Sita Ramachandra Murthi Temple
The Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy shrine at Bhadrachalam, the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama, is situated on the left bank of the Godavari river. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, considered to be one of the greatest holy shrines in South India with a very rich and unique historical background. The Temple was constructed in the 17th Century by the local Tahsildar, Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, a fervent devotee of Lod Sree Rama. The hill is named after Bhadra, son of Meru, who did penance to have darshan of Sri Rama. The Lord appeared in a dream to a woman by name Dhammakka and informed her about the idols, which were duly installed in a shrine. Later, Ramadas (Gopanna), an ardent devotee of Sri Rama, built the present shrine. The beauty of the idols of Sri Rama and Sita in Tribangi posture captures one's attention. Sri Rama is holding Shanku, Chakra, Dhanus and Bhanas.
THE SANCTUM It is said that the idol of Sri Ramachandra Murthi was chiseled out of the stone on which Bhadra stood and did penance. The image of the Lord is unique He has four arms holding Shanku, Chakra, Dhanus and Baanas. He is flanked by Sitadevi on the left and Lakshmana on the right. The Lords image is in a rare Tribangi posture (with three bends). A visit to this shrine will leave an indelible impression in the minds of the pilgrims. There are shrines dedicated to Dashaavataar and Hanuman.
Saints Ramadas and Kabirdas are associated with the shrine. Ramadas was jailed by a Muslim ruler for using revenue money to build the temple. Later Rama and Lakshmana appeared in disguise in the court and paid the full amount in gold coins. The king realised the greatness of Ramadas and freed him. Once Kabir, a Muslim by birth, came to worship at the shrine. But the priests denied him entry. The images in the sanctum also disappeared at once. Ramadas, who was present at that time, pleaded with the priests and let Kabir in, and the idols appeared again. Ramadas became a devotee of Kabirdas. The holy place is believed to have been trodden by Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana during their stay at Dandakaranya. Parnashala, a place about 35 km away, stands testimony to the epic events.
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