TIRUMALA: Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple which is dedicated to Lord Sri Rama was built by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. It was recently taken over by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and was notified as an Ancient Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Local Legend
According to sthala Purana, the temple had been constructed by two devotees named ‘Vontudu’ and ‘Mittudu’ who were once burglars and were transformed into devotees of Lord Rama. After constructing the temple, they sacrificed their lives and turned into statues.
Epic References
Kishkindakanda one of the 7 kandas of the Ramayana is believed to have occurred in this region.
Monolith Statue
The composite image of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in the garbhagriha of the temple was believed to be carved from a single rock.
Saint’s visit
Saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya is said to have visited the place and sung in praise of the deity in his keerthanas.
Splendid Architecture
The walls and pillars of the temple are embellished with intricate carvings. Near the temple is a Rama theertham, a Lakshmana theertham and a meditation hall.
Works Dedicated to Deity
Mahakavi Bammera Pothana spent his life at Vontimitta and dedicated his Mahabhagavatham to the god. Vavilakolanu Subba Rao Popularly known as ‘Andhra Valmiki’ for translating Valmiki’s Ramayana into Telugu, is immortalised in the annals of Andhra Pradesh. He has dedicated his work to the god in Vontimitta.
Foreigner’s Account
French traveller Tavernier visited the place in 1652 and described it as one of the foremost beautiful temples in India.