Kothanda Rama Swamy Temple, Motupalli, Andhra Pradesh

Kothanda Rama Swamy Temple, Motupalli, Andhra Pradesh

Kothanda Rama Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Rama, an Avathara of Lord Vishnu, located at Motupalli village in Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh, India. The Temple is situated on the shores of Bay of Bengal. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). 

History

Motupalli has been an important port with flourishing trade with South Asian countries especially during the medieval period. The village is also referred to as Mohanagiripuram. Motupalli is also referred as Mutfili in the accounts of Italian merchant Marco Polo who visited the Motupalli in the 13^th century CE. The prominence of Motupalli declined gradually with the advent of the Britishers on the East coast who focused their trading activities mostly from Machilipatnam, located in the present Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Excavations taken up by the ASI had led to unearthing of Chinese ware and copper coins of the Ming dynasty, coins belonging to the Chola era, bronze articles and pottery in Motupalli. The temple was built during the reign of Chola dynasty and extensively renovated during Kakatiya rule. 

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with a pillared entrance Mandapa. The Temple consists of Mukha Mandapa, Antrala and Sanctum. Hanuman can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum houses Kothanda Rama Swamy. The Vimana over the sanctum is of two tiers. There is a four pillared Mandapa to the right side of entrance Mandapa. Few broken idols, architectural fragments and inscriptional pillars can be seen in the temple premises.

Festivals

Rama Navami is celebrated here with much fanfare. Villagers from nearby villages used to participate during the celebrations.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Kadavakuduru Railway Station, 16 Kms from Chirala, 18 Kms from Chirala Railway Station, 18 Kms from Chirala Bus Stand, 32 Kms from Bapatla, 44 Kms from Ongole, 115 Kms from Amaravati and 132 Kms from Vijayawada Airport. The Temple is situated on Ongole to Bapatla route. The Temple is easily reachable from Chirala and Bapatla, which are well connected by the road and railways. Direct bus to Chirala is available from major cities of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Location