Sree Sitarama Swamy Temple At Bhadrachalam

About Bhadrachalam

Bhardrachalam is a small temple town in the Bhadradi district of Telangana. It is an important Hindu pilgrim place as the Vaishnavite temple of Sri Sitarama Swamy is located here.
It is one of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is situated on the banks of River Godavari in the Dandakaaranya region. The temple has rich historical background. It was constructed in the 17th century by the then Tahsildar of the place named Kancharla Goppana.
>br />Later he became popular by the name Bhakta Ramadas as he was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama.

Legend and History

According to legends, Bhadra Maharishi was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. He performed severe penance on the banks of River Godavari for attaining Moksha by the grace of Lord Vishnu. Bhadra happens to meet Lord Rama (one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu) and requests Him to be seated on his head. Rama who was in search of His abducted wife Sita Devi, promises to fulfill his wish on His return. To keep His promise, Sri Maha Vishnu appears as Vaikuntha Raama and fulfills Bhadra Mahamuni's wish. Thus the place got its name after Saint Bhadra and is known as Bhadrachalam.

As per historical evidences, in the 2nd half of 17th century C.E (Current Era), Kancharla Gopanna - the then Tahsildar (Revenue Officer) of Bhadrachalam is said to have used the govt revenue to construct the temple. He was thus imprisoned in a dungeon in Golconda Fort by Abdul Hasan Tana Shah. It is believed that Lord Rama accompanied with His younger brother Lakshmana came in disguise and met Tana Shah. They repaid the amount used by Ramadas and thus freed him from imprisonment. Bhakta Ramadas has composed several devotional songs on Lord Rama which are sung as Ramadasu Keertanalu.

About the temple

The temple opens at 4.30 a.m with 'Prabhatotsavam'. There are various 'poojas' / 'sevas' performed at different timings of the day. The temple closes at 8.30 p.m.

The main deity of Rama in the sanctum sanctorum is seen in sitting posture holding a bow, arrow, Sankham and Chakram in His hands with Sita Devi seated in His lap. While Lakshmana is seen standing beside Lord Rama with a bow and arrow in his hand.

Vaikuntha Ekadasi in Dhanur Maasam and Sree Rama Navami in Chaitra Maasam are the two major festivals celebrated in the temple. Sree Seeta Raama Kalyanam i.e the celestial marriage ceremony of Seeta Devi with Lord Raama is performed every year in this temple which is watched by thousands of devotees. It has become customary for the Govt of Andhra Pradesh (presently Telangana) to offer silk clothes to the Divine couple on the occasion. The ceremony is aired live on various TV channels including Doordarshan - the govt channel.

Hotels

Bhadrachalam is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim places. So there is no dearth for accommodation. There are excellent private hotels, govt guest houses, choultries cottages and tourism dept Haritha resorts / hotel in Bhadrachalam. These are located in beautiful surroundings and are at a close distance to the temple. There are good number of economy and luxury private hotels / lodges in and around the place.

There are other accommodations like TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanamas) Choultry, Sri Rama Sadan, Yadagiri Sadan, Soumitri Sadanam, Sri Rama Nilayam and Annavaram Choultry with AC as well as non-AC rooms at reasonable prices.

Route

Bhadrachalam is well connected via roadways and rail route to almost all the important places of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. There are number of trains connecting the place from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajamundry, Tirupati and other places. You can reach the place easily via road / rail.

Places to visit in and around Bhadrachalam

There are few interesting places to visit in and around Bhadrachalam. These include:

Parnasaala

Parnasala

It is believed that in this place Lord Raama along with his wife Seeta and brother Lakshmana lived a life of hermitage during their exile and this is the place where Seeta was abducted by the Raavana.

Paapikondalu

This is one of the most beautiful route with Mother Nature at her best. A ride in a launch through paapikondalu is a real feast to the eyes. As the launch sails in the mighty Godavari river that narrows down as it flows through a stretch of hills known as paapikondalu, gives you a thrilling experience. The wonderful ride through the hills is worth riding.

Jatayu Paaka

Located at a distance of 2 Km from Bhadrachalam, this place is believed to be the place where the divine vulture (Jataya) waited for Rama till He arrived, after the vulture was injured in the fearful fight with Ravana while he was flying after abducting Sita Devi.

Sabari

The place where river Sabari joins river Godavari. Legends say that a tribal woman named Dhammakka lived in this place.

It is said that Rama appeared in her dreams and told her about the idols that are hidden in the Bhadradri Hills. It is also believed that Lord Rama met the tribal woman Sabari at this place who offered Him local berries. The woman attained moksha i.e. salvation and transformed in river Sabari.