Vontimitta Temple: Where Ramayana Echoes in Stone
Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh’s cultural landscape, the Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple stands as a serene yet powerful testament to the Ramayana’s legacy. Unlike the bustling gopurams of Tirupati, this temple offers a uniquely peaceful and historically rich experience, centered on the divine trio of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita.
This 16th-century architectural marvel is not just a place of worship but a chapter from the epic brought to life, making it a must-visit spiritual detour on the Tirupati-Chennai route.
What Makes Vontimitta Temple Special?
✅ Unique Idol Configuration: The temple enshrines a rare standing posture of Lord Rama with a bow (Kodanda), flanked by Lakshmana and Sita—all three deities in a single sanctum.
✅ No Hanuman Idol: Legend says Hanuman stands guard outside, making this one of the few Rama temples without an idol of Hanuman inside.
✅ Architectural Gem: Built in the Vijayanagara style, featuring a grand mandapam with 32 pillars, renowned for its acoustics and sculptural beauty.
✅ Cultural Significance: Believed to be the site where the poet Bammera Potana translated the Bhagavata Purana into Telugu.
🗓️ Temple Timings and Darshan Schedule 🪔 Daily Sevas (Rituals)
The temple offers several daily sevas.
🕒 Temple Opening Hours
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 05:00 AM | 09:00 PM |
| Friday | 05:00 AM | 09:00 PM |
📅 Daily Darshan & Seva Schedule (Monday to Saturday)
| Sl. No. | Seva / Ritual Name | Seva Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suprabatham | 05:00 AM – 05:30 AM |
| 2 | Sarvadarsanam (1st) | 05:30 AM – 07:30 AM |
| 3 | Suddi, I Bell (Cleaning) | 07:30 AM – 08:15 AM |
| 4 | Sarvadarsanam (2nd) | 08:15 AM – 10:30 AM |
| 5 | Suddi, II Bell (Cleaning) | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM |
| 6 | Sarvadarsanam (3rd) | 11:15 AM – 05:30 PM |
| 7 | Suddi, III Bell (Cleaning) | 05:30 PM – 06:15 PM |
| 8 | Sarvadarsanam (4th) | 06:15 PM – 08:45 PM |
| 9 | Ekantha Seva (Night Ritual) | 08:45 PM – 09:00 PM |
📅 Sunday Special Schedule
The Sunday schedule is mostly the same, with the addition of the Swarna Pushparchana seva in the morning.
| Sl. No. | Seva / Ritual Name | Seva Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suprabatham | 05:00 AM – 05:30 AM |
| 2 | Sarvadarsanam (1st) | 05:30 AM – 07:30 AM |
| 3 | Suddi, I Bell (Cleaning) | 07:30 AM – 08:15 AM |
| 4 | Swarna Pushparchana & Sarvadarsanam | 08:15 AM – 10:30 AM |
| 5 | Suddi, II Bell (Cleaning) | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM |
| 6 | Sarvadarsanam (2nd) | 11:15 AM – 05:30 PM |
| 7 | Suddi, III Bell (Cleaning) | 05:30 PM – 06:15 PM |
| 8 | Sarvadarsanam (3rd) | 06:15 PM – 08:45 PM |
| 9 | Ekantha Seva (Night Ritual) | 08:45 PM – 09:00 PM |
🔔 Key Points to Remember
- Sarvadarsanam slots are the primary times for general public darshan.
- The “Suddi” or “Bell” periods (approx. 45 mins each) are for temple cleaning and rituals. Generally darshan is usually paused during these intervals.
- The special Swarna Pushparchana seva on Sunday coincides with the second Sarvadarsanam slot (08:15 AM – 10:30 AM). Regular darshan continues alongside it.
- Ekantha Seva is the final, peaceful ritual before the temple closes.
