Famous Bhadrachalam Temple: Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy
Bhadrachalam Temple, or Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple, in the lovely state of Telangana, India. It’s a destination that’s just brimming with wonderful tales, faith, and a sense of peace that you’ll take away with you long after your stay.
Contents
- 1 Welcome to Bhadrachalam! The Home of Lord Rama!
- 2 Bhadrachalam Temple History: A Story of Devotion and Miracles
- 3 The Legend of the Temple: How Bhadra Gave His Name
- 4 Cultural, Spiritual, and Mythological Importance of the Temple
- 5 Festivals: A Treat for the Eyes and Soul!
- 6 Unique Architectural Styles and Carvings
- 7 Significance of Sudharshan Chakra in Bhadrachalam Temple:
- 8 Myths and Beliefs: Stories That Touch the Heart
- 9 Bhadrachalam Temple Timings: When to Go
- 10 Why This Place is Very Important
- 11 Bhadrachalam Temple Accommodation Options: Where to Stay
- 12 Places to Visit Around the Temple
- 13 How to Reach the Temple: Your Journey to Bhadrachalam
Welcome to Bhadrachalam! The Home of Lord Rama!
Namaste, my lovely friends! So, are you thrilled to learn about a fairyland where Lord Rama himself dwelled? Well, buckle up, folks, because we are going to tour Bhadrachalam Temple, an absolutely spellbinding destination right here in Telangana, India. It’s not an ordinary temple; it’s more like a residence for Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshmana, carved majestically on the Godavari River bank.
Imagine a region so vast and so revered that it is referred to as the Ayodhya of the South. That’s how precious the Bhadrachalam is! It’s a region where you can experience the tales of the ancient Ramayana alive, and where hundreds of pilgrims visit each day to offer their prayers and feel the proximity of their favorite Lord Rama.
Bhadrachalam Temple History: A Story of Devotion and Miracles
The history of the Bhadrachalam Temple is quite an interesting one, filled with devotion and a touch of magic! Way back in the past, the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana were concealed in an anthill in the jungle. It was a tribal lady by the name of Pokala Dhammakka, who was an ardent believer of Lord Rama, who discovered them!
One evening, Lord Rama himself appeared before her in a dream and informed her of the location of the idols. She fearlessly ventured into the woods and, using water from the Godavari River, scoured away the anthill to find the stunning idols. She then constructed a small shelter for them, and thus the devotion towards these divine idols started.
Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple that you are seeing today, with its large buildings and lovely carvings, was constructed much later by a very renowned devotee called Kancherla Gopanna. He lived a very long, long time ago, in the 17th century. Gopanna was a government official, a Tahsildar, for the King Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, better known as Tana Shah. He adored Lord Rama so, so much that he could not stomach seeing the idols of the Lord in a tiny, humble shrine. So, he resolved to construct a grand temple for them.
Now, now, this is the most exciting part of the story! Gopanna spent some of the government treasury money constructing this wonderful temple. The king was enraged when he discovered it and imprisoned Gopanna in the Golconda Fort for 12 long years! But Gopanna never gave up praying to Lord Rama. He sang lovely songs, known as keertanas, declaring his immense love and grief.
And lo! A real miracle occurred! Two young lads appeared before the king in his dream. They shone with light and handed over a sack of gold coins to the king, just the right amount that Gopanna had invested on the temple! When the king awoke, he saw the same gold coins inscribed with Lord Rama’s name lying beside his bed!
He was so surprised and came to know that Lord Rama himself came to release his devotee. The king forthwith liberated Gopanna and even allotted land near the temple for its maintenance. This is why Kancherla Gopanna is fondly known as Bhakta Ramadasu, i.e., “Rama’s servant.” Isn’t it a great story? It reflects how much Lord Rama cares about his devotees!
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The Legend of the Temple: How Bhadra Gave His Name
Did you know how Bhadrachalam was named? It is related to another lovely story! A long, long time ago, in the Treta Yuga (which is a very, very long, long time ago!), Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and their brother Lakshmana lived in the Dandakaranya forest as a part of their 14-year exile.
