Kothandarama Temple, Buchireddipalem, Andhra Pradesh

Kothandarama Temple, Buchireddipalem, Andhra Pradesh

Kothandarama Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Rama located in Buchireddipalem Town in Buchireddipalem Mandal in Nellore District in Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is situated on the northern bank of Penna River.

History

The construction of the temple was started in 1765 CE by Sri Dodla Rami Reddy, also known as Bangaru Rami Reddy, a member of the Dodla family which established Buchireddypalem in 1715 CE. The temple was completed in 1784 CE. Brahmotsavams have been held every year since, commencing on the Sri Rama Navami day, which falls in the Chaitra month (April–May) of the Hindu calendar. Annadhanam is held on every Pournami (Full moon) day in this temple by Sri Kodandarama Swamy Charitable Trust since early 2002. It is said that this temple was constructed according to Dakshinaadi Vasthu and also all the pujas are done according to Dakshina Sampradaya.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with seven tiered rajagopuram. The rajagopuram is about 100 feet tall. The temple covers an area of about 1.25 acres and completely enclosed within a compound wall. Balipeedam and Dwaja Sthambam can be seen immediately after the rajagopuram. The Dwaja Sthambam is about 50 feet tall. A four pillared mandapam can be seen in front of the rajagopuram.

The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines the images of the presiding deity Kothandarama Swamy along with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Normally, goddess Sita is seen at the left side of the Lord Rama but in this temple, she is found on the right side of Lord Rama.

There are shrines for Chaturbhuja Lakshmi, Lakshmi Narasimha and Andal in the temple premises. Generally, the temple tank is situated in the northern side of the temple as per Vastu Sastra but in this temple, it is situated on the southern side. The temple has a grand chariot for carrying the deity during the Brahmotsavam festival around the village.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 11.45 AM and 04.00 PM to 09.00 PM.

Festivals

Chaitra Brahmotsavam (Apr-May) starting from Sri Rama Navami day is the major festival celebrated here. Dasara, Narasimha Jayanthi, Vaikunda Ekadasi and Hanuman Jayanthi are the other festivals celebrated here. The marriage ceremony of Sita and Rama on the Chaturdasi day is another major festival celebrated here. Rathotsava is held on the Pournami and the float festival (Theppotsavam) is held on the same day evening.

Prayers

Devotees worship goddess Sita here for wealth and salvation.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Buchireddipalem New Bus Stand, 2.5 Kms from Buchireddipalem Old Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Nellore Railway Station, 19 Kms from Sangam, 20 Kms from Nellore, 34 Kms from Atmakur, 123 Kms from Srikalahasti, 158 Kms from Tirupati, 199 Kms from Chennai and 213 Kms from Chennai Airport. The temple is situated on Nellore to Atmakur route.

Location