Kodanda Rama Temple

Introduction to the Kodanda Rama Temple

Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple, or Kodanda Rama Temple, is famous in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Sri Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam administers it.

Legend of the Kodanda Rama Temple

According to legends, after fourteen years of exile, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana stayed here for a night when Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya. Jambavanta, a Vanara in the kingdom of Sugriva, saw a cave with a bright light emerging from it. He asked Rama about it. Rama replied that it was the light of God. So, Jambavanta established the deity's idol there and worshipped him.

This legend explains that the Kodanda Rama Temple is said to have existed since Treta Yuga, the period of Rama. According to Varaha Purana, during Treta Yuga, Rama resided with Mother Sita and Lakshmana on his return from Lankapuri.

The Architecture of the Kodanda Rama Temple

The Cholas constructed the temple in the 10th century AD. According to the temple's inscriptions, Sri Narasimha Mudaliyar rebuilt the Kodanda Rama Temple from 1480 to 1481. Jambavanta consecrated the idols, and later, the emperor Janamejaya renovated the Kodanda Rama Temple as per the evidence in "Sawal Jawab Patti." The Prakaram and the Vimana over the sanctum were built during 1817-18.

Mahanth Dharmadasu contributed to the gold plating of the Dhwaja Sthambam and donated silver crowns to the idols of Sri Kodandarama Swamy, Mother Sita, and Sri Lakshmana Swamy. He also presented a silver bow to Kodandarama. Mahanth Bhagavandas donated gold ornaments to the deities. Mahanth Prayagadas beautified the temple premises.

The Kodanda Rama Temple features the Vijayanagara architectural style. It faces east and has a three-tier Rajagopuram with seven Kalasas above the top. There is a Mukha Mandapam as well. Four-pillared, two small Mandapams are in the courtyard's Southwest and Northwest corners.

The Mukha Mandapam, which has four pillars and a standing Garuda with his hands in an Anjali pose, is before the main deity. Beautiful sculptures are on the square blocks of the pillars. The circumambulation path around the sanctum and Antarala has six pillars on the north, two on the east, and six on the south. A four-foot space is between the circumambulatory wall and the Adhisthana of the sanctum and Antarala. Two Dwarpalakas, Jaya and Vijaya, are at the entrance of the Antarala.

The sanctum of the Kodanda Rama Temple enshrines the beautiful idols of Sri Kodandarama Swamy, Mother Sita, and Sri Lakshmana Swamy. Mother Sita is at the right of Sri Kodandarama Swamy, and Sri Lakshmana Swamy is at the left. Sri Kodandarama Swamy and Sri Lakshmana Swamy carry a bow and arrow in their left and right hands.

Anjaneya Swamy has a separate shrine opposite the sanctum. The temple is mentioned in the sacred Hindu scriptures and Puranas. Its uniqueness is that it has a separate temple for Sri Lakshmana Swamy.

Festivals in the Kodanda Rama Temple

The Kodanda Rama Temple grandly celebrates Sri Rama Navami, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Chiluka Dwadashi, and other Vaishnavite festivals.