Bhadrachalam Temple | Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy

Bhadrachalam Temple is located in the Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is known for its grand celebration of the wedding anniversary of Lord Rama with Goddess Sita on the eve of Rama Navami.

Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple was constructed by one Kancharla Gopanna who is famously known as Bhakta Ramada in the second half of 17th century. As per the Ramayana, Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman, had put up a halt at Parnasala. This temple was constructed from the money in the treasury of the state without prior notice to the King.

Gopanna was imprisoned at Golconda and punished for his work. Gopanna was a devotee of Lord Rama and worshiped him all the time. Pleased with his worship, Lord Rama appeared in the dream of Golconda King Tanisha and returned all the money spent for the construction of the temple. Ramadas is also known for his songs, he composed many Telugu songs in praise of Lord Rama.

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History of Bhadrachalam Temple:

Bhadrachalam Temple falls under the Ramayana era. As per it, Dandaka forest is where Lord Rama with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana stayed during their fourteenth-year exile. Their visit to the Bhadrachalam Temple falls among some important events of their lives in the forest.

This temple was built again in the 17th century by Kancherla Gopanna who was the revenue officer of Bhadrachalam during the rule of the last Sultan of Golconda, Abul Hasan Qutb Shah but more commonly known as Tana Shah. It is supposed that Gopanna is a devotee of Lord Rama; he remained in Jail for 12 years because he used the money assigned toward the treasury of the Sultanate to build this temple.

It has the style of Dravidian period with heavy ornamentation with carvings and a shikara or tower on the top. The idols of Lord Rama and Sita in single stone where sita sits on the laps of lord rama and Lakshmana is placed. Black stones have been strewn around the idols which are placed at the heart of the temple complex and it is said that Kancherla Gopanna has brought the idols from Ayodhya.

It has remained a centre of pilgrimage and worship for every Hindu living in each nook and corner of India and all over the world. Vast influxes of pilgrims witness it when Rama Navami falls in April or May.

Governing events regarding the history of Bhadrachalam Temple:

Ramayana Era: Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita, with his brother Lakshmana, is ready to bless the Bhadrachalam Temple.

17th century: This temple was constructed by Kancherla Gopanna, who was a revenue officer of Bhadrachalam during the period of the last Sultan of Golconda .

20th century: Restorations in 1942 and 1982.

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Significance of Bhadrachalam Temple:

Several reasons have been ascribed to the Bhadrachalam Temple, making it of immense importance. Firstly, it is one of the very few temples in India that pays homage to Lord Rama as Vaikuntha Rama or, rather, Rama in his dwelling that never ends. The second reason is that the temple has been located in the Godavari River, which the Hindus have revered as sacred. The temple is also said to be connected with Ramayana because it is reportedly where Lord Rama and Sita went while they were in exile in Dandakaranya jungle.

The Bhadrachalam Temple is a beautiful and powerful structure. There is, of course the fantastic high-rise tall shikhara in the center, ornamented by superb carvings in the main temple itself-both of which define a hall of the highly regarded Dravidian architectural style-and many shrines dedicated to other Hindu gods, among them Hanuman, Lakshmana, and Sita.

Such important pilgrim centers like this temple attract Hindus from all corners of India and the world. It is highly crowded in April or May as the annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated during this time.

Importance of Bhadrachalam Temple:

Bhadrachalam Temple is one of the unique temple in India where lord is worshipped as Vaikuntha Rama (eternal dwelling) unlike Bala Rama in Ayodhya. One reason for this is because devotees have a unique chance to worship Lord Rama in his most pure form.

Its location on the banks of the Godavari River: The Godavari River is regarded sacred by Hindus. Where this Bhadrachalam Temple stands, is considered sacred. Such a cause adds to the holy value of this temple.

The connection with the Ramayana epic is not missing from the Bhadrachalam Temple since it is said that Rama and Sita went to this temple while they were in exile to Dandakaranya forest. This is critical since it gives the believers an added reason to come to the temple.

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Places to visit near Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple:

Parnasala: The place is located 32 kilometers from Bhadrachalam. It has been mentioned that here Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana had passed their time when they had been exiled to the forest. The place has sculptures and is also a very scenic setting.

Abhaya Anjaneya Temple: Located near Parnasala site, this temple is all dedicated to Lord Hanuman. He is an icon in the Ramayana. This temple has a peaceful atmosphere surrounding it.

