If there is one festival in Andhra Pradesh where devotion, culture, and history all come together in one magnificent place, it is the Vontimitta Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavams. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims travel to the ancient Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Kadapa district to witness 11 days of divine celebrations — and 2026 is going to be truly special.
Whether you are a first-time visitor trying to plan your trip or a regular devotee looking for the updated schedule, this guide covers everything you need to know about Vontimitta Sri Rama Navami 2026 — from exact dates and timings to travel tips and online booking.
Quick Reference: Key Dates at a Glance
| (Panduga) Festival Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Brahmotsavams Start (Ankurarpanam) | March 26, 2026 |
| Sri Rama Navami | March 26, 2026 |
| Ram Janma Muhurat | 11:13 AM – 1:41 PM (Peak: 12:27 PM) |
| Dhwajarohanam | March 27, 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM |
| Garuda Seva | March 31, Evening |
| Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam | April 1, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Rathotsavam | April 2, Morning |
| Pushpayagam (Finale) | April 5, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Booking Portal | ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in |
About Vontimitta — Andhra Pradesh’s Very Own Ayodhya
Tucked away in Kadapa district, roughly 25 km from Kadapa city near Rajampet, the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta is one of the most sacred Rama temples in all of South India. Locals and devotees across generations have lovingly called it Dakshina Ayodhya — the Ayodhya of the South — and for good reason.
The temple’s architecture goes back to the Vijayanagara period of the 16th century. The gopuram and mandapam bear the hallmark stone craftsmanship of that era — intricate carvings that still leave visitors speechless. The presiding deities here are Lord Sri Kodandarama Swamy, Goddess Sita Devi, and Lakshmana.
The Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department administers the temple, while TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) oversees the key sevas and the annual Brahmotsavams.
What makes Vontimitta extra special compared to other Rama temples? The connection to Bammera Pothana — the beloved Telugu poet who composed the Andhra Maha Bhagavatam. His Jayanthi is celebrated here every year during the Brahmotsavams, giving the festival a rich literary and cultural identity that is truly unique.
Vontimitta Sri Rama Navami 2026 — Festival Overview
The Vontimitta Brahmotsavams 2026 runs for 11 consecutive days, from March 26 to April 5, 2026. The preparations actually began earlier, with a Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam (temple purification ritual) conducted on March 24. The Ankurarpanam — the sacred sowing of seeds that formally marks the start of Brahmotsavams — was performed on March 26.
Sri Rama Navami Date & Ram Janma Muhurat 2026
Sri Rama Navami 2026 falls on Thursday, March 26. The Navami Tithi begins at 11:48 AM on March 26 and extends to 10:06 AM on March 27, so most devotees observe the festival on March 26, though some communities also observe it on March 27.
The Ram Janma Muhurat — the most sacred window believed to correspond with Lord Rama’s birth — runs from 11:13 AM to 1:41 PM on March 26. The most auspicious moment within this window is 12:27 PM, known as the Madhyahna Moment. If you are at the temple on March 26, try to be present for the special abhishekam and aarti performed during this window. It is an experience unlike anything else.
Complete Day-wise Brahmotsavams Schedule 2026
Here is the full officially announced schedule for Vontimitta Brahmotsavams 2026:
| Date | Morning Event | Evening / Night Event |
|---|---|---|
| March 27 | Dhwajarohanam (9:30–10:15 AM, Vrishabha Lagnam) | Sesha Vahanam |
| March 28 | Venugana Alankaram | Hamsa Vahanam |
| March 29 | Vatapatrasai Alankaram | Simha Vahanam |
| March 30 | Navaneeta Krishna Alankaram | Hanumanta Vahanam |
| March 31 | Mohini Alankaram | Garuda Seva |
| April 1 | Sivadhanurbhanga | Kanta Korika & Edurkolu Utsavam (3:15 PM) → Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam (6:30–8:30 PM) → Gaja Vahanam (9 PM) |
| April 2 | Rathotsavam | — |
| April 3 | Kaliyamardhana | Aswa Vahanam |
| April 4 | Chakra Snanam | Dhwajavarohanam |
| April 5 | — | Pushpayagam (6:00–9:00 PM) |
Additionally, throughout the entire Brahmotsavams period, Vahana Sevas (vehicle processions) are held twice daily:
- Morning: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
- Evening: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Events You Simply Cannot Miss
1. Dhwajarohanam — March 27 (9:30 AM)
The Brahmotsavams officially opens with the hoisting of the sacred Garuda Dhwaja during the auspicious Vrishabha Lagnam on the morning of March 27. The ritual wraps up by 10:15 AM. The temple courtyard fills with thousands of devotees, the air resonates with Vedic chants and trumpets, and the sheer energy of the moment sets the spiritual tone for the entire 10 days ahead. If you arrive on the first day, be at the temple before 9 AM.
At 4 PM on the same day, the temple hosts Pothana Jayanthi and Kavi Sammelanam — a gathering of Telugu poets in honour of Bammera Pothana. This literary-devotional combination is something you will not find at any other Rama festival in Andhra Pradesh.
2. Garuda Seva — March 31 (Evening)
Among all the nightly Vahana Sevas, Garuda Seva draws one of the most fervent crowds. Lord Garuda is the divine eagle carrier of Lord Vishnu, and witnessing the deity seated on this vehicle is considered extraordinarily meritorious. Plan to be at the temple by 6:30 PM on March 31 to secure a good position.
3. Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam — April 1 (6:30 PM to 8:30 PM)
This is the crown jewel of the entire Brahmotsavams. On the evening of April 1, priests enact the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita in a ceremony filled with Vedic chanting, traditional nadaswaram music, and breathtaking floral decorations. The single largest crowd of the 11-day festival gathers on this evening.
The celebrations on April 1 actually build through the day. The Edurkolu Utsavam at 3:15 PM — where the deities ceremonially go out to receive the divine wedding party — and the Kanta Korika ritual that follows, both add layers of anticipation before the Kalyanam begins. After the wedding ceremony, the Gaja Vahanam (elephant vehicle procession) takes place at 9 PM.
If you can only attend one day of the Brahmotsavams, make it April 1. But arrive by 3:00 PM at the latest — the area near the main viewing spots fills up very fast by late afternoon.
4. Rathotsavam — April 2 (Morning)
The day after Kalyanam brings the most visually spectacular street event of the festival. The elaborately adorned deities are seated on the grand temple chariot, and thousands of devotees pull it through the surrounding streets by rope. Both sides of the route are lined with flowers and prostrations. For the best view, position yourself directly in front of the main temple gopuram. Arrive at least 90 minutes before the procession begins.
5. Pushpayagam — April 5 (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
The festival concludes beautifully with a Pushpayagam — a sacred offering of flowers — on the evening of April 5. It is a serene, devotionally rich finale to 11 days of grand celebrations.
How to Reach Vontimitta
By Bus
APSRTC runs regular buses from Kadapa city to Vontimitta. The journey covers about 25 km and takes 40–50 minutes. During the Brahmotsavams period, additional special buses are typically operated from Rajampet, Nellore, and surrounding towns. Check current schedules at apsrtconline.in.
By Train
The nearest major railway station is Kadapa Junction (HX), well connected to Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Tirupati. From the station, take a local bus or auto to Vontimitta. A word of caution — trains to Kadapa book out quickly during sree Rama Navami season. Book your train tickets at least 2–3 weeks ahead at irctc.co.in.
By Car or Taxi
- From Kadapa: ~35–40 minutes via the Rajampet road
- From Tirupati: ~180 km, about 3.5 hours
- From Hyderabad: ~340 km, about 5.5–6 hours
- From Nellore: ~190 km, about 3–3.5 hours
Taxis and private cabs are easily available from both Kadapa and Tirupati. Many Tirupati pilgrims combine a Vontimitta visit with their Tirumala darshan trip, especially during the Brahmotsavams season.
Where to Stay Near Vontimitta
TTD maintains guest house facilities at the temple site itself. You can book rooms through the official portal at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. These rooms fill up extremely fast — book at least 3–4 weeks in advance. If you are targeting the Kalyanam night on April 1, book even earlier.
For those who prefer staying in the city and commuting, Kadapa offers a good range of options. Budget lodges near Gandhi Road and Kadapa Bus Stand typically charge around ₹400–₹800 per night, while mid-range hotels range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500. For most pilgrims, staying in Kadapa and commuting daily works out to be both practical and economical.
Tickets & Online Booking
Seva tickets and TTD room bookings for Vontimitta Sri Rama Navami 2026 are handled through the official portal:
Slots for the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam and premium sevas are extremely limited and get taken within days of opening. Set a reminder and book as soon as slots go live.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few things regular Vontimitta pilgrims wish someone had told them before their first visit:
Arrive early on key days. For Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1, reach the temple by 3 PM at the latest. For Dhwajarohanam on March 27, be there before 9 AM.
Dress traditionally. Men should wear dhotis or full-length trousers. Women should wear sarees or salwar kameez. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and Western casual wear are not permitted inside the temple.
Carry essentials. Refreshment stalls near the temple are limited during peak days. Carry drinking water, light snacks, and any medications you need. Don’t count on mobile charging facilities at the festival grounds.
Plan for Rathotsavam viewing. For the chariot procession on April 2, the area in front of the main gopuram gives the clearest view. Get there at least 90 minutes early.
Keep small change handy. Auto-rickshaws and local transport near the temple work on cash, and ATMs can get busy on peak days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the dates of Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 Brahmotsavams?
The Vontimitta Brahmotsavams 2026 runs from March 26 to April 5, 2026 — a total of 11 days. Major highlights include Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1, Rathotsavam on April 2, and Pushpayagam on April 5.
Q2: When is the Sita Rama Kalyanam at Vontimitta in 2026?
The Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam takes place on April 1, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This is the most attended event of the entire festival. Reach the temple by 3:00 PM on that day to get a good viewing spot before crowds peak.
Q3: What is the Ram Janma Muhurat timing for Rama Navami 2026?
Rama Navami 2026 falls on March 26. The Ram Janma Muhurat runs from 11:13 AM to 1:41 PM, with the most auspicious moment at 12:27 PM. This is considered the time of Lord Rama’s birth, and special abhishekam is performed during this window.
Q4: What are the daily Vahana Seva timings during the Brahmotsavams?
Vahana Sevas are held twice daily throughout the festival — mornings from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, and evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Each evening features a different celestial vehicle.
Q5: How do I book tickets for Vontimitta Brahmotsavams sevas and TTD rooms?
All bookings are done through the official TTD Devasthanams portal at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. Book as early as possible — slots for the Kalyanam and TTD rooms fill up very quickly.
Q6: How far is Vontimitta from Kadapa, and how do I get there?
Vontimitta is about 25 km from Kadapa city. By bus or taxi, it takes around 40–50 minutes. APSRTC buses run regularly on this route, with special services added during the Brahmotsavams period.
Q7: Can I visit Vontimitta as a day trip from Tirupati?
Yes, absolutely. Vontimitta is approximately 180 km from Tirupati — about 3.5 hours by car. Many pilgrims combine a Vontimitta visit with their Tirumala darshan trip, particularly during the Rama Navami season. It makes for a deeply rewarding two-temple pilgrimage.
Q8: What is the significance of Vontimitta temple and why is it called Dakshina Ayodhya?
The Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta is one of the most revered Rama shrines in South India. It houses the presiding deities of Lord Kodandarama Swamy, Goddess Sita Devi, and Lakshmana, within a stunning Vijayanagara-era structure dating to the 16th century. The temple’s deep spiritual legacy, its connection to poet Bammera Pothana, and its grandeur as a Rama pilgrimage centre have earned it the title Dakshina Ayodhya — the Ayodhya of the South.
Q9: Is the Rathotsavam open for all devotees?
Yes, the Rathotsavam chariot procession on April 2 is open for all devotees. It passes through the streets surrounding the temple, and thousands of pilgrims participate by pulling the chariot or lining the procession route. No special ticket is required to witness the procession.
Q10: What is the dress code at Vontimitta temple?
Men must wear dhotis or full-length trousers. Women must wear sarees or salwar kameez. Shorts, sleeveless clothing, and Western casual wear are not permitted inside the temple premises.
Final Word
Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 is not just a festival — it is a complete experience of devotion, culture, heritage, and community. Whether you are moved by the grandeur of the Sita Rama Kalyanam, the thunderous energy of the Rathotsavam chariot procession, or the quiet beauty of the evening Vahana Sevas, this is a pilgrimage that stays with you.
Plan your visit around April 1 for the Kalyanam, book your TTD rooms and seva tickets early at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in, travel via Kadapa, follow the dress code, and arrive ahead of the crowds.
Jai Sri Rama 🙏
For more pilgrimage guides, travel tips, and updates on Tirupati and Andhra Pradesh temples, visit intirupati.in.
