composite image, out of a single rock. It is alsoinferred that the garbhagriha is itself carved out of a single block. The Hanuman, Rama's devotee, who is generally shown with thetrio is missing here. However, there is a separate temple for Hanuman here. There is also an image of Ganesha in a dancing posture in themandapam. It is believed that Lord Jambavantha (a character from Ramayana)brought and placed these idols in the temple. Poojas 1 5:15 am Temple Opens 2 5:30 am – 6:00 am Suprabhatha Seva 3 6:00 am – 7:00 am Sarva Darshan (General Darshan) 4 7:00 am – 7:30 am Modati Aradhana (First Pooja) + Nivedhana 5 7:30 am – 11:00am Sarva Darshan 6 11:00 am – 11:30am Second Aradhana + Break 7 11:30 am – 6:00pm Sarva Darshan 8 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm Nivedhana + Third Break 9 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm Temple Closing Time (Darshan allowed tillclosing) Seva tickets Good news for the little ones! If your child is under 12, they don’t need a ticketfor Darshanam or any sevas. For a close peek (Antharalaya Darshanam): Rs 50 Offering food to the deity (Naivedya Pooja): Rs 500 Holy Bath for the deity (Abhishekam): Rs 150 Celestial Wedding (Kalyanostavam): Rs 1000 Flower Offering (Pushpa Kanikaryam): Rs 1500 Village Festival (Gramotsavam): Rs 2500 Temple Flag Festival (Gudi Utsavam): Rs 2000 Grand Celebration (Brahmotsavam): Rs 15000 Eternal Abhishekam (Saswatha Abishekam): Rs 1116 Whether you’re planning to witness the grandeur of theBrahmotsavam or participate in the intimate Abhishekam, these tickets willensure you’re part of the divine experience! Festivals Rama Navami, the birthday of Rama, was officially celebratedby the Government of Andhra Pradesh in Bhadrachalam Temple, which went toTelangana. The Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple was chosen as thealternative venue of the official celebrations in 2015. Other festivals celebrated are Vaikunta Ekadasi, Mahashivaratriand Ugadi. Temple tanks The two sacred watertanks – Rama theertham and Lakshmana theertham – are located in the precinctsof the temple. Temple timings Morning Darshan: The temple opens up bright and early at 6:00AM and welcomes visitors till 1:00 PM. Evening Darshan: After a brief break, the doors reopen at2:00 PM and stay open until 8:00 PM. Specialty Kishkindakanda one ofthe 7 kandas of the Ramayana is believed to have occurred in this region. Thewalls and pillars of the temple are embellished with intricate carvings. Nearthe temple is a Rama theertham, a Lakshmana theertham and a meditation hall. Address: Salabad, Vontimitta, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh 516001 TTD helpline on 08772233333, Administration The Administration of the Temple is entrusted to the TirumalaTirupati Devasthanams (TTD) by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The temple ispresently with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This temple isnotified as an Ancient Monument (N-AP-50) by ASI. How to Reach: The temple is easily accessible by road and approximately 25kilometers from Kadapa city. The nearest railway station is in Kadapa, and theclosest airport is in Tirupati, making it convenient for visitors travelingfrom different parts of India. It is said to be the largest Temple in theregion. It is located 25 kilometres from Kadapa and near Rajampet. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Vontimitta Temple is during thespring season, around March to April, to coincide with the Rama Navamifestival. This period offers a unique opportunity to witness the temple’s fullfestive glory and participate in special ceremonies and cultural programs. Compiled and postedon 25-09-2025 by R.Gopalakrishnan. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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