Sabari River: One can easily appreciate the beauty of the Sabari River near Bhadrachalam. It is a silent place to walk or have a peace-time picnic.

Jattayu Paaka: This rocky region is part of the folklore of Jatayu-again, like in the case of Kombaedia, a bird that had attempted to rescue Sita from Ravana but had been mortally wounded. It is believed to be the spot where the bird fell.

Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary: This wildlife Situated is about 16 km from Bhadrachalam known for high biodiversity levels. It’s an absolute treat to nature lovers because of the high bird, animal, and lush green vegetation species found here.

Papikondalu: This Godavari river-based hill range boasts beautiful landscapes and serenity. You can take a boat ride to explore the area also.

Parnasala Eco Tourism: Here again is another experience of Parnasala where a boat ride and guided tours to the forest area can be availed in a peaceful ambiance amidst nature.

Maredumilli: Nature lovers like to see the beautiful scenic locations of Maredumilli as its filled with beauty of flora and fauna. Lush forest area located 108 kilometers. Visitors love to go for trekking and explore beauty of nature.

Pochera Waterfalls – This is the distance of 50 kilometers from Bhadrachalam. This is a beautiful sight, mostly during the rainy season.

Jalaput Dam – It is approximately 100 km from Bhadrachalam. The calm scenic view with boating facility is really refreshing.

Kinnerasani Dam – It’s 50 kilometers from Bhadrachalam. Kinnerasani River has an excellent beautiful view.

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Significance of Sudharshan Chakra in Bhadrachalam Temple:

The Sudharshan Chakra is one of the most important and potent wheel-shaped weapons of Lord Vishnu. It is believed to be a symbol of creation, protection, and also of evil’s extermination. The holy wheel rests atop the tower or the shikhara of the Bhadrachalam Temple. It is immensely big in gold color and can be sighted from a distance.

The Sudharshan Chakra in the Bhadrachalam Temple is very significant for a number of reasons. Of course, it represents the principal deity of the temple-Lord Vishnu. Protection is one of the major themes and an integral part of the epic Ramayana where Lord Rama is the presiding deity of the Bhadrachalam Temple. The third prayer seeks the annihilation of evil and promises the devotees of Lord Vishnu that they would never face such evil.

According to legends, it was taken up to the sky and brought down to earth by Lord Rama when he wished to defeat the demon Ravana. After the war, he presented Sudharshan Chakra to his devotee, Gopanna, upon which he went and erected the Bhadrachalam Temple to enshrine the Sudharshan Chakra.

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Bhadrachalam Temple Timings and Rituals:

Timetable: 

Temple Doors Opening :
The temple ceremony of Suprabhata Seva, which wakes up the gods, is performed between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM.           

          Darshan is allowed among devotees from 5:00 am till 12:00 pm.
 
          The temple is closed for lunch between 12:00 noon and 3:00 PM.
 
          After lunch, at 3:00 PM, the darshan resumes its schedule and continues till 6:00 PM.
 
          At night, Darshan resumes. Time: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Six thirty it opens, and nine thirty it closes.

Some of the daily recurring activities are listed below:

It is the first puja of morning: Suprabhata Seva. This goes on between 4:30 to 5:00 AM, when divine hymns and devotional melodies wake up the deities.

Abhisheka: the holy bath enjoyed by the deities, consisted of water, milk, curd, panchamrita-a concoction of five nectars-and other sacred stuff.

Aarti: In this pooja, lamps dipped in ghee or camphor are waved before the gods.

This is a food offering to the gods.

This is the waving of lamps with wicks or camphor dipped in oil or ghee.

 Special Pujas

 Vaikunta Ekadashi: This is a ten-day festival that happens either in January or December.

Sri Rama Navami: As it is the birthday of Lord Rama, it is of great significance. This is done very strictly with a lot of caution.

Brahmotsavam: This is the main festival of the temple. Ten day celebrations are scheduled for this month of either

Official Website:

For more details on Guest House (Accomidation), Seva & Timing etc. visit: Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam

How to reach Bhadrachalam Temple:

By Road:

Bhadrachalam is well-connected by road.

From Hyderabad: approx. 312 kilometers.
From Vijayawada: about 258 kilometers away.

By Train:

The nearest railway station: Bhadrachalam Road Railway Station.

By Air:

Nearest major airport: Rajahmundry Airport (Andhra Pradesh).