Happy 76th Republic Day!

A Pilgrimage to Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Vontimitta

On 11th January, our family embarked on a journey to the Vontimitta Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, a gem of history and devotion nestled in the serene landscapes of Andhra Pradesh on our way back home from Tirumala. Having been blessed with the divine Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy at Tirumala on 9th January, we were eager to continue our spiritual journey, and the visit to this ancient temple was the perfect culmination. We started early in the morning from Tirumala and as planned we reached Vontimitta in time for breakfast at the Vontimitta Haritha Hotel and the Temple visit.

The Vontimitta Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, is steeped in history and spirituality. It is located 25 km. from Kadapa and is close to Rajampet. This grand temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, is believed to have been constructed during the 16th century by the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. However, a smaller temple's origins date back to the 11th century, and you can see us with a Stone Inscription (Sila Sasanamu) indicating the year 1365. The temple and its adjoining buildings are one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance. The temple has since been a beacon of devotion and artistry, drawing devotees and history enthusiasts alike.

Legend has it that two devout devotees of Lord Rama, Vontudu and Mittudu, built this temple. Their combined efforts gave rise to the name “Vontimitta”. It is also said that this temple is where Lord Rama, with Sita Devi and Lakshmana, stayed during their exile, making it a significant location in the Ramayana lore.

As we approached the temple, we were captivated by its magnificent architecture. The temple is constructed entirely of granite, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara era. The intricate carvings on the gopuram (temple tower) and mandapas (pillared halls) narrate stories from the Ramayana, making the structure a visual delight and a spiritual retreat.

Unfortunately, as the main temple is under repair we could not enter the sanctum sanctorum and have the darshan of the main deities of Lord Rama, Sita Devi, and Lakshmana. We are informed that these life-sized deities are carved out of a single stone, their intricate detailing reflecting the devotion of the sculptors who created them and that they exude a divine aura. The temple would be ready in March, in time for Sri Rama Navami celebrations.

However, we had a very satisfactory Darshan of the beautiful and grand Utsava Vigrahas (Ceremonial Idols) of Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lakshmana, and the Theertham and Shatari blessings in an adjacent make-