Tourism

LOCATION:

The Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy shrine at Bhadrachalam, the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama, is situated on the left bank of the Godavari river. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, considered to be one of the greatest holy shrines in South India with a very rich and unique historical background. The Temple was constructed in the 17th Century by the local Tahsildar, Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, a fervent devotee of Lod Sree Rama.

HOW TO REACH:

Bhadrachalam is reachable from all major cities in Andhra Pradesh, and other states. Via with (Khammam, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Hanumakonda, Rajahmundry) regular buses plying in that route.

Distance Information:

Bhadrachalam is reachable from all major cities in Andhra Pradesh, and other states. Via with (Khammam, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Hanumakonda, Rajahmundry) regular buses plying in that route.

Tirupathi 606 KM

Basara 472 KM

Vemulavada 324 KM

Srisailam 472 KM

Hanumakonda 220 KM

Hyderabad 316 KM

Vijayawada 184 KM

Rajahmundry 239, 190 (via Kukkunoor) KM

Vishakapatnam (Via Seleru) 370 KM

Vijayanagaram 422 KM

Amalapuram 309 KM

Rajolu 327 KM

Eluru 190 KM

HISTORY:

The puranic and historic facts relate that Lord Rama long after he had shed his mortal coils manifested himself to save his devotee Bhadra Maharshi whom he promised 'moksha' after intensive prayer. That is why the village is named after Bhadra as Bhadradri or Bhadrachalam. Srirama appeared in a dream to a woman called Pokala Dammakka and informed here about the existence of vigrahas on Bhadragiri hills. To her surprise she found the "Vigrahas" and put up a modest structure. This was the origin of the present temple.

FESTIVALS:

Two major festivals are being celebrated every year which were introduced and traditionally celebrated right from the tenure of Bhakta Ramadas. "Vykuntha Ekadasi" a religious festival that attracts lakhs(hundred thousand) of devotees from all over the country at this famous shrine Bhadrachalam, is celebrated in the months of either December or January in 'Dhanur Masam' on the day of either Pushya or Margasira shuddha Ekadasi. The ten day festival called Adhyayanotsavams and Dasavatara Mahotsavams(10 incarnations) of Sri Maha Vishnu are preceded to Vykuntha Ekadasi Fete.

On Dasami day, the colourful Teppotsavam(boat festival) is a special attraction to the devotees. The deities of Rama and his consort Sita will be taken into rounds on the holy river Godavari on a well decorated "Hamsavahana" (on the swan shaped motor launch) amid display of crackers and stupendous illumination. And on the auspicious Vykuntha Ekadasi day on the early hours exactly at 5 am Vykuntha dwarams at Northern Gate will be thrown open for darshan to devotees. The devotees believe that they will attain salvation after having Vykuntha Dwaradarshan on the auspicious day. This holy festival attracts lakhs of pilgrims.

Vaaggeyakaara Mahotsavams

Vaaggeyakara Mahotsavams are being celebrated every year to commemorate Bhakta Ramadasa, a vaaggeyakara and an ardent devotee of Sri Rama. Dhyana Mandir, a prayer hall was constructed in 1972 in memory of Bhakta Ramadasa by Mr. Neelamaraju Venkata Sheshaiah, the then editor of Andhra Prabha by collecting funds from public through donations from Andhra Prabha (Telugu Daily News Paper) readers. Since then, the Vaggeyakaara mahotsavams are being celebrated during Mukkoti Ekadasi by inviting renowned musicians.

Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams

Another major festival, Sri Rama Navami(the most popular one at Bhadrachalam) is being celebrated on every 'Chaitra shuddha navami ' on the auspicious 'Punarvasu' -'Janma Nakshatra' (birth star), of Lord Sri Rama. The Kalyanamahotsavam of Sri Rama with his consort Sita is celebrated on the holy occasion which falls either in the last week of March or first week of April. This divine festival is celebrated in a resplendent manner amid chanting of hyms by priests in Kalyanamantapam, richly engraved and exquisite sculptures depicting events from our Itihasas and Puranas, at the vicinity of stadium, where lakhs of devotees congregate to witness the fete with great devotional spirit and pay their owes for favours received or Solicited. The kalyanamahotsavam is celebrated on the holy occasion between 10 am and 12.30 pm and the sacred Talambralu showered on the deities exactly at 12 noon. This Sri Rama Navami Festival occassion is being broadcasted by All India Radio and telecast through Doordarshan on the festive day from 10 AM to 12 Noon. This is the only festival which is being covered by Akashavaani and Doordarshan as a Live programme all over the state (Andhra Pradesh).