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Ramathirthalu
– Sri Kodandaramaswamy Aalayam
Renowned as the Kaliyuga Vaikunta, this
sacred hill temple has been existing since Sri
Rama's exile. It is believed that Sri Rama with
Sita and brother Lakshman dwelt for sometime
on this sacred kshetra during his fourteen year
forest life. The hill goes by the name of
Nilachala, perhaps due to predominance of its
dark hue. Sadasiva is the kshetrapalaka and his
shrine and his abode lies to the south of the
main shrine.
In addition to this, there lie two more temples on
this hill itself, one - Gopelaswami Aalayam to
the right and Madhava Narasimhaswamy
Aalayam to the left. Mini-shrines for Anjaneya
etc. situated right oppose the mandir and for
Lakshmidevi behind the left are equally grand
and they are visited by devotees with due
devotional fervor. The Mulavirat - Sri Rama is
beautifully sculptured and it casts a spell on the
viewers, besides wringing veneration at first
sight itself.
During the heyday of Jainism and later
Buddhism too, this place came under limelight
for its hectic propagation activities. It was called
then as Aarama Thirtha and was visited by
dignitaries of both the religions for promotion of
their respective doctrines. Hence it has been a
great centre for major religions of India and
enjoyed great eminence.
Kalyanotsavam for Sri Rama is celebrated every
year for five days commencing from
Maghasuddha Eakadasi. Its pull is great and
thousands congregate and offer special pujas
with unparalleled religious ardor.
It lies 12 km off Vijayanagaram, the district headquarters town of the same name of A.P,
commanding rail and road transport facilities.
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