| BHADRACHALAM SRI RAMULU VARI GUDI |
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| The temple is associated with puranic and historic facts. At Bhadrachalam, the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama the Sree Seetharamachandra Swamy shrine, is situated on bank of the mighty river Godavari. It has become a major pilgrimage center for Hindus from all over the country and one of the most holy temples in South India.On Sreeramanavami day to witness the "Kalyana Mahotsavam" or the auspicious wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita more than three hundred thousand devotees throng this temple. |
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| On this occasion special archanas and pujas are held. Devotees visit Bhadrachalam to seek the blessings of Lord Rama round the year. the idol of Lord Rama has a bow in one hand along with Shanku and Chakra, amalgamation of two avatars - Vishnu and Rama and also unlike in other temples Sita is seated on Rama's lap is the uniqueness of the temple.An indelible impression in the minds of the pilgrims will be left by the visit to this shrine. Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana during their stay at Dandakaranya has trodden The holy soil is the belief of the devotees. |
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| According to the puranas, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama rishi (sage) named Bhadra, son of Meru, who was promised moksha by Rama. Until Tretha yuga was over and Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was back to his original avatar Bhadra Maharishi did intense penance. He appeared in the form of Lord Rama (as per Bhadra's wishes) and granted him moksha pleased by Bhadra's devotion. Bhadra Maharishi did penance and attained moksha on this hillock which is called Bhadragiri / Bhadrachalam after the rishi. |
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| This explains the unique form of the deity at Bhadrachalam. |
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| Associated with the place another legend is that in the dream of a woman called Pokala Sammakka Lord Rama once appeared and informed her about the existence of idols on the Bhadragiri hills. The idols were found on the hill, to the astonishment of the woman, where she got a modest structure built. |
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| Ramadas later in the 17 century, Gopanna, commonly known Tahsildar (town administrator) spent the tax revenues to embellish the temple and the idols in the court of Abdul Hassan Tana Shah. |
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| Ramadasu used the tax collection to renovate the temple, instead of remitting it to the royal treasury by being a fervent devotee of Lord Rama. He was arrested and confined in a dark cell in the Golconda Fort, which can be seen even today as a punishment for misusing the government funds. Even in the solitude of the cell, Gopanna's belief and devotion in Lord Rama were undeterred. His prayers were soon answered when Lord Rama himself appeared in Tana Shah's dream and produced a receipt denoting payment of the amount back to the king. |
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| Released Gopanna from the prison and reinstated him as Tahsildar as the king was awestruck by the miracle. Tana Shah also announced annual grants to the temple. The jewels like 'Kalikiturai', 'Pachchala Pathakam', 'Chinthaku Pathakam' presented to the deities by Gopanna can be seen at the temple even to this day. |
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| In more than one way the place is associated with Rama. It has become a major pilgrimage center for Hindus from all over the country and one of the most holy temples in South India. |
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| As a part of the 14 years of his "Aranya vasam" (exile) accompanied by his spouse, Sita and his brother, Laxmana in puranas. The Ushnagundam a few kilometers away from the temple. It is said that for Sita to bathe, Lakshmana had brought hot water from here.Parnashala is about 35 km from Bhadrachalam. |
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| The deities are richly ornamented as the temple at Bhadrachalam is at its festive best during the Sreeramanavami celebrations. Keerthanas of Bhakta Ramadas are heard everywhere. The day is marked by religious fervor. Special arrangements are made at the A.P. Tourism's "Parnashala" and "Panchavati" - guest houses and Dharmashalas of Endowment department for the devotees. |
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| From 5:30 in the morning and stays so till 12:00 in the noon the temple is kept open. And reopens in the evening at 4:00 p.m. After the last pujas are performed by 8:00 the temple closes in the night. Pilgrims take a holy dip in Godavari on the occasion of Karthik Poornima (October - November). Festivals Sri Ramanavami (March-April) and Kalyana Mahotsavam, celebrated in a grand manner here, attract thousands of devotees. |
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| This great place is 320 km from Hyderabad and 201 km from Vijayawada. |
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| To reach the place By Air, Vijayawada is the nearest airport.
By Rail : Koththagudem is the nearest rail head at a distance of 40 km.
By Bus : State buses every hour from Koththagudem,which is connected with Vijayawada, Khammam, Machilipatnam, Tenali, Kakinada, Nalgonda and Hyderabad. |
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| To stay : A.P. Tourism's 'Parnashala' and 'Panchavati' guest houses.Dharmasalas of Endowments department. Economy hotels are present for accomudation. |
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