Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandraswamy Templeभद्राचलम सीता रामचंद्र स्वामी मंदिर

About Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple

The Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple stands on a hill called Bhadradri, on the banks of the Godavari river at Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana. Lord Rama is worshipped here with Sita and Lakshmana. Bhadrachalam is often called the Ayodhya of the south and is the most important Rama shrine in the Telugu states. Many devotees also link the region with the forest years of the Ramayana, and Parnasala, where tradition places Rama's hermitage, lies nearby.

According to temple tradition, the sage Bhadra, son of Meru, did penance here, and Rama blessed him; Bhadra became the hill on which the Lord stands, giving the place its name. Tradition also tells that a devotee woman named Pokala Dammakka found the images and worshipped them in a simple shelter. In the 17th century Kancherla Gopanna, a revenue officer under the Qutb Shahi ruler of Golconda, built the present temple. He is said to have used government revenue for it and was imprisoned at Golconda for about twelve years. Legend says Rama and Lakshmana themselves appeared before the king to repay the money, after which Gopanna was freed. He is remembered as Bhakta Ramadasu, whose devotional songs are still sung widely.

The temple is built in the Dravidian style, with a gopuram at the entrance and a sanctum where Rama is shown in a rare four-armed form holding bow, arrow, conch and discus, with Sita seated on his lap and Lakshmana beside him. Steps lead up from the Godavari bathing ghats to the temple. The Sri Rama Navami Kalyanam is held in a large open mandapa so that many devotees can watch the celestial wedding.

Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple timings & aarti

Usually open from early morning (about 4:30 AM) to about 9:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple

Festivals at Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple

• Sri Rama Navami KalyanamMar/Apr
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi and TeppotsavamDec/Jan
• DasaraSep/Oct

Visitor tips

Dress code

Traditional dress is expected, especially for sevas: dhoti or pyjama-kurta for men, saree or churidar with dupatta for women.

Entry

Free general darshan; paid special darshan and seva tickets are available through the temple devasthanam.

• For Sri Rama Navami, book accommodation and seva tickets well in advance.
• Take a holy dip in the Godavari at the bathing ghats before darshan, as many pilgrims do.
• Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum.
• Combine the trip with Parnasala, which is linked with the Ramayana.
• Summers are very hot; travel early in the morning.

Places to visit near Bhadrachalam Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple

• Godavari bathing ghatsRiverside ghats at the foot of the temple, within walking distance
• ParnasalaSite traditionally linked with Rama's hermitage, about 35 km away
• Kinnerasani Wildlife SanctuaryForest and reservoir near Palvancha, about 45 km away
• PapikondaluScenic Godavari gorge reached by boat trips, about 60 km away to the boarding point

Frequently asked questions