There was an extremely wise and divine man (great sage) called Bhadra who was the son of Mount Meru, an extremely significant mountain. Bhadra was an ultra-duper devotee of Lord Rama. He performed very stern tapasya (penance and deep meditation) on the riverside of the Godavari River, waiting to catch a glimpse of Lord Rama.
Lord Rama was so satisfied with Bhadra’s loyalty that he assured Bhadra that he would return after freeing Sita from the demon king Ravana and grant his desire. Bhadra persisted in his penance, and according to his promise, Lord Vishnu descended before Bhadra, not only as Lord Rama, but in a very unique form known as Vaikuntha Rama. This indicated Lord Rama with four arms, carrying a conch (shankha) and a discus (chakra) as Lord Vishnu and a bow and arrow as Lord Rama. Goddess Sita sat on his lap, and Lakshmana stood at his side.
Lord Rama granted Bhadra salvation and transformed him into a hillock. And guess what? This very hillock is where the Bhadrachalam Temple stands today! So, the place is named Bhadrachalam after the devoted sage Bhadra. It truly is a blessed place!
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Cultural, Spiritual, and Mythological Importance of the Temple
This Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple is not just a building; it’s a living, breathing symbol of faith and devotion.
Cultural Significance: The temple plays a significant role in the culture of this place. Again and again, the tales of Lord Rama and Bhakta Ramadasu are repeated, in the form of songs, dances, and dramas. Ramadasu’s prayers in the form of Keertanas is extremely popular and is sung everywhere. It’s as if the temple is a huge stage where the lovely tales of the Ramayana are constantly being celebrated.
Spiritual Significance: For most people, coming to Bhadrachalam Temple is a highly spiritual experience. It’s said that if you visit with a clean heart, your desires will be fulfilled and you’ll feel more connected to God. The environment within the temple is very serene and soothing, and you’ll feel joyful and optimistic. Most devotees are of the view that a darshan (vision) of Lord Rama here attains moksha (salvation or release from worldly troubles).
Mythological Importance: As we learned, Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple’s story is deeply connected to the Ramayana. The nearby village of Parnasala is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent a part of their exile. It’s even said to be the place from where Ravana, the demon king, kidnapped Sita! Imagine standing in a place where such a big part of the Ramayana happened! This association with the grand epic makes Bhadrachalam a very, very unique place in Hindu mythology.
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Festivals: A Treat for the Eyes and Soul!
Oh, you just have to see it in a festival season! The Bhadrachalam Temple is filled with color, sound, and so much happiness during its festivals.
Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams: This is the largest and most significant festival here! It’s the celebration of Lord Rama’s birthday, which falls in March or April. The best part is the Kalyanamahotsavam, a sort of symbolic wedding ceremony for Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Picture thousands of visitors in one place, priests reciting hymns, and the gorgeous idols being dressed up for their heavenly wedding.
The Talambralu, where holy rice laced with turmeric is sprayed on the gods, is an out-of-this-world experience, taking place bang on 12 noon. This huge festival is even telecast live on television and radio! It’s a spectacle to watch, and temple becomes extremely crowded during this time with lakhs of devotees who attend from far and wide.
Vykuntha Ekadasi: This is another extremely important festival, normally in December or January. This is a 10-day celebration when they celebrate the 10 forms of Lord Vishnu. One special day is Dasami, when there’s a Teppotsavam, which is a colorful celebration with the idols of Sita and Rama being taken on a beautifully decorated swan boat into the Godavari River. It looks so lovely with so many lights and crackers! And on Vykuntha Ekadasi day, in the morning, the Vykuntha Dwarams (heavenly gates) at the Northern Gate are opened. Individuals think that if you do a darshan through these gates, you will achieve salvation. This day is also filled with a huge crowd!
Vaaggeyakara Mahotsavams: This festival honors Bhakta Ramadasu, the great saint who constructed the temple. Musicians arrive and sing his lovely compositions, preserving his memory and devotion.
Sabari Smruti Yatra: This October festival commemorates the patience of Sabari, yet another great devotee from the Ramayana, who stood patiently for Lord Rama.
