Bhadrachalam Rama Mandir, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Deities: Rama
Location: Bhadrachalam, Khammam, Andhra Pradesh
Known as: Bhadrachalam
Festivals: Ramnavami
Best time to visit: All year around

The Rama temple at Bhadrachalam is situated on the bank of the Godavari River.

Bhadrachalam name came from ardent devotee Bhadra. Another ardent devotee Pokala Dhammakka had a dream where Rama came and told her to search in Badragiri for his idols which were worshipped by sages. She found an ant hill and cleaned with Godavari water to find the idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.

The Temple was constructed in the 17th Century by the local Tehsildar, Gopanna who known as Bhakta Ramadas, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama.

Unique Feature:
The idol of Sri Rama (Moolavar) is in the padmasana posture with four hands, (Chaturbhuj Rama) holding the bow and arrow in the front two hands. Sankha and Chakra in the rear hands. He is holding the Sankha in the right hand and Chakra in the left, indicating that having completed the destruction of the "Rakshasas" with the Chakra confirming the Lord is assuring the world of peace and protection. To the left of Sri Rama is Sita and Lakshmana is on her left. But in the Utsava deity, Sita and Lakshmana are on either side of Rama. Adi Sankara, who has visited this temple, described Sri Rama as "Vaikuntha Rama".

Significance:
This ancient shrine is built on a hill, accessed by a flight of steps. It is vast in size and is well visited. The Vimanam and the Mandapams within are of exquisite craftsmanship. This temple is associated with Bhadrachalam Ramadas an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. This shrine has been visited by Kabir. Legend has it that Rama's hermitage in exile was situated here at Bhadrachalam.

Antiquity this temple underwent a lot of renovation in the 17th century. In the renovative works were carried on and the temple was given a new look. Unfortunately the initiator was put to cell for misusing the funds. The place soon after received full support from Tana Shah Ruler and the religious site got developed into a major pilgrimage place.

Other shrines in the vicinity:
Parnasala, 32 km near Bhadrachalam is said to be the site of the hut where Rama, Sita and Lakshman lived in exile. Ushnagundam, a hot water spring 6 km near Bhadrachalam is another site visited by these personalities from the Ramayana.

Overview:
Bhadrachalam is situated on the left banks of Godavari river in Khammam district.
Bhadrachalam is a very famous pilgrimage place and each year thousands of Hindu followers pay their visit to the place. The place houses one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The place is considered holy as Lord Rama is said to have spent His retreat here with Sita. There are however, different notions about the place deriving its name. According to a popular belief an ardent devotee of Lord Rama used to do penance here and attained 'Moksha' (salvation). The hillock on which the devotee spent his days of penance was called Bhadrachalam and that is what gave the place its name.

Famous for:
Bhadrachalam is famous for the temple that stands here. The whole of the region is considered as holy but the temple has a great significance. The temple called Bhadrachalam Temple is one of the most sacred temples in South India and dedicated to Lord Rama. Especially during the festival days of Ramnavami, the place reflects a different ambience, filled with devotion and religious fervour.

Other Important places:
Some other important places nearby include Narasimhaswami Temple, Govindarajulu Swamy Temple and Kalyana Mandapam.

Location:
Bhadrachalam is a small town that lies to the east of Hyderabad city some 320 kilometres from it. Bhadrachalam is one popular religious place in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The town lies close to the Madhya Pradesh border, the distance being not more than 50 kilometres. The region is connected to the famous capital city of Andhra Pradesh by a series of interlinking roads.
Accessibility:
Bhadrachalam is linked to the rest of the city via roads and railways. One of the convenient means is to travel by train. Trains are available up to Kothagudem Railway Station, which is about 40 kms from the place. From there on one can easily ride in a bus.

Access and Accommodation:
Accommodation is provided by a number of budget hotels located in the vicinity. Guest houses provided by Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Parnasala and Panchavati, are preferred ones.

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