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Vontimitta Temple
Vontimitta Temple is a peaceful place in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its ancient and sacred temple dedicated to Lord Kodandarama. Although not as famous as Tirupati, this temple has immense religious significance and architectural beauty. Attracts devotees from distant places. The temple complex at Vontimitta is a testament to the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
An example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture, this temple dates back to the 16th century. It is said to be the largest temple in the region. The temple and its adjoining buildings are among the centrally protected monuments of national importance.
Legend of Vontimitta Temple
According to local legend, the temple was built by Vontudu and Mittudu of the Nishada(Boya) clan, who were Rama devotees turned robbers. They are said to have turned into stone after the temple was built.
Vontimitta Temple History
The exact origins of Vontimitta Temple are shrouded in mystery, but historical records indicate that it was built during the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple was built during the Chola (10th century), Reddy kingdom (12th and 13th centuries) and Vijayanagara kings around the 16th century. Reflecting the influence of the various dynasties that ruled the region.
Bammera Potana who lived in Vontimitta wrote his great work Mahabhagavatam in Telugu and dedicated it to Lord Rama. Vavilakolanu Subbarao, revered as ‘Andhra Valmiki’ for translating the Valmiki Ramayana (the Hindu epic describing the life of Rama) into Telugu, also spent time worshiping Lord Rama here. The monk-poet Annamacharya is said to have visited this temple and composed and sung hymns in praise of Lord Rama. French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who visited the temple in 1652, admired its architectural style.
Vontimitta Temple Features
The temple, the largest in the region, is built in the Vijayanagara architectural style in the “Sandhara” order, in a walled rectangular courtyard. The temple, which is 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) from Sidhout via Bakarapet, has a stunning and sophisticated architecture. It has three ornate gopurams (towers), the central tower facing east, which serves as the main entrance. The remaining two towers are on the north and south sides. The central tower is five stories high and is accessed by a series of steps leading to its gateway.
The mandapam, or rangamantapam—an open-air pavilion—displays exquisite carvings and is supported by 32 pillars, giving it the name Madhyarangaradapam. The pillars in the mandapam are decorated with carved figures of apsaras (celestial nymphs), while the central pillars on the south side have intricate carvings of Krishna and Vishnu. Each base column has three tiers of sculptures depicting Apsaras and other divine figures. The central part of the mandapam is supported by pillars decorated with images of mythical creatures known as yalis. The ceiling is detailed with decorative brackets and corbels.
A pillar is carved with the images of Rama and his brother Lakshmana. Rama holds a bow in his right hand and an arrow in his left, and is adorned with earrings (kundalas), flower garlands (haras), shields (valayalams), sacred thread (yajnopaveetam) and other ornaments. Lakshmana is depicted in a graceful tribhanga pose, his right arm resting freely, his left hand holding a bow. His image is adorned with a conical crown (Kirtimukuta), shoulder ornaments (Grivevakala), cross belt (Channaveera), waist belt (Udarbandha), sacred thread and other ornaments.
Krishna is in a bifurcated posture, with his left leg resting on the ground and his right leg bent across it, known as Bhagaditapada. His right hand is raised, holding the hill of Govardhan, and his left hand rests on his hip (kati). His image is adorned with a crown (Kirtimukuta) and other intricate ornaments and two cows are depicted beside him.
The sanctum sanctorum or sanctum sanctorum is entered from the mandapam through an inner chamber or antalayam, which is beautifully decorated with sculptures. A composite sculpture of the primary god, Rama, his wife Seeta, and his brother Lakshmana, is carved from a single rock and placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. It is also believed that the sanctum sanctorum itself was carved out of a single stone block. Notably, Hanuman, who is usually depicted with the trio, is absent here, but the complex has a separate temple for Hanuman. Additionally, the mandapam has an image of Lord Ganesha in a dancing pose.
The state government has decided to take over the management of the temple, which is currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The temple has been recognized as an ancient monument (N-AP-50) by ASI. In the temple premises, there are also two holy water tanks-Rama Theertha and Lakshmana Theertha.
Importance of Cucumber
Divine Abode: The temple is considered to be the sacred abode of Kodandaram, making it a popular shrine for devotees.
Vastu Marvel: The intricate carvings and carvings adorning the walls of the temple are a testament to the skill of ancient artists.
Significance of Vontimitta : The intricate sculptures and carvings on the walls of the temple at Vontimitta showcase the skill and artistry of the ancient craftsmen.
Religious Festivals: The temple hosts several religious festivals throughout the year, attracting thousands of devotees.
Religious Significance: This temple is considered one of the holiest Vaishnava Kshetras in Andhra Pradesh.
Vontimitta Temple Complex
The temple complex at Vontimitta is spread over a vast area and has many mandirs, mandapas and gopuras. The idol at the main shrine, which is devoted to Kodandaram, is thought to be a self-portrait.
Ranganayaka Swamy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is famous for its magnificent sculptures and carvings.
Venugopala Swamy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna playing the flute.
Administration
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has been given the responsibility of managing the temple by the Andhra Pradesh government. On 29 July 2015, the TTD Board passed a resolution to bring the temple under its administrative control.
Festival
Andhra Pradesh government officially organized Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, in Bhadrachalam temple which is a part of Telangana. In 2015 Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple was decided as the new venue for the official festivities.
A Pilgrimage
Vontimitta Temple attracts thousands of devotees every year who seek blessings and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere. The annual Brahmotsavam of the temple is the main festival celebrated with great devotion.
If you are planning a spiritual trip to Andhra Pradesh, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Vontimitta Temple. It is a place where history, art and spirituality meet, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
Vontimitta Temple Images
Vontimitta Temple
Also Read : Yaganti Temple History
