Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta

📍 Vontimitta, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh

State Significance

A majestic 16th-century Vijayanagara shrine dedicated to Lord Rama in Vontimitta, famous for its "Ekasila" deity and hosting the AP government's official Sita Rama Kalyanam.

Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta

🕒 Practical Information

Temple Timings: Opens 5:00 AM, closes 8:45 PM

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Darshan Timings: Morning: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM; Evening: 11:30 AM – 8:45 PM

Entry Fee: General Darshan is free. Special darshan tickets (e.g., ₹50 for Antaralaya Darshan) are available depending on crowd levels.

Parking: ✓ Available

🕉️ Spiritual Details

Primary Deity:

Lord Rama (Kodandarama)

Temple Type:

Rama Temple — Vijayanagara Kshetram (TTD managed) (Explore Cluster) →

Deity Forms:

Ekasila (single stone) deity of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana

🕉️ Divine Snapshot

Primary Deity:

Lord Rama (Kodandarama)

Temple Category:

Rama Temple — Vijayanagara Kshetram (TTD managed) (Explore Cluster)

Temple Timings:

Opens 5:00 AM, closes 8:45 PM

Location:

Vontimitta, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh (Explore temples in Kadapa)

Full Address:

2/666, Salabad, Kadapa, Vontimitta, Andhra Pradesh 516213

Spiritual Highlights

Unique Powers:

Believed to bless devotees with marital harmony, family unity, and righteousness.

Miracle Beliefs:

According to local tradition, the temple's builders, Vontudu and Mittudu, turned into stone statues after completing the temple, which can still be witnessed at the entrance today.

Devotee Practices:

Participating in the daily darshan, attending the grand Sita Rama Kalyanam, and partaking in the temple's daily Annadanam (free meals).

Spiritual Benefits:

Marital harmony, family well-being, and profound spiritual or literary inspiration.

About Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta

Built by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century, the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta (historically known as Ekasilanagaram) is an architectural marvel resembling a fortress with high compound walls. The temple features a stunning 32-pillar Madhyaranga Mandapam (dance pavilion) with intricate sculptures so grand that French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier described it in 1652 as one of the grandest pagodas in India. Local legend states the temple was built by two robbers-turned-devotees named Vontudu and Mittudu, giving the village its name. It is profoundly connected to Telugu literature, associated with the great poet Bammera Pothana (who translated the Bhagavatham) and Vavilakolanu Subba Rao (the "Andhra Valmiki"). Today, it holds a special status as the official venue for the Andhra Pradesh government's Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam celebrations.

Architecture & Heritage

Architectural Style:

Vijayanagara Architecture (16th–17th Century CE)

Architecture Highlights:

Triple gopurams, a spacious Ranga Mandapam with 32 carved pillars, and ekasila (single-stone) idols.

Sacred Objects:

Ekasila idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana; the divine Kodanda (bow).

Festivals & Celebrations

Major Festivals:

Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams Vaikunta Ekadasi Rathasaptami

Special Events:

The biggest event of the year is the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam (celestial wedding) conducted officially by the A.P. government on the night of Rama Navami or the following days, attended by hundreds of thousands of devotees.

Seasonal Celebrations:

Brahmotsavam is celebrated with great grandeur, usually around Rama Navami (March–April).

Rituals & Traditions

Daily Rituals:

Daily archanas, abhishekam and the annual celestial wedding (Kalyanotsavam).

Special Traditions:

Sita Rama Kalyanam performed on the temple's grand scale during Brahmotsavam.

Prasada Available:

Laddu and pulihora prasadam.

Visitor Guidelines

Dress Code:

Traditional Indian attire recommended.

Accessibility:

Located right on the Kadapa-Tirupati Highway (NH 716). Easily accessible via APSRTC buses. The nearest major railhead is Kadapa Station (26 km), though Vontimitta Station is very close by.