Situated on the left bank of the Godavari river, the most well-known temple in the nation honoring Lord Rama is the Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy shrine at temple. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site with a rich and distinctive historical heritage, regarded as one of the most revered sacred places in South India. Kancharla Gopanna, a passionate follower of Lord Sree Rama and the local Tahsildar, also known as Bhakta Ramadas, built the Bhadrachalam temple in the 17th century.
According to puranic and historical accounts, Lord Rama appeared to save his follower Bhadra Maharshi, whom he had promised’moksha’ following ardent prayer, long after he had shed his earthly coils. For this reason, the village is called Bhadrachalam or Bhadradri after Bhadra. The woman Pokala Dammakka saw Srirama in a dream, and he told her that there are vigrahas in the Bhadragiri hills. She was shocked to discover the “Vigrahas” and erected a little building. This was how the current temple got its start.
Bhadrachalam Temple History:
The lower Godavari valley, which includes Bhadrachalam and its environs, is said to have been inhabited by Paleolithic humans. The 17th-century CE construction of the Lord Sri Rama temple is chronicled in the history of Bhadrachalam town. The current town was formerly a part of the Dandakaranya forest, which was frequented by Lord Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana during their banishment. The area was also known locally as vanavasam.
Rama’s hideaway was the jungle that is currently around the temple, and he had constructed a home for himself and Sita in a spot named Parnasala, which is 32 miles distant. This is where Ravana, the king of Lanka, kidnapped Sita.
The Ramayana Era and the town have similar historical significance. The phrase Bhadragiri, which means “The Mountain Abode of Bhadra, the child of Meru and Menaka,” is the source of the name Bhadrachalam. The Archa Murthys of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana reside at the well-known temple at Bhadrachalam; their idols are thought to be swayambhu, or self-manifested ones.
The division of Bhadrachalam also features a number of other Hindu temples It is thought that during his banishment, Rama built a hermitage at Paranasalala, where he also spent time with his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita. Rama chose this location with the aid of Agastya Muni. At Parnasala, a few scenes from Vanavasa are on exhibit in a beautiful way. The footprints of Sita Devil, the mosaic of Maarecha, who appears as a golden deer, and Ravana, who manifests as Sanyasi for Bhikshatana, all captivate pilgrims.
Sita Vaagu, the location where she washed and collected Kumkumkum (turmeric) from the surrounding stones, is visible. In the past, the bird Jatayuvu, a devoted follower of Rama, attempted to impede Ravana while he was riding a chariot after kidnapping Sita. Yetapaka is situated two kilometers from Bhadrachalam. After a fierce battle, it was thought that a bird’s wing had been discovered near Rekkapalli.
Here at Dummugudem, where Rama is revered as Atmarama, the Purana recounts that Rama slain around 14,000 demons who belonged to Khara Dushaneana. Because it was constructed on the ashes of these demons, the location is known as Dummugudem.
It is said that the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara bathed in the sacred water at Gundala, which is five kilometers from Bhadrachalam, after excavating a pit on the riverbed.
Bhadrachalam Temple Timings:
Early in the morning: 4:00 AM–12:00 PM
In the afternoon: 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM
How to Get to Temple Bhadrachalam:
By Air: Rajahmundry Airport is 116 km away, while Vijaywada Airport is 186 km away.
Kothagudem is 40 km away by train, Kothagudem is 38 km away by bus, and Rajamundry is 113.7 miles away.
Bhadrachalam Temple Address:
Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Vaari Devasthanam, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Bhadrachalam 507111, Telangana, India.
Bhadrachalam Temple official website: https://www.bhadrachalarama.org/
Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam Contact Number & Sevas Online Booking:
Superintendent of the Temple: 7660-007-679
Details on the general temple: 7660-007-681
General temple information: 08743-232428
Contact Information: 08743-232467
The official website of the Bhadrachalam Temple has pictures of the caves. Additionally, you may learn more about this location by visiting the official website of theliturgical temples.