Ramatheertham Temple Timings: 5.00 AM and 8.00 PM.
Sri Ramaswamy Temple at Ramatheertham is a ancient temple which is believed to be 1000 years old and Sri Rama Chandra Swamy is the Preceding Deity. Ramatheertham is 13 km from Vijaynagaram District in Andhra Pradesh State. Ramatheertham Sri Ramaswamy Temple built on a huge rock on a hill named Bavikonda where river Champa flows at the foot of Neelachalam Hills.
History:
In Dwaparaguya Pandavas wandered in this area at the time of their Aranyavasa. They requested Sri Krishna Paramatma to be with them but he very politely declined. Bhagvan Sri Krishna blessed them and gave idols of Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana, his previous incarnation. He advised the Pandavas to worship the idols as his own form.
All throughout their aranyavasa, Pandavas regularly performed archanas to idols of Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana. When they left the place, they entrusted the idols of Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana to Srivaikhanasa Vaishnava Swamyji Vedagarba alias to continue performing archanas to the idols. Later on there was increased influence of Buddha in this region. There was a fear that the Buddhists may destroy these idols so the surviving clan of Vedagarba hid these idols under the earth and left.
Later during the 16th Century, Sri Poosapati Sitharama Chandra Gajapathi maharaja of present Vizinagara Maharaja Dynasty built his fort at Kumbhilapura (now called Kummili village). He ruled the kingdom from the fort. His people went to the forest to cut wood and making a livelihood. One day there was a heavy thunderstorm that was extremely destructive. People ran helter-skelter all over the place. They were all afraid. A dumb old lady among them took shelter under the shade of banyan tree and started praying to Lord Ramachandra. The Lord appeared before her and wrote beejakshara “Sri Rama” on her tongue. Immediately she got her speech and prostrated to the Lord Sri Rama Chandra. The Lord advised her to inform the king about the idols. Lord told her to mention that the idols that belonged to Dwaparayuga are submerged in water around the region. The Lord said that the idols should be taken out and installed in a temple. After advising his devotee the Lord Sri Ramachandra disappeared.
The rain subsided but before the old lady informed the king he dreamed of Lord Ramachandra who told the king that a lady who was dumb from birth has her speech back. Therefore whatever she advises should be carried out. As soon as he woke up the king ordered his guards to bring the old lady to the palace. Obeying the king, they brought the old lady before the king. She narrated all that she had experienced.
Sri Pusapati Seetharamachandra Maharaja went to area with his men. They found the idols of Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana under the water of a pond and removed the idols from there. On Bheeshma Ekadasi , auspicious day, the idols of Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana was established and installed on this Swethachalam, as Lord Rama was found in Theertha (water) and the temple was named as Ramatheertham. Thus Sri Ramaswamy Vari Temple, Ramatheertham Temple was made.
Near Sri Pusapati Seetharamachandra Maharaja Palace there is a hill named Neelachalam. There are traces of Pandavas movements such as Bheema’s head and cave, the echoing rocks, fire-kiln and places where Pandavas stayed. The turmeric stones, Seethammavari puritimancham are present even today. On this hill there is a temple of Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana that was constructed at the time. Archana are performed even to this day.
Prasadams:
Pulihora 150 gm 5.00
Laddoo 8 gm 10.00
Funds:
1. Maharajaposhakulu – Rs.1,00,000 and above
2. Rajaposhakulu – Rs.50,000 to Rs.1,00,000
3. Poshakulu – Rs.10,000 to Rs.50,000
4. Datalu – Rs.1,116 to Rs. 10,000
When devotees donate Rs 1116/-, the interest earned on the contribution is used by Devasthanam to distribute meal on a selected day in the year.
When devotees contribute Rs 25000/- for Sri Sita Ramaswamy Nityaprasada Scheme have a chance to offer daily meal for one devotee with the interest of their contribution.
How To Reach:
1. Vizainagaram Railway station 16 Kms from the Temple.
2. Vizainagaram Bus station is 15 Kms from the Temple.
3. APSRTC buses are available from Vizayanagaram frequently.
Do’s & Don’ts:
Do’s
All the Devotees should apply Thilakam on forehead before visiting the Temple.
Respect and Promote Religious Sentiments among Co-Piligrims.
Do Deposit your Offerings in Hundi only.
Dont’s
Mobile phones & Cameras are strictly prohibited.
All devotees should leave their footwear’s outside the temple
Polythene bags are strictly prohibited in the Temple premises.
Cigarette’s and tobaccos are strictly prohibited.
Alcohol & Beverages are not permitted into the temple
Ramatheertham Temple Address:
Sri Ramaswamy Temple,
Nellimerla,
Vizianagaram,
Andhra Pradesh – 535 218
P.Babu Rao(EO) – 9491000711,7680076741
K.Venkataramana(Jr.Helper) – 7680076721
M.Prasad rao(Jr.Helper) – 7680076722
C.H.T.V.R.Lakshman rao (Jr.Helper) – 7680076723