One among greatest, historically rich temples of Sri Rama, located in Bhadragiri surrounded by the banks of river Godavari, is the famous Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Temple. In order to fulfill the promise given to Sage Bhadra, Sri Vaikunta Vishnu descended in this place as Sri Vaikunta Rama along with Sita Devi and Sri Lakshmana. Hence this place is referred to as Bhadrachalam.
Bhadrachalam Temple, In the Bhadradri District of Telangana lies one of the most renowned temples of Bhadrachalam. This is one of the oldest temples in the city. Several devotees from all over the world visit this temple throughout the year. This is one of the most significant pilgrimage centres of Hindus. On the banks of the sacred river Godavari, the temple of Lord Rama, who is believed to be the representation of Lord Vishnu, is situated.
Bhadrachalam Temple History
Going back to history, in the 17th CE, this temple was created about 312 kilometres away from the capital city Hyderabad. Almost 370 years ago, during the reign of Kancherla Gopanna the temple was constructed. According to the legend and the epic Ramayana, that depicted the life of the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Rama, Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, were exiled for 14 years.
In this period they stayed for a while in Dandaka forest. This temple has three main parts. The first part is dedicated to Bhadra, the son of Meru, who was initially a stone. Rama’s blessing turned him into a human. Inside the temple, on a rock structure there lays the footprints of Lord Rama. The second place is like a chamber, which resembles Bhadra’s heart and where the moolavar stays.
The final tower is the main temple that lies at the feet of Bhadra. The temple also has certain religious significances. The place, Bhadrachalam is considered to be the southern part of Ayodhya, which was the birthplace and the kingdom of Rama. The main deity of the temple is known as Vaikuntha Rama, the image of Lord Rama as a saint, which is unavailable anywhere else.
According to the general beliefs the deity of Vaikuntha Rama is the symbol of immense knowledge. Several ancient Hindu priests have visited this temple and offered their services here. Two of the most important festivals that are held in this temple are Pushkaram, every twelve years and Maha Pushkaram, every one hundred and forty four years.
Parnasala
The jungle and the temple is now part of Parnasala. This place has a rich ancient history. Parnasala is the place where Lord Rama built the cottage. It is also the place where the abduction of Sita ma happened. The temple is located 30 km away from this place.
Several elements of the town date back to the ancient era. The temples, the houses, and the culture here are reminiscent of the Ramayana era. Even the name of the town Bhadrachalam is after the magnificent mountain Bhadra. Bhadra, as the legend goes, was the holy child of Menaka. Parnasala attracts devotees from around the world. The famous place where the hermitage was built is an epic amalgamation of culture and heritage. Many locals say that Agastya Muni helped Lord Rama to find this beautiful location.
Bhadrachalam Temple Timings are provided below
- 4:00 am – Temple Opening Hour
- 4:00 am – 4:30 am – Suprabhata Seva
- 5:30 am – 12:00pm –Sarva Darshan Hours
- 12:00pm – 3:00 pm – Temple Remains Close
- 3:00 pm – Temple Reopens
- 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Sarva Darshan Hours
- 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Sarva Darshan Hours
- 9:00 pm – Ekanta Seva
- 9:30 pm – Temple Remains Close.
Listed below are the details of the Sevas ande the Bhadrachalam Temple Timings along with the price of the puja:
- 6:00 am – 7:00 am: Antaralaya Abhishekam (Mulavarulu on Sundays) – 500.00
- 7.00 am to 8.00 am: Abhishekam (at Bhadra Temple) Daily – 50.00
- 8.30 am to 8.00 pm: Kesavanaamaarchana – 60.00
- 8.30 am to 9.30 am: Sahasranamarchana – 100.00
- 8.30 am to 9.30 am: Suvarna Tulasi Astotharanamarchana (on every Saturday) – 350.00
- 8.30 am to 9.30 am: Suvarna Pushpa Astothara Namarchana (on Every Sunday) – 350.00
- 8.30 am: Sakalbhishtaprada Sree Ramapuja (daily) – 116.00
- 9.30am to 11.00 am: Nitya Kalyana Ubhayam (Daily, except during Pavitrotsavams, Brahmotsavams and Vykunta Ekadasi) – 1000.00
- From 6.30 pm: Rajata Ratha Seva -1116.00
- 8.00 pm to 8.30 pm: Alaya Chuttu Seva -250.00
- 8.00 pm to 8.30 pm: Vahana Seva (Garuda, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Rajadhiraja) -516.00
