Just as Ayodhya in the north holds its sacred significance, there exists another Ayodhya in the south – Bhadrachalam. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy recently drew attention to the Sita Ramachandraswamy temple in Bhadrachalam, rightfully deeming it the ‘Ayodhya of the South.’
Ever wondered about the enchanting tales surrounding Telangana’s Ayodhya temple? Let’s see the captivating stories behind the Sita Ramachandraswamy temple in Bhadrachalam.
A Temple of Mythical Significance
The Sita Ramachandraswamy temple in Bhadrachalam is located by the Godavari River and is very important in religious stories. The special god worshipped there is called Vaikuntha Rama. This is a form that Lord Vishnu took to keep a promise made to a devoted person.
It is believed that when Lord Vishnu hurried to appear as Ram, he forgot that Ram was a mortal, so he kept his four arms. The idol in the temple shows Lord Ram with four arms, and he is with his wife Sita, who is sitting on his lap, and his brother Lakshman standing next to him.
Bhadra’s Transformation: Stone to Human
A fascinating story about the temple involves a devoted person named Bhadra. Because of Lord Ram’s kindness, Bhadra miraculously transformed from a stone into a human. Grateful for this divine favor, Bhadra began meditating on the banks of the Godavari River, hoping to meet Lord Ram.
Even though Lord Ram encountered Bhadra during his exile in the Dandaka forest, he couldn’t stop at that time. However, he promised to return later. True to his word, years later, Lord Vishnu came back with Sita and Lakshman. In honor of this promise, the place was named Bhadrachalam or Bhadradri.
A Dream
In another interesting story, there was a devotee named Pokala Dhammakka. She had a dream about a secret God statue in the forest. After looking everywhere, she found the buried icon of Lord Ram in an anthill. With the help of the villagers, she set it up as a special deity.
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Bhakta Ramadasu – The Temple’s Architect and Devotee
In the 17th century, a man named Bhakta Ramadasu, also known as Kancherla Gopanna, played a significant role in building the Bhadrachalam temple. He was a well-known figure in the Telugu-speaking states, and movies have been made about his life.
His real name was Kancherla Gopanna, and he worked as a tehsildar under the rule of the last Sultan of Golconda, Abul Hasan Qutb Shah. Ramadasu was famous for his devotion to Lord Ram and was a renowned composer in Telugu.
As part of his job, he collected taxes from villagers. When he discovered the Ram deity in Bhadrachalam, he expressed a wish to build a temple there. He asked villagers for contributions, and when the money wasn’t enough, he used the taxes he had collected for the government.
Even though the temple was successfully built, Ramadasu faced a tough situation. He was sent to prison for 12 years on charges of fraud. However, even in confinement, he continued to compose hymns praising Lord Ram. Legend has it that two young men, who were actually Rama and Lakshmana in disguise, paid the Sultan gold coins to secure Ramadasu’s release.
The Bhadrachalam temple, with its rich history and unique features, stands as a cultural and spiritual landmark. It beautifully reflects the blend of devotion, legends, and community efforts that went into its creation.
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Positive Takeaway
So, there you have it, a glimpse into the magical world of the Sita Ramachandraswamy temple. It is a place where stones transform into humans, dreams reveal hidden statues, and devotees like Bhakta Ramadasu leave an indelible mark on the tapestry of faith. Truly, a magical haven where history and spirituality dance hand in hand.
Feel the magic of the Ayodhya of the South!
