http://wikimapia.org/#lat=14.393686&lon=79.0264446&z=18&l=0&m=bSri Kodandarama Swami temple, of tenth century AD stands as a marvellous piece of work by the Chola kings. This temple commemorates Sri Rama s visit to Tirupati. it is said that while returning from Lanka, Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana camped here for a while. Sri Kodandarama Swami temple is one of the ancient temples of Andhra Pradesh. There are nearly twenty inscriptions found on the walls of the Govindaraja Swami temple at Tirupati and Sri Venkateshwara temple at Tirumala, about this temple. As per the inscriptions found on the walls of Sri Govindaraja swami temple, the construction of the temple and the installation of the idol of Sri Kodandarama or Sri Raghunatha, is done by Sathakopadasar Narasimharaya Mudaliar for the merit of the King.
The temple stands in the centre of a rectangular courtyard, facing west. The entrance is in the west and is adorned by a Gopuram, passing through which, you can find Balipita and Dhvajasthamba in the east. The temple has a Maha Mandapam and a mukha-mandapam. The Maha Mandapam consists of five pillars in four rows each with two rectangular blocks and two octagonal shafts in between. These pillars have fine sculptures of Maha Laxmi, Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Parasurama and Venugopala, all reflecting the Vijayanagara style of architecture.
On the wall, on either side of entrance, leading into the interior of the Maha Mandapam, there is an emblem of the Vijayanagara.
The mukha mandapam has four pillars with three square blocks and two octagonal shafts in between. There are beautiful sculptures of Laxmi Narayana, Vishnu, Yoga Narasimha and Lord Krishna on them. The vimana above the garbha griha is of dvitala type and the sikhara is round belonging to Versara order. There is a single kalasa above the sikhara. The presiding deity is of Lord Rama in the garbhagriha, made of stone with Sri Rama in the centre, Sita and Lakshmana on His right and left side respectively.
There is a Pradakshina path around the sanctum sanctorum with the emblem of Vijayanagara carved on the south wall of this path. There is a Potu (temple kitchen) situated in the south west corner of the courtyard where Prasadam is made. There are some beautiful sculptures of the Gods and Goddesses found in the temple premises. An insight into this temple enlightens one s spirit.
Local Info
There is a temple of Anjaneya swami opposite to the main temple. Festivals like Ugadi and Sri Ramnavami are highly celebrated. Brahmotsavam is also celebrated every year in this temple. There are special poojas and sevas (services) offered to God, which you can take part, paying some amount. Good accommodation is available in Tirupati as there are hotels that go well with everyone's pocket.
How To Reach
Sri Kodandarama Swami temple is situated in the heart of the Tirupati town. You can reach this temple by the local transportation like auto or by government run buses. It's a 20mins walk from the Tirupati railway station.
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