Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta కోదండరామ దేవాలయం

Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta: Legend and History

Introduction

Kodandarama Temple is a 16th‑century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama, located in Vontimitta town of Vontimitta Mandalam, Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India. An important example of Vijayanagara architecture in the Sandhara order, the temple complex is one of the largest in the region and is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.[1]

Temple Legend: Local Tradition

Local tradition recounts that two brothers, Vontudu and Mittudu—members of the Nishada (Boya) community—were robbers who became devotees of Rama. Having built the temple through their devotion, the brothers are said to have been turned to stone after completing the shrine.[2]

History

The present temple complex dates to the 16th century and was constructed under regional chieftains and the patronage of Vijayanagara rulers.[3][4] The area has literary and devotional associations: the Telugu poet Bammera Potana composed his Maha Bhagavatham in Vontimitta and dedicated it to Rama; Vavilakolanu Subba Rao (known as “Andhra Valmiki”) worshipped here while translating the Valmiki Ramayana into Telugu; and the saint‑composer Annamacharya is said to have visited and sung in praise of Rama. European traveler Jean‑Baptiste Tavernier visited in 1652 and admired the temple’s architecture.[2]

Architecture and Features

Set within a rectangular walled precinct, the temple follows Vijayanagara stylistic principles and the Sandhara plan. The complex has three ornate gopurams (towers): a five‑tiered eastern main gateway and two subsidiary towers facing north and south. Steps lead up to the principal eastern gopuram, which serves as the main entrance.

Rangamantapam and Sculptural Program

The open Rangamantapam (mandapa) is supported on 32 carved pillars and is locally known as the Madhyarangaradapam. Its colonnades feature elaborate carvings of apsaras (nymphs), deities and mythical yali creatures. Several pillars display sculpted images of Krishna and Vishnu; corner columns are carved in multiple tiers depicting apsaras and divine figures. In the mandapa are sculpted representations of Rama and Lakshmana—Rama shown standing with bow and arrow, and Lakshmana in tribhanga posture—along with an image of a dancing Ganesha.

Sanctum and Iconography

The garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) is reached through an inner chamber adorned with sculptures. The central icon is a composite image of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana carved from a single block of stone; Hanuman has a separate shrine within the precinct. Two sacred tanks—Rama theertham and Lakshmana theertham—lie within the temple grounds.

Administration

The Archaeological Survey of India has notified the temple as an Ancient Monument (N‑AP‑50). The Government of Andhra Pradesh decided to entrust the temple’s administration to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD); the TTD board passed a resolution on 29 July 2015 to assume administrative control.

Festival and Rituals

Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, is an important festival at Vontimitta. In 2015 the Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple was chosen as the official venue for the state’s Rama Navami celebrations after Bhadrachalam was assigned to Telangana.