11th Century Ammapalli Temple of Sri Seetha Rama

Located at Shamshabad, in the Hyderabad district of Telangana, India is Ammapalli Temple more famously known as Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam. Here lies a beautiful Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. As part of its rich history of culture, it is seen among one of the sacred devotee places and a gorgeous example of Chalukya architecture.

History of Ammapalli Temple:

Age and Origins :

Construction: Estimated to fall back either to the 11th century or the 13th century.

Builders: Vengi Chalukyas were a powerful kingdom that governed parts of South India.

Importance: Among all the temples in and around the surroundings this takes the oldest of all temples which is dedicated to Lord Rama.

Unique Features:

Monolithic Idol: The main deity, Kodandarama, is carved out from a single stone, representing exceptional craftsmanship.

Unconventional Depiction: Lord Rama is holding an arrow in his right hand, unlike most temples, where he is depicted carrying a bow.

In the case of Ammapalli, the sanctum sanctorum does not contain a sculpture of Hanuman as it is in most other temples of Rama.

History and Significance:

Through the Ages: Ammapalli temple complex grew through centuries and now covers an area of 250 acres, featuring two large temple tanks, and other shrines.

Cultural Centre: The Ammapalli centre was a religious and cultural activity center for centuries. Many devotees and tourists were attracted to this site.

Modern Recognition: The temple is historically and architecturally important, so it has been recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Additional Points:
According to some sources, the central idol is more than a thousand years older than the temple itself.
Ammapalli has lately become a favorite for movie shoots and other media promotions.

Legend of Ammapalli Temple:

The Dream and the Devotee:

It was said that a timid lady named Amma used to live in the village at olden times. One midnight, Lord Vishnu went to her in a dream and showed her an ancient idol buried deep inside earth. He asked her to construct a temple on this very spot to keep it. Amma, as if possessed by divine powers, took up this onerous task. This left the villagers in derisive laughter and disbelief; however, her devotion will not let her back away.

With ceaseless efforts, Amma found the idol-a superb monolithic carving of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. As the temple came up around it, the villagers, seeing Amma’s indomitable spirit and the divine beauty of the idol, finally welcomed her vision. The temple thus became a testament to the power of faith and the indomitable spirit of a single devotee.

The Unique Absence of Hanuman:

Unlike most Rama temples, the Ammapalli sanctum sanctorum has only the deities of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. The loyal Hanuman, who is habitually always by Rama’s side, is however, nowhere to be found. There are several interpretations behind this seeming anomaly:

First, that Rama and Lakshmana had gone to the temple site much before Hanuman’s time. Therefore, he hadn’t seen them.

Secondly, that Hanuman in spirit, guides the people from outside the temple itself.

A rhetorical version of this explanation is the argument that Hanuman’s bhakti is so potent that he doesn’t necessarily need a body to be alive.

Myths of Ammapalli Temple:

Amma’s Dream: The most popular myth is that Lord Vishnu himself appeared before a devotee named Amma in her dream. Here, the divine figure asks Amma to construct a temple at that very place. When she woke up from her sleep, she could see that there was an imprint of a divine footprint left on the ground. Over time, this footprint becomes a point of worship that is located within the premises of the Ammapalli complex.

Churning of the Milk Ocean: Another great mythological legend connects Ammapalli with the celestial phenomenon known as Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean. It is believed that at seven places, this nectar, Amrita spilled upon earth, and Ammapalli is said to be one of those fortunate places. Such an association has granted this temple an aura of divine bounty and immortality.

The mythical significance of the divine abode of Nara Narayana: Ammapalli is associated in different myths with Nara and Narayana, said to be the two Incarnations of Lord Vishnu. They stayed over meditating and guiding these devotees on the route for spiritual enlightenment. Again that was a reason adding repute to the sacred sanctuary.

Treasure: Another more innocent fable speaks of hidden treasure within the temple itself. Legend has it that there is a pot holding gold buried beneath the temple grounds at Ammapalli waiting to be discovered by some worthy individual. This gives the place a sense of mystery.

Temple Miracle Powers: The worshippers can narrate episodes of miracle powers done through the temple. The religious-minded people believe that devotions done at this shrine are available and accepted, being answered by divine forces. Faith in temple power continues to draw pilgrims coming from different parts of the earth.

Architecture of Ammapalli Temple:

It holds a unique mix of different architectural styles. The different historical developments through the course of centuries can be noted vividly here. Here’s a key description of some of the most important aspects of the architectural features here:

Dravidian Style:

Gopuram: The tallest feature, of course, is its seven-storeyed gopuram. It sports beautiful carvings and sculptures all around. In fact, this pyramidal structure with receding tiers is characteristic of any Dravidian temple.

Pillared halls or mandapams are there in the temple complex which provides ritual space and place for gatherings. In these mandapams, pillar carvings and ceiling carvings are of a high artistic quality.

There are plenty of sculptures in the form of figures of deities, demons, and Hindu mythology events and characters found in the walls and in gopuram, thus a kind of additional layering in the temple’s storytelling.

Nagara Style:

Sanctum Sanctorum: The praxis is generally laid for the main deity placed at the centre sanctum Sanctorum Nagara Shaila Sanatorium Shaila is represented by four forms, square-shaped one – in North India generally built.

Vishnu Idol: In the gopuram, a gigantic sleeping idol of Vishnu is cut. This gives a rich touch to the iconography in the Ammapalli temple.

Rajasthani Influences:

Gopuram Design: First tier of the gopuram is of Rajasthani architecture, that is, flared chajjas (cornices) in it. This represents cross-cultural influences on this temple.

Ammapalli Temple Timing and Rituals:

• Opening: 5:00 AM
• Closing: 9:00 PM

Festivals of Ammapalli Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple at Ammapalli has many vibrant festivals throughout the year. Every festival has some peculiar importance and ritual attached to it. Some of the popular festivals are as follows:

Vasant Utsavam: (Spring Festival)

This event is scheduled to be observed in February or March concurrent with the arrival of the spring season.

Decorated the temple premises with the kolams of different bright colours and floral designs in the floor.

There will be special pujas and rituals performed for Lord Vishnu as a respect of good harvest and prosperity.

Sri Ramanavami (Birth of Lord Rama):

During the month of April, on the birth day of Lord Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu.

Special abhisheka of the Lord Rama idol with milk, honey, etc.
Devotional hymns and processions in the temple campus.

Pavitrotsavam (Temple Purification Ceremony)

Usually performed during the months of April or May as annual cleansing and purifying the temple.

Traditionally, priests conduct rituals in the temple to cleanse out any evil energies and thus keep the sanctity of the Ammapalli temple intact.

Garuda Jayanti (Lord Vishnu’s Eagle Vehicle Birth):

Garuda Jayanti falls in July or August. Garuda Jayanti refers to the birth of the magnificent eagle vehicle, that is, Garuda-vehicle of Lord Vishnu. On this day special prayers and offerings are rendered to Garuda requesting to seek his protection and his good fortune.

Traditional presentations of cultural events along with the traditional processions related to Garuda Vahan depicting the mythical bird.

Krishna Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s Birth)

This is the month of August or September. This festival marks Lord Krishna’s birthday, as he was one of Vishnu’s avatars.

In this festival, there will be devotional songs, and dances representing the life and philosophy of Krishna. The ceremony involves a Dahi Handi ceremony; children form a human pyramid to reach up and smash the yogurt suspended at a certain height. This marks 6. Dussehra or Victory of Good over Evil.

It is done during the month of October. It marks good overcoming evil-The evil-Lord Rama defeated demon king Ravana.

It also consists of some special pujas and rituals performed in honour of Lord Rama and Sita.

Extremely large effigies of the form of Ravana is burnt down as the negatives are destroyed.

Deepavali (Festival of Light):

This festival is also, like Deepavali a celebration of lights, only it is observed during either October or November. The walls of the homes and also the temples are illuminated, and the place is designed with diyas or clays lamps and rangoli.

Special pujas and offering to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.

There are fireworks and exchange of sweets and other gifts.

Places to visit near Ammapalli Temple:

Chilkur Balaji Temple (12 km from Ammapalli)
Often known as the “Visa Balaji” due to its being said that if one prays there to Lord Venkateshwara, visa approvals might possibly come through, Chilkur Balaji Temple is one of the more important pilgrimage centers. This temple is situated on the banks of Osman Sagar Lake and provides a tranquil ambiance for praying and meditation. This is an ancient temple, and it’s a little odd because there is no tradition of devotees making the usual offering but of making rounds of pradakshinas.

Osman Sagar Lake (Approx. 14 km from Ammapalli)
Osman Sagar is also known as Gandipet Lake. It is perfect for picnic spots, nature walks, and photography. The area of the lake is outside the outskirts of Hyderabad accompanied with full greenery and hills. It is one of the best places for a quiet retreat holiday through boating and view sighting.

Qutub Shahi Tombs About 30 km south of Ammapalli
Qutub Shahi Tombs A tomb complex, which had been erected in the names of kings, who fell under Qutub Shahi, consists of a tomb complex in the grave of Sultan Quli Qutub Shah and another generation of descendants. Their time frame belongs to the 16th century and is found at Ibrahim Bagh. It has impressive Indo-Saracenic architecture domes, domed archways, passageways, and fabulous gardens.

Golconda Fort-around 30 km from Ammapalli
This fort perhaps holds one of the richest historical pasts among the forts in India, and the complex of the Golconda Fort carries such imposing gates, ramparts, and an old palace that make it famous for acoustical wonders. And this also happens to be the capital of Qutub Shahi dynasty, so the history and architecture with great views from atop makes this place pretty popular.

Shilparamam (Around 28 km from Ammapalli)
Shilparamam is ideal for those who look for a cultural experience as it is an area within Hi-tech City which has all art forms, crafts and cultural performances by artists of all states.
Artisan markets, handicraft exhibitions and rural festivals at this place.

Hussain Sagar Lake (Around 25 km from Ammapalli)
Hussain Sagar Lake: This is one such an artificial lake, but what a beauty-it has a bridge connecting twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Boating is super and in the centre a Buddha Statue is placed upon an island in the centre. Sun setting here is out of this world; in order to forget about its busy life, one needs to come here.

Birla Mandir: 26 km from Ammapalli
The temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara is one of the most beautiful white marble temples and is located on a hillock, thereby providing scintillating views of the city. Birla Mandir is famous for its peaceful environment and for carvings and architecture.

Ramoji Film City (Approx. 40 km from Ammapalli)
It should be visited by all movie freaks and those willing to have a good time at the cinema. The biggest film studio complex around, it houses a good variety of fun stuff, namely: film sets, amusement parks, live shows and more rides than one has names for. It should please families and Indians films freaks.

Sanghi Temple – It’s at about 40 kilo meters from Ammapalli.
Sanghi Temple is situated at a hill top and it is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, which lies near the outskirts of Hyderabad. It is one such place that gives a fine feel for a peaceful ambiance with panoramic views; it happens to be an excellent destination site for meditation and praying to the lord. It is one of the most favourite destination sites for those pilgrims who seek divine benediction in a peaceful ambiance.

Necklace Road (approx. 25 km from Ammapalli)
Necklace road is along the stretch of Hussain sagar Lake. So it must be one of the most beautiful places to view when in the city. Road here is great to take an evening walk lake side, or even a whole thing for the whole long cycle, or merely to go round in by car. Side-lined there are parks and gardens plus restaurants, and could best be the epitome of a laidback day out.

Ammapalli Temple Wedding Cost:

The Ammapalli Temple marriage costs differ depending upon the date of marriage, number of guests, and other such services. But the average cost incurred might be as follows:

Temple Hall:

Booking Fee: This is a one-time, non-refundable amount paid when the temple hall for marriage is booked. At present, the booking fee is Rs. 11,000.

Dharmicar Fees: This refers to the wedding ceremony which will be performed by temple priests. The approximate cost here is around Rs. 5,000.

Puja Materials: You have to buy all the puja materials such as flowers, fruits, and coconuts. The cost varies with your preferences.

Mandap decorations can either be done by the temple itself or by a vendor; it really depends on how rich you want the decoration to look.

Other Expenses:
Photography and Videography: Also hire photographers and videographers who can capture your wedding day.
Music and Entertainment: Engage a musician or another entertainer of your preference for the marriage.
Dress and Jewelry: Buy or even rent a dress and jewellery.
Total Expensive:
The total expenditure to celebrate marriage at Ammapalli Temple can vary between an amount ranging from Rs. 25,000 to as many as Rs. 1 lakh all of this on conditions mentioned above.
      
Some suggestions on ways you would save your wedding in the Ammapalli Temple will be as under.

Book your wedding in advance: The temple hall might be free for you and a few services even at lesser rates might already be booked.
Fix up the budget: Calculate as to what you can and then start spending only up to that limit. And then there comes the misfortune of overspending for wedding.
Compare prices around: Compare several companies as for which offer what prices and then shortlist one company for you to organize your wedding through it.

For instance, decorating the mandap and having your wedding favors are the things that you can actually do all by yourself provided you’re crafty with your hands.

How to reach Ammapalli Temple:

By Air:

The closest major airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is approximately 65-70 kilometers from Ammapally. Taxi or other means of transport can be obtained from the airport to Ammapally.

By Train:

Perhaps the nearest railway station is Secunderabad Railway Station in Hyderabad. And from the railway station one can hire a taxi, take a bus, reach Ammapally. From here the distance by road would be about 60-65 kilometers.

By Road:

To reach Ammapally, you can either come from Hyderabad by a direct road or hire a cab/taxi that is going to the region.
This journey may take one to two hours; its entirely dependent on your conditions. 
Public Bus Transportation: You can either book the state-run or even the private buses. One might go from Hyderabad directly, however one has to check, reach nearby towns/ villages and find for public transportation to Ammapally.

The final local journey will be through an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the Sri Seetha Rama Chandra Swamy Temple once you reach the general area of Ammapally.

Temple Address:

Sri Seetha Rama Chandra Swamy Temple, Ammapally Village, Near Shamshabad, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, India.