Annual Brahmotsavams Sets to Commence in Ekasila Nagaram from 13th April Onwards

ANKURARPANA PERFORMED

Vontimitta, 12 Apr. 19: The ancient temple of Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy at Vontimitta in Kadapa district is all set to host the nine day annual religious festival, brahmotsavams from April 13 to 21 in a grand manner under the aegis of TTD.

Popularly known as “Ekasila Nagaram” as the presiding deities were carved out on a single stone, this architectural marvel is a cynosure to devotees from surrounding districts apart from Kadapa.

BEEJAVAPANAM PERFORMED

Ankurarpanam, the seed sowing festival, also known as Beejavapanam was performed on Friday evening in the temple, as a prelude to the nine day fete.

The puja vidhi was observed by the archakas as per the tenets of Pancharathra Agama Shastra.

ELABORATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE BIG FETE

TTD has made elaborate arrangements for the big fete as tens of thousands of devotees from surrounding districts also throng to the temple during this festival during these nine days.

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

The deities of Sri Sita Lakshmana Sameta Sri Ramachandramurthy in the temple were said to be consecrated by Sri Jambavantha in Tretayuga. During His exile, Lord Sri Rama visited this place along with Sita Devi and Lakshmana Swamy. To quench the thirst of Sita, Sri Rama threw an arrow into the earth and water pierced out. This water body is now popularly known as “Rama Teertham” located adjacent to the temple.

ASTOUNDING TEMPLE ARCHITECHTURE

Built by the rulers of Vijayanagara Dynasty, the inscriptions on the walls of the temple says that this temple was constructed in three phases for three centuries from 14 AD to 17AD. The images of deities and sculptures portray the grandeur of Hindu Mythology.

NAMED AFTER HUNTERS “VONTADU-MITTADU”

There is an interesting story behind the place. Once when king Kamparayalu visited this place along with his entourage, his thirst was quenched with the water provided by two local hunters, Vontadu and Mittadu. Over their request, the King constructed this temple and named the place as “Vontimitta”. However in the year 1356AD Bhukkarayalu opened the temple.

In the later years, the rulers of Vijayanagara constructed Antaralam, Rangamantapam, Mahapranganam, Gopuram, Ratham in a phased manner and developed the temple. Later the Kainkaryams were introduced with the voluntary contributions from villagers.

BRAHMOTSAVA VAIBHAVAM

The nine day fete commences with Dhwajarohanam on April 13 in the auspicious Vrishabha Lagnam between 8am and 9am. The same day evening “”Potana Jayanti” and Sesha Vahanam will be observed.

The important days includes Hanumantha Vahanam on April 16, Garuda Seva on April 17, Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 18 and Chakrasnanam on April 21.

Pushpayagam will be performed on April 22.