Sri Kodandarama Swamy – ISTAARTHA RAMUDU
There are many famous temples in and around Tirupati. Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is one of the famous and ancient historical temples and is at a distance of 1.5 km from Tirupati Railway station.
By Worshipping Sri Kodanda Ramachandra Murthi of this temple, the desires of the devotees will be fulfilled. The god of this temple is called “ISTAARTHA RAMUDU”
Legends according to Puranas
There is an interesting Sthala Purana about the temple. After the completion of the war with Ravana in Lanka, Sri Ramchandra Murthi along with Sita Devi, Lakshmana, Sugreeva Hanumantha, Angada, and others left for Ayodhya.
Before reaching Ayodhya, Sri Rama along with the followers went to Bharadwaja Maharshi Ashram and spent some time. After that, Sri Rama along with followers left for Ayodhya.
On the way to Ayodhya, he spent some time at Tirupati and took a bath in the Pushkarini. After spending some time in Tirupati, he left for Ayodhya.
At this juncture, the Jambavantha installed the Archa murthies of Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana and performed puja where Sri Rama took a rest in Tirupati. This happened in Treta Yug.
During the Dwapar Yug, the King Janamejaya renovated the temple and performed puja to Sri Rama
During Mahanth’s reign
It is known from the historical evidence that the temple was constructed during the 9th century A.D. The main entrance gopuram was constructed by the Vijayanagara rulers.
During 1480-81 the main temple was rebuilt by Narasimha Modaliar and during 1817-18, vimana prakaram and the holy tower over the garbagriha i.e., Vimanam on sanctum sanctorum were built.
Mahanth Dharmadasu took the work of gold plating to the Dwajastamba and donated Silver crowns to the idols of Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana and also presented a silver bow to Lord Rama.
Mahanth Bhagavandas donated several gold ornaments to God. Mahanth Prayagadas beautified the premises of the temple. At present, the temple is under the administration of the TTD.
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple Structure
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple faces West and it was built in a large area. The main entrance has a three-tier tower. There are Bali peet and Dwajasthambh in front of the main temple on the premises.
Google Maps Location of the temple – Kodanda Rama Swami Temple
The main temple consists of four mandaps i.e.
- Mukhamandap ( there is Garudalwar in front of the mulamurthi (Main deity)).
- Arthamandap (there are shrines of Vishwakshena and Sriman Ramanujacharya)
- Antarala (At the entrance of Antarala we can find the idols of two dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya)
- Garbhagruha.
In the main Sanctum Sanctorum, we find the idols of Sri Kodanda Ramachandramurthi adorned with bow and arrow. The idols of Sri Sita Devi and Lakshmana Swami are on either side of Sri Rama.
SitayA vAmabhAgEcha
Lakshmanasya cha dakshiNE
tanmadhyE rAghavam vandE
dhanurbANadharam Harim!!
Many things to know about Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy
