Sri Rama Temple, Bhadrachalam

Sri Rama Temple, Bhadrachalam or Sree Seetha Rama Chandra Swamy Temple, Bhadrachalam Temple is located in Bhadrachalam of Bhadradri Kothagudem district(erstwhile Khammam district) of Telangana on the banks of river Godavari. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and is often referred to as Dakshina Ayodhya. The temple was built by Kancherla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas in the 17th century CE. He was the revenue officer(tahsildar) of the last Sultan of Golconda, Nawab Abul Hasan Shah also known as Tanishah. He was accused of using the funds meant for Sultan’s treasury to build the temple, arrested and put in jail for 12 years.

Bhakta Ramadasu was released by Tanishah after Lord Rama and Lakshman were believed to have appeared in his dream and paid the gold coins that he was supposed to have paid. The jail can still be found in the Golconda fort and is quite dark with only one opening at the top through which food and other things were delivered. While he was imprisoned, he composed a lot of poems dedicated to Lord Rama which are still rendered in Bhadrachalam.

In Bhadrachalam, the idols are a bit different compared to the other Rama temples as Sita Devi is seated on Lord Rama’s laps(with 4 hands) and not standing next to him along with Lakshmana as is the case generally. It has 4 entrances and one has to climb a few steps to reach the temple. It is just next to the river Godavari and the devotees take a dip in the river before having the Darshan. Sri Ramanavami is celebrated as Kalyanotsavam in a grand way and the Telangana Government donates the Muthyala Talambralu. Vaikunta Ekadasi is also celebrated during December/January and Teppotsavam also happens where the idols are taken in Hamsavahana in the Godavari river. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple and need to be deposited at the counters available.

Parnasala is around 30 kms from this temple where Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lakshmana are believed to have stayed partly during their 14 year exile in Dandakaranya. This is believed to the place where Ravana is suppposed to have abducted Sita Devi to Lanka after disguising as a saint seeking alms when Lord Rama had gone to hunt the golden deer upon Sita Devi’s request. There is ample parking space available at the temple for 4 wheelers as well as 2 wheelers.

Temple Timings: 4.30 am to 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm daily.

Contact number : 7660007679

You may find the information on other temples in Telangana here and temples in Hyderabad here.