Temples In India

Andhra Pradesh Bhadrachalam Temple

Bhadrachalam temple is dedicated to lord Rama and located in Bhadrachalam district. This temple was built during 17th century and the main constructor of the temple Kancharla Gopanna. Gopanna was an official in the Golkunda state and performing the duties of Tahsildar. He was alleged of misusing 6 lakhs gold coins of that period to construct the temple and for this illegal laundering the official money without permission he was imprisoned till 12 years. It is believed by the locals that Lord Rama paid back 6 lakhs gold coins to the king of Golkunda and gets the Gopanna released from jail. Later, Gopanna became the Bhakt Ramadasa and indulged in composing songs in praise of Lord Rama. Bhadrachalam name is derived from a hill which is believed the son of Meru and Menaka. The son was named as Bhadra and Achala is having the meaning of immoveable. According to Telugu pronunciation, the name later changed into Bhadrachalam. Basically this temple is located on a hill side.

Significance of The Temple

Bhadrachalam temple is located on the banks of holy River Godavari. It is mentioned in the religious books that during search of his consort Sita, Lord Rama stayed at this place for a short period as he crossed the river Godavari from this place. In this temple, sculptures of Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Lakshmana are present. It is also believed that famous poet Kabirdas, who was by birth a Muslim, once reached at this temple and tried to enter but the orthodox administrators of the temple denied the entry of Kabirdas into the temple. On this, the sculptures of deities of the temple were miraculously disappeared from the temple. Officials of the temple saw this and permitted Kabirdas to have an entry into the premises. They witnessed that all the sculptures of deities were back on the same place. This shows that the communal discrimination is only made by the human being and not by the lord.

According to another myth, Ramoji and Laxmoji reached to the King of Golkunda and returned back 6 lakhs gold coins and requested him to release Gopanna who was jailed there. King taken back the coins and gave the two persons a receipt accordingly. Two persons took the receipt and went to jail and put the paper under the pillow of Gopanna. On wakening, Gopanna believed that the two persons were Lord Rama and Lakshmana. He took only two coins as memory of that event. Later the King of Golkunda, who himself became a grand devotee of Lord Rama and took over the entire administration of the temple. That was the communal harmony.

Festivals

In this temple, Ramnavmi festival celebrated at large scale. On each year, the marriage ceremony of Lord Rama and mother Sita is organized in this temple. A large number of devotees across the word came here to celebrate the same with deep devotion and faith.

In the forest of Dandkaranya, where Lord Ram Sita and Lakshmana were stayed during their exile, this festival is also celebrated with same passion. The place where the deities were stayed, decorated with special colors and lights during the festival. Purpose of lighting points towards would be victory over Ravana, the king of Lanka. The water of River Godavari is assumed as the tears of sorrow because from this land Ravana hack the mother Sita and Lord Rama had to face a lot of difficulties.

Nivedyam is also celebrated as Pokala Dhammakka discovered the hidden idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana from the peak point of a hill. She poured the purse water of Godavari to make them clean. To commemorate that even, a Pooja is organized at this place on the occasion of Ramnavmi.

How to Reach

By Rail

Bhadrachalam Road is the nearest railway station and located at 40 kilometers from the city

By Air

Rajamundary airport is the nearest one. This airport is well connected from domestic as well as international stations through Hyderabad International Airport.

By Bus

Road transportation is frequent and easily available from all parts of the state. APSRTC buses and private road vehicles are also available at affordable costs.

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