Vontimitta Temple is one of oldest Hindu temple built by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century. The 500-year-old temple is well known for its splendid architecture and lavish designs. Apart from that, this place has deep importance to religious beliefs and history. Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple is situated in Vontimitta town of Kadapa territory, Andhra Pradesh devoted to Lord Sri Rama. It’s considered as the largest temple in the region located close to Rajampet at 25 kms from Kadapa.
Vontimitta Temple – Kodandarama Swamy Temple History, Timings, Entry Fee
The temple and its neighboring structures are so remarkable that it’s authorized as one of the centrally safeguarded monuments of national importance.Vontimitta Temple is the best example of Vijayanagara architectural style which is quite evident in the temple’s design. The temple itself looks quite stunning but with the aura of River Tungabhadra streaming alongside the temple makes the whole scene even more spectacular. As Tungabhadra water is considered holy, people take a dip in the water before or after the darshan.
History of Vontimitta Temple
It is believed that this place got its name ‘Vontimitta’ from Vontudu and Mittudu, who were two robbers turned into devotees of Lord Rama. Their one and only desire was to build a temple for Rama, and it’s believed by most people that these two built it. Upon completing the temple, they wished to become one with Lord Rama himself so, after construction of this masterpiece out of their love both the devotees sacrificed themselves and turned into statues. As you enter the temple you can still find their statues, forever mounting guard as a witness to their devotion.
People also believe that Lord Rama idol in the temple Garbhagudi was placed by Jambavanta (the king who helped Rama to save his wife Sita Devi from Ravana). The idol is carved on a single rock consisting of Lord Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and it is called ‘Ekasilanagaram’. Another interesting fact about this Temple is that it is one of those few temples where you don’t see the idol of Lord Anjaneya Swamy at the side of Rama. By the time this temple was built, lord Rama did not meet hanuman hence we do not see any idol of Anjaneya, but later in the premises a separate Anjaneya swamy temple was built.
Kodandarama Swamy Temple has a high importance in history as one of the seven kandas of Ramayana happened here, it’s “Kishkinda Khanda”. This prominent Hindu pilgrimage site was once visited by Tavernier in 1652, a famous French traveler. He described it as one of the most gorgeous temples in India and was surprised to see the people’s devotion and dedication towards the lord. You can find Bammera Potana statue at the entrance of the garbhagriha and he hails from this place. He wrote Maha Bhagavatham in Telugu language and dedicated it to Sri Rama.
Vavilakolanu Subba Rao, who was well known as Andhra Valmiki helped in modernizing the temple in the 19th century by collecting money from people. He even made many ornaments for the idols and spent his whole life worshiping the god, Rama. He translated Valmiki’s Ramayana into Telugu.
Significance of Vontimitta Temple
Though the temple was built by the Cholas, the architecture here is in traditional Vijayanagara style. It’s an architectural brilliance, which has a rectangular courtyard penned by walls and 3 lavish Gopurams, facing east, north and south. The east facing Gopuram is the entrance of the temple. The middle tower was built in 5 levels and the mandapa is supported by over 32 pillars and it’s an open-air place which is equipped with gorgeous sculptures. It is the only temple in India where most Muslims offer prayers to Lord Sri Rama and its most significant part of this place.
How to Reach Vontimitta Temple?
By Air:
Tirupati International Airport (TIR or IATA) is the closest major plane terminal which is around 110 km away. It is also well known as Renigunta Airport. At the airport hire a taxi or take a direct bus to the Temple.
By Train:
Kadapa Railway Station is considered as the nearest railway track, 32 kms away and is well connected with all the major cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Vijayawada and Chennai. Tirupati Railway station which is 117 km away and from the station hire a cab or take a bus, it’s a 1 hour journey.
By Road or By Bus:
Vontimitta has great public transportation and is well connected by road from numerous state and national highways to prime cities like Kadapa (32 Kms), Tirupati (130 kms), Bangalore (300 kms) and Hyderabad (330 kms).
| City | Distance |
|---|---|
| Kadapa to Vontimitta | 25 km |
| Kurnool to Vontimitta | 220 km |
| Nellore to Vontimitta | 150 km |
| Tirupati to Vontimitta | 90 km |
| Anantapur to Vontimitta | 240 km |
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Tirumala
Festivals Celebrated at Vontimitta Temple
On Sri Rama Navami, the birthday of lord Rama. Seetha Rama Kalyanam is a tradition, and the Kalyanam starts at Abhijith Lagnam at noon in almost all temples in India. But in Kodandarama Swamy Temple the Kalyanam is performed on the Chaitra Masa Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi a day before full moon.
This is the only temple where every year the marriage of Rama and Sita is done on a grand scale at midnight outside the sanctuary. Other festivals like Vaikunta Ekadashi which is another major carnival celebration at the temple. Ugadi, Diwali and other Hindu festivals will be celebrated at the temple with special pujas and ceremonies.
Timings and Entry Fee of Vontimitta Temple
Typically, the temple timings are between 6 AM to 9 PM. During festivals or puja ceremonies timings might vary and it’s recommended to check before ahead.
Seva / Pooja Ticket Cost Details:
- Antharaya Darshanam: Rs. 50/-
- Abhishekam: Rs. 150/-
- Naivedya Pooja: Rs. 500/-
- Kalyanotsavam: Rs.1000/-
- Saswatha Abhishekam: Rs. 1116/-
- Pushpa Kanikaryam: Rs.1500/-
- Gudi Utsavam: Rs. 2000/-
- Gramotsavam: Rs. 2500/
During Brahmotsavam:
- Daytime: Rs. 15000/-
- Nighttime: Rs. 25000/
Best Time to Visit Vontimitta Temple
February and March are considered as the best times of the year to visit Kodandarama Swamy Temple. During this period the temple is decorated with various kinds of flowers and colors to welcome the arrival of spring.
Apart from that visit during Sri Ramanavami (usually in March/April) which is celebrated on a grand scale on the temple’s premises. During this period thousands of devotees visit the place to take part in Seetha Rama Kalyanam.
Conclusion
This temple is an architectural brilliance which holds a deep significance because of its history and religious value. Apart from just Vontimitta Temple there are numerous places to explore like Belum Caves, Gandikota Fort, Ahobilam, Tadipatri, Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary, Kadapa and more.
Suggested Read: Rayalaseema Tourist Places