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Unique Architectural Styles and Carvings
As you stroll around the Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple, observe carefully the structures. It’s an excellent specimen of Dravidian architecture, an extremely ancient and majestic form of temple building in South India.
There are four entrances to the temple and the entire complex is separated into three sections. You’ll notice that there is a separate temple for the head of Bhadra, complete with a rock building that even has a footprint said to belong to Lord Rama! The central section is where the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are kept.
Gaze upwards at the central tower, which is known as the Rajagopuram. It’s extremely tall and majestic! And atop the central shrine, you’ll notice a Sudarshana Chakra carved, which is Lord Vishnu’s personal discus. Legend has it that Bhakta Ramadasu discovered this eight-faced chakra inside the Godavari River.
Wherever you gaze, you’ll find incredible carvings and sculptures. They are decorated with stories from the Ramayana, depicting Lord Rama’s escapades, his wars, and his love for Sita. You can also spot carvings of other gods and goddesses. The carvings aren’t merely decorative; they are stories and make you feel as if you have entered the Ramayana world. The idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are so well made that they look almost divine. And guess what? The idol of Sita sitting on Lord Rama’s lap is quite rare and very special!
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.
Myths and Beliefs: Stories That Touch the Heart
The Bhadrachalam Temple is surrounded by many myths and beliefs that make it even more fascinating.
The Disappearing Idols: There’s a story that once, a saint named Kabir, who was from a Muslim family but loved Lord Rama very much, came to the temple. The priests, under strict norms, did not admit him. But suddenly, poof! The idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana vanished from the temple! Everyone was amazed. Bhakta Ramadasu realized and pleaded for Kabir to be admitted inside. When Kabir entered, the idols reappeared, glowing even more brighter! This proves that genuine devotion is what matters most to Lord Rama, not the origin.
Lord Rama Paying the Debt: We already discussed how Lord Rama himself visited the king to repay the money Bhakta Ramadasu spent on the temple. Two of the genuine gold coins from the Treta Yuga (Lord Rama’s era) are even said to be preserved in the temple museum till today! Isn’t that incredible? It shows how much Lord Rama loves his devotees!.
The Floating Temple Stone: As the Bhadrachalam temple was being built, a gigantic stone required for the central shrine was absent. Then, something amazing occurred! A giant stone slab began floating upstream in the Godavari River, alone, towards the temple construction site! Upon reaching the shore, carvings of a bow and arrows were visible on it, indicating that Lord Rama himself dispatched it. This rock remains in the temple complex, and there is no one who can tell how a heavy rock is able to float up against the current of the river! For the believers, it’s just a miracle of divine will.
Vaikuntha Rama: The main idol of Lord Rama here is called Sri Vaikuntha Rama. He has four hands, like Lord Vishnu. In his upper two hands, he holds a conch and a discus, but they are swapped from the usual way Lord Vishnu holds them. This is said to be on the request of Bhadra Muni, to show that Lord Rama is always ready to bless his devotees.
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Bhadrachalam Temple Timings: When to Go
If you wish to go to this lovely temple, here are the timings:
The temple tends to open early in the morning, at 4:30 AM, with the Suprabatha Seva (awakening ceremony).
Darshan (viewing the deities) is generally from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The temple remains closed for a brief break in the afternoon, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
It finally shuts down at night at 9:30 PM.
Keep in mind that these hours do vary slightly on special festivals or peak days, so do keep a check before you head out.
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Special Poojas and Peak Days
Numerous special poojas (prayers) take place every day at Bhadrachalam Temple.
Nitya Kalyanam Ubhayam: It is a daily wedding ritual conducted for Lord Rama and Sita that is quite special to behold.
Abhishekam: This is a sacred bath ceremony conducted for the deities. On Sundays, special Abhishekam is conducted for the principal deities.
Other daily sevas are Sakalbhishtaprada Sree Ramapuja, Sahasranamarchana (recitation of a thousand names), and various Vahana Sevas (where the deities are procession on various vehicles like Garuda or Hamsa).
The temple becomes very crowded during:
Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams (March/April)
Vykuntha Ekadasi (December/January)
Weekends and public holidays.
