About Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta
The Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple stands in Vontimitta, a town about 25 km from Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, on the road to Rajampet and Tirupati. It is the largest old temple in the region and a protected monument of national importance. Lord Rama is worshipped here as Kodandarama, the holder of the bow, together with Sita and Lakshmana. Since 2015 the temple has been administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, and it has become the official venue of the state's Sri Rama Navami celebrations.
A local legend says the temple was built by two devotees named Vontudu and Mittudu, robbers who reformed and became followers of Rama, and who turned to stone after completing it; the town's name is said to come from theirs. Historically, the temple took shape in the 16th century, during the Vijayanagara period, with contributions from local chiefs. The great Telugu poet Bammera Potana, author of the Telugu Bhagavatam, is closely associated with Vontimitta, and the poet-saint Annamacharya is said to have sung here. The French traveller Tavernier described the temple in the 17th century.
Built in the Vijayanagara style within a walled rectangular court, the temple has three gopurams, the tallest facing east. The great open hall, the rangamandapa, rests on many richly carved pillars showing apsaras, yalis, Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill and other scenes. In the sanctum, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are carved together from a single stone. Hanuman, usually seen with them, is absent from the group and has his own shrine. The temple tanks, Rama Tirtham and Lakshmana Tirtham, lie nearby. A special feature is the Sita Rama Kalyanam, held on the full-moon night of the Brahmotsavam rather than by day.
Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Suprabhatam | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta
By air
Kadapa airport is about 30 km away; Tirupati airport is about 110 km away.
By train
Kadapa railway station is about 25 km away; Rajampet is about 30 km away.
By road
Vontimitta lies on the Kadapa–Rajampet–Tirupati road, and APSRTC buses between Kadapa and Tirupati stop here.
Festivals at Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta
- Sri Rama Navami BrahmotsavamMar/Apr
- Sita Rama Kalyanam (full-moon night)Apr
- Vaikuntha EkadashiDec/Jan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Spend time in the rangamandapa to study the carved pillars.
- During the Brahmotsavam, expect large crowds and traffic controls for the night-time Kalyanam.
- Summers in the Kadapa region are very hot; visit early in the morning.
- Combine the visit with Devuni Kadapa and the Siddhavatam fort.
Places to visit near Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta
- Siddhavatam FortOld riverside fort on the Penna river, about 20 km away
- Devuni Kadapa Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara TempleHistoric temple seen as a gateway to Tirumala, about 25 km away
- KadapaDistrict headquarters town, about 25 km away
- Pushpagiri templesGroup of old temples on the Penna, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Vontimitta temple famous?
It is a large 16th-century Rama temple, linked with the poet Bammera Potana, and it hosts Andhra Pradesh's official Sri Rama Navami celebrations.
Why is the Kalyanam at Vontimitta held at night?
By local tradition, the celestial wedding of Sita and Rama here is held under the full moon during the Brahmotsavam rather than in daytime.
Who manages Vontimitta temple?
The temple has been administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams since 2015; it is also a protected monument.
How far is Vontimitta from Kadapa?
Vontimitta is about 25 km from Kadapa by road.
What is the aarti time at Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta?
Suprabhatam: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
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