Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta
| Kodandarama Temple | |
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View of the Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta
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 Location in Vontimitta (M),Kadapa (D),Andhra Pradesh
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| Basic information | |
| Location | Vontimitta |
| Geographic coordinates | 14°23′00″N 79°02′00″E / 14.3833°N 79.0333°ECoordinates: 14°23′00″N 79°02′00″E / 14.3833°N 79.0333°E |
| Deity | Sita |
| Festivals | Rama Navami |
| District | Kadapa |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Architectural description | |
| Creator | Chola and Vijayanagara Kings |
| Completed | 16th Century |
| Specifications | |
| Monument(s) | 3 |
| Elevation | 151 m (495 ft) |
Kodandarama Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Rama, located in Vontimitta town in Rajampet taluk of Kadapa District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple, an example of Vijayanagara architectural style, is dated to the 16th century. It is stated to be the largest temple in the region. It is located at a distance of 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Kadapa and is close to Rajampet. The temple and its adjoining buildings are one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.
According to the local legend, the temple was built by Vontudu and Mittudu, who were robbers-turned-devotees of Rama. After building the temple, they are said to have turned into stone.
The temple was built during the reign of Chola and Vijayanagara kings around the 16th century.
Bammera Potana who lived in Vontimitta wrote his magnum opus Maha Bhagavatham in Telugu language and dedicated it to Rama. Vavilakolanu Subba Rao, known as ‘Andhra Valmiki’ for translating Valmiki’s Ramayana (the Hindu epic that narrates Rama's tale) into Telugu also spent his time here worshipping Rama. The saint-poet Annamacharya is said to have visited the temple and composed and sang songs or kirtans in praise of Rama. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French traveler who had visited this temple in 1652, appreciated the elegance of the temple's architecture. There is Rama Baktha named Bhavanasi Mala Obanna sang songs or kirtans in praise of Rama in front of temple and there is symbol of Mandapam (Utla Stambam) Bhavanasi Mala Obanna in front of east Gopuram.
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