The most suitable time to visit during pleasant weather and to escape the scorching heat is between October and March. In December, it becomes extremely crowded because of the pleasant weather and the Vykuntha Ekadasi festival.
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Why This Place is Very Important
Bhadrachalam Temple is immensely significant for numerous reasons:
Divine Presence: It’s believed that Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana live here in their singular self-manifested form, so the place is a strong source for devotees to sense their divine presence. The unusual position of Sita on Rama’s lap and Lakshmana standing beside them makes the idol special.
Associated with Ramayana: It is one of the few sites to which happenings in the Ramayana are directly associated, particularly during the time of the exile of Lord Rama and the kidnapping of Sita. This makes the epic real for pilgrims.
Bhakta Ramadasu’s Devotion: The temple is a witness to the unshakeable devotion of Bhakta Ramadasu, whose life inspires millions of devotees to believe in Lord Rama. His life and tribulations remind us that genuine devotion is capable of overcoming any problem.
Spiritual Energy: The constant prayers, rituals, and collective beliefs of thousands of worshippers generate an unbelievable spiritual energy that you can sense the moment you enter the temple. It’s a spot where many people find solace, hope, and courage.
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Bhadrachalam Temple Accommodation Options: Where to Stay
You will come across numerous comfortable accommodations in Bhadrachalam, depending on what you wish.
Temple Guest Houses: The temple trust itself provides guest houses and rooms, which are normally simple, clean, and handy for pilgrims since they are frequently very near Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple.
Private Hotels and Lodges: There are quite a few private hotels and lodges in the town, varying from affordable to more comfortable ones. A few popular ones are:
- Varun Residency
- Vashistha Residency
- Sri Bhavya Residency
- Akshaya Resorts (if you prefer something a little more spaced out with facilities such as a swimming pool).
Most hotels provide amenities such as AC rooms, free parking, and room service. It’s always better to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling to see the temple during a festival or peak time.
Official Website:
For more details on Guest House (Accomidation), Seva & Timing etc. visit: bhadrachalam temple official website.
Places to Visit Around the Temple
Your Bhadrachalam tour can be even more thrilling if you try some other sacred and interesting spots around it:
Parnasala (approximately 32 km from there): This is the most popular local place. It’s said to be where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana resided in their cottage while in exile. You’ll find replicas of Ramayana scenes, such as Sita’s footprints, the golden deer (Maricha), and Ravana in the form of a sanyasi (holy man). There also lies an area known as Sita Vaagu where Sita is supposed to have bathed.
Jattayu Paaka (Yetapaka) (approximately 2 km from here): It’s associated with the great bird Jatayu, who dared to confront Ravana when the latter kidnapped Sita. According to belief, the wounded Jatayu waited here for Lord Rama.
Dummugudem: It is where Lord Rama slew 14,000 asuras and where the name of the village, “mound of ashes,” originates.
Gundala (5 km away): Hot water springs are found here if you dig a pit on the riverbank! The Hindu trinity gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are said to have bathed here during winter.
Sree Rama Giri (55 km away): This spot has a temple for Yoga Rama in a hill.
There are a few other smaller temples of different gods and goddesses such as Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Lakshmi around and within Bhadrachalam town.
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How to Reach the Temple: Your Journey to Bhadrachalam
Reaching Bhadrachalam Temple is relatively easy, regardless of where you are coming from!
By Road (Car/Bus): Bhadrachalam is well connected by road. You can easily get many government and private buses from big cities of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, such as Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Khammam, and Rajahmundry. You can also drive or rent a taxi. The roads are pretty good.
By Train: The closest railway station is Kothagudem Road Railway Station (BDCR), which is about 40 kilometers from Bhadrachalam. From the train station, you can directly catch a taxi or a local bus to Bhadradri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple.
By Air (Flight): The nearest major airport is Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), approximately 310 kilometers from Bhadrachalam. A bus, train, or taxi can be taken from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam. Alternatively, a little closer, 190-240 km away, is Rajahmundry Domestic Airport (RJA), with flights from here to larger cities like Hyderabad and Chennai.
