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Sri
Ramathirtha - Sri Ramaalayam
The Sthalapurana of this ancient kshetra narrates several soul-lifting episodes exuding Rama mahima, said to have taken
place here in the preceding yugas. Moreover, it was a Bouddharama of immense significance, then went by the name of
Aaramathirtha, which was later changed to Sri Rama thirtha. Many classics like Dasakumaracharitra, Brahmandapurana,
Krishna Ula Tarangani and Acharya Sukti Muktavali devoted extensive space for this holy kshetra.
Among the several awe-some episodes, Sri Rama's giving darsan to Pandavas during their 12-year forest life merits first
mention. During a certain crisis, when they were totally paralised by adverse Satanic forces, they prayed to Lord Krishna for
solution. And lo! Sri Krishna taking the form of Sri Rama, his former incarnation appeared before them and rowed them
across the ocean. And he assured that he would abide here with them to protect round the clock. On another occasion, Sri
Rama with Maruti and Sita gave darsan to a certain pious bhakta, and fulfilled his desires.
The present temple came into existence in the seventeenth century with the patronage of rulers and philanthropists. Many
inscriptions bear testimony to this fact. It is a recently built temple with all parts and befitting niches for parivaradevaths. Lord
Sri Rama comes to the rescue of the adorers in the form they invoke and prayed for, as testified by Narayana Yatindra's
having the vision of Venugopalaswamy, when prayed to this archamurti - Sri Rama. Many were lifted to their souls'
satisfaction. The annual Kalyanotsav celebrated in the month of Vaisakha attracts huge crowds in addition to visitation by a
steady stream of devotees everyday.
It is very near to Vijayanagara town in Andhra Pradesh, accessible by bus.
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