Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta: Timing, Darshan and more

Vontimitta Temple, officially known as Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, is a significant historical and religious site in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

History of Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple

The Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, located near Tirupati, is a very old and peaceful temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. According to a local story, two brothers named Vontudu and Mittudu were great devotees of Lord Rama. They decided to build a temple for him and, with full faith and hard work, they completed it in just one day! After finishing the temple, they wanted to dedicate themselves completely to God — so they turned into stone statues as a final act of devotion.

Inside the temple, the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are carved from a single rock, which makes them very special. It is believed that Lord Jambavantha (a character from Ramayana) brought and placed these idols in the temple.

This temple is more than 1,000 years old. It was first built during the Chola dynasty in the 10th century and later improved and expanded by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century. The temple’s design and carvings clearly show the beautiful Vijayanagara-style architecture, and many ancient writings and royal symbols are still visible on the walls. Even a French traveler named Tavernier visited this temple in 1652 and wrote about its beauty.

Many famous poets and saints have also visited this temple. Bammera Potana, who wrote the Maha Bhagavatham in Telugu, dedicated his work to Lord Rama here. Another scholar, Vavilakolanu Subba Rao, who is also known as ‘Andhra Valmiki’, translated the full Ramayana into Telugu in this temple. Even Annamacharya, the famous saint-poet, came here and sang songs to praise Lord Rama.

In the 18th century, the temple got even more beautiful and grand, thanks to the efforts of a nobleman named Sri Dodla Rami Reddy. He took great interest in the temple’s construction and made many improvements. The final work was completed in the year 1784, and since then, the temple has become even more important and loved by devotees.

From that time onwards, the temple has been celebrating the annual Brahmotsavams, a special festival that starts on the holy day of Sri Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama. These celebrations bring in thousands of devotees and fill the temple with music, prayers, and joy.

Today, the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Tirupati. It is more than 1,000 years old and carries a deep sense of devotion, rich history, and beautiful architecture. It stands as a proud symbol of spiritual heritage in Andhra Pradesh, where faith, culture, and tradition come together in one sacred place.

Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple Darshan Timing

If you’re planning to visit the Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple, here’s when you can drop by:

• Morning Darshan: The temple opens up bright and early at 6:00 AM and welcomes visitors till 1:00 PM.
• Evening Darshan: After a brief break, the doors reopen at 2:00 PM and stay open until 8:00 PM.

S.No	Time	Event / Darshan
1	5:15 am	Temple Opens
2	5:30 am – 6:00 am	Suprabhatha Seva
3	6:00 am – 7:00 am	Sarva Darshan (General Darshan)
4	7:00 am – 7:30 am	Modati Aradhana (First Pooja) + Nivedhana
5	7:30 am – 11:00 am	Sarva Darshan
6	11:00 am – 11:30 am	Second Aradhana + Break
7	11:30 am – 6:00 pm	Sarva Darshan
8	6:00 pm – 6:30 pm	Nivedhana + Third Break
9	6:30 pm – 8:45 pm	Temple Closing Time (Darshan allowed till closing)

And guess what? This schedule stays the same every day of the week – yes, from Monday to Sunday! So, no matter what day you’re considering visiting, you can catch the darshan in these hours.

Vontimitta Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple Kalyanam and Pooja Ticket Details:

Good news for the little ones! If your child is under 12, they don’t need a ticket for Darshanam or any sevas.

Here’s a quick look at the ticket costs for special poojas and events at the temple:

• For a close peek (Antharalaya Darshanam): Rs 50
• Offering food to the deity (Naivedya Pooja): Rs 500
• Holy Bath for the deity (Abhishekam): Rs 150
• Celestial Wedding (Kalyanostavam): Rs 1000
• Flower Offering (Pushpa Kanikaryam): Rs 1500
• Village Festival (Gramotsavam): Rs 2500
• Temple Flag Festival (Gudi Utsavam): Rs 2000
• Grand Celebration (Brahmotsavam): Rs 15000
• Eternal Abhishekam (Saswatha Abishekam): Rs 1116

Whether you’re planning to witness the grandeur of the Brahmotsavam or participate in the intimate Abhishekam, these tickets will ensure you’re part of the divine experience!

How to Reach:

The temple is easily accessible by road and approximately 25 kilometers from Kadapa city. The nearest railway station is in Kadapa, and the closest airport is in Tirupati, making it convenient for visitors traveling from different parts of India.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit the Vontimitta Temple is during the spring season, around March to April, to coincide with the Rama Navami festival. This period offers a unique opportunity to witness the temple’s full festive glory and participate in special ceremonies and cultural programs.

End Words:

Vontimitta Temple serves as a place of worship and a beacon of cultural heritage, preserving the architectural and spiritual legacy of the Vijayanagara era. Its serene ambiance, coupled with the rich tapestry of history and devotion, makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring the spiritual landscape of India.