📜 Vontimitta Temple Seva Schedule, Ticket Costs, Online & Offline Booking Details
| Sl. No. | Seva Name | Frequency / Day | Cost (₹) | Persons Allowed | Seva Time | Bahumanams (Prasadam) | Booking Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Sevas | |||||||
| 1 | Archana / Harathi | Daily | 10 | 1 | During Sarva Darshanam | – | Offline |
| 2 | Antharalaya Darshanam | Daily | 50 | 1 | During temple hours | – | Offline |
| 3 | Kesa Kandana | Daily | 10 | 1 | During temple hours | – | Offline |
| Weekly Sevas | |||||||
| 4 | Abhisekham | Saturday | 150 | 1 | 06:00 AM | – | Online & Offline |
| 5 | Swarna Pushparchana | Sunday | 250 | 1 | 09:00 AM | One Laddu | Online & Offline |
| Monthly Seva | |||||||
| 6 | Kalyanotsavam | Pournami (Full Moon) | 1000 | 2 | 10:00 AM | 01 Upper & 01 Blouse Piece | Online & Offline |
| Annual / Occasional Seva | |||||||
| 7 | Vivaha Kattadi | On Occasion | 500 | Not specified | On Occasion | – | Offline |
| Seva Name | Timing | Ticket Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suprabhatham | 5:00/5:30 AM – 5:30/6:00 AM | Not specified for daily seva | Early morning awakening ritual. |
| Abhishekam | 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM and 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | ₹150 | Holy bath ritual for the deities. |
| Sarvadarshanam | Listed in schedule above | FREE | General, free darshan for all devotees. |
| Ekantha Seva | 8:45 PM – 9:00 PM | Not specified | Night ritual before temple closing. |
Note: There are also special, more expensive seva options available, such as Naivedya Pooja (₹500), Kalyanotsavam (₹1,000), Saswatha Abhishekam (₹1,116), and Pushpa Kanikaryam (₹1,500).
✅ How to Book Sevas Online via TTD Website
The process is Simple, but availability is limited.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official TTD Seva Booking portal: https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in.
- Select the Temple: After login, navigate to “Seva Booking” and select “Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Devasthanam, VONTIMITTA” from the list of temples.
- Check Availability: Select your desired date and view the available seva list. The weekly and monthly sevas (Abhisekham/Saturday, Swarna Pushparchana/Sunday, Kalyanotsavam/Pournami) will appear here if slots are open for booking.
- Complete Booking: Select the seva, fill in devotee details, and proceed with online payment.
⚠️ Important Booking Notes
| Seva | Key Booking Consideration |
|---|---|
| Abhisekham (Sat) & Swarna Pushparchana (Sun) | Slots are very limited (often 1 person per day). Booking opens months in advance and gets filled quickly. |
| Kalyanotsavam (Monthly on Pournami) | The most in-demand seva. Only 2 persons are allowed. It is crucial to book as soon as the TTD calendar is released. |
| General Tip | Login and check early. TTD follows a strict advance booking schedule (e.g., 90 days, 30 days). Set a reminder for when bookings for your target month are expected to open. |
🔍 What If Online Booking is Full?
If the online portal shows no availability, you still have options:
- Offline/Ration Quota: A portion of tickets is held for offline sale at the temple. You must inquire at the Vontimitta temple counter well in advance (often the previous day or early morning).
- Cancellation Slots: Keep checking the online portal periodically, as cancelled tickets are re-released.
📞 Direct Contact for Queries
For the most accurate, last-minute information on offline availability or procedures, it is best to call the temple directly:
- Temple Office: 08562-244333
The Legend of “Vontimitta”: A Story of Devotion
The temple’s name originates from a fascinating legend. Two devout devotees, Vontudu and Mittudu, wished to build a temple for Lord Rama. Miraculously, the idol of Rama appeared before them, fulfilling their wish. Moved by their unwavering devotion, Rama declared the place would be known by their combined names—Vontimitta.
This story underscores the temple’s core theme: pure bhakti rewarded by divine grace.
📍 Key Historical & Travel Information at a Glance
- Significance & Name: Built during the Vijayanagara Empire (16th century) and known as “Ekasilanagaram” because the main idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are carved from a single stone.
- Unique Feature: Lord Hanuman does not have an idol inside the main sanctum. A separate shrine for him is located outside the main temple complex.
- Major Festival: Sri Rama Navami is the main festival, with the unique tradition of performing Sita Rama Kalyanam (celestial wedding) on the night of Chaturdasi (a day before full moon) instead of at noon.
- How to Reach:
- Nearest Town/City: Kadapa (~25-30 km away).
- Nearest Railway Station: Vontimitta (1.5 km) or Kadapa Junction (26 km).
- Nearest Airport: Kadapa Airport (30 km) or Tirupati Airport (113 km).
- Accommodation & Food: Free Annadanam (lunch) is served daily between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Pilgrims can find accommodation in common halls within Vontimitta or stay in Kadapa, which offers more lodging options.
Annaprasadam
Everyday, Annadanam is being conducted at Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta at 12:00 Noon. Around 600-800 pilgrims have been availed the Anna Prasadam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: What is the significance of the Kodandarama Swamy Temple?
A1: The temple is historically and spiritually significant for its unique idol setup (Rama, Lakshmana, Sita together), its connection to poet Potana, and its embodiment of a key Ramayana site in Andhra.
Q2: How far is Vontimitta from Tirupati?
A2: Vontimitta is about 130-140 km from Tirupati (approx. 3-3.5 hours drive). It is closer to Kadapa (25 km) and makes for an excellent stop if traveling between Chennai and Tirupati.
Q3: Are there any accommodation facilities near the temple?
A3: While basic lodgings are available in Vontimitta, for more comfortable stays, Kadapa city offers a wider range of hotels and guest houses.
Q4: What are the major festivals celebrated here?
A4: Sri Rama Navami is celebrated with immense fervor, featuring Sita Rama Kalyanam (celestial wedding). Other festivals include Vaikunta Ekadasi and Karthika Deepam.
Q5: Why is there no Hanuman idol inside the temple?
A5: As per legend, Lord Rama instructed Hanuman to guard the temple entrance. Devotees believe Hanuman’s presence is so powerful at the gate that an inner idol is unnecessary.
Q6: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
A6: Photography is generally restricted inside the main sanctum and mandapam. It’s best to ask for permission from the temple authorities upon arrival.
Q7: Which sevas at Vontimitta can be booked online?
A1: Only weekly and monthly sevas can be booked online via the TTD portal: Abhisekham (Saturday), Swarna Pushparchana (Sunday), and Kalyanotsavam (on Pournami day). Daily sevas like Archana or Antharalaya Darshan are offline only.
Q8: Can I book accommodation at Vontimitta Temple online?
A2: No. The TTD portal does not offer online room booking for Vontimitta. Pilgrims typically use the common halls at the temple or stay in hotels in Kadapa town (25-30 km away).
Q9: How do I book the daily Archana or Antharalaya Darshan?
A3: These are booked offline. Visit the temple’s Seva/Administration counter on the day of your visit to check availability and purchase a ticket.
Q10: What is the temple’s contact number for inquiries?
A4: You can call the temple office at 📞 08562-244333 to verify darshan timings, inquire about offline seva availability, or ask other questions.
Q11: How far in advance do online seva bookings open?
A5: TTD typically releases seva tickets 90 days (3 months) in advance. Slots for popular sevas like Kalyanotsavam sell out very quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as the calendar opens.
Q12: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
A6: Photography is generally restricted inside the main sanctum (garbha griha) and the inner mandapam. It’s best to ask for explicit permission from the temple authorities or security personnel upon arrival. You may be allowed to take photos in the outer courtyards.
Q13: What if the online portal shows “No Seats Available” for a seva?
A7: A portion of tickets is often reserved for offline sale at the temple counter. Go to the counter a day in advance or early in the morning on the day of the seva to check for these “ration quota” tickets.
Q14: What is the official TTD booking website?
A8: The main portal for seva and darshan bookings for TTD-managed temples is: https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in.
Q15: Are there different rules during major festivals like Sri Rama Navami?
A9: Yes. During Sri Rama Navami, special darshan rules, crowded conditions, and altered seva schedules apply. Always check the “News & Announcements” section on the TTD website or contact the temple directly before planning a festival visit.
Plan Your Spiritual Journey
The Vontimitta Kodandarama Swamy Temple offers a distinct, tranquil, and deeply historical alternative to the larger temple complexes. It’s a destination for those seeking a profound connection with the Ramayana in a peaceful setting.
Discover more hidden spiritual gems of Andhra Pradesh with intirupati.in – your guide to meaningful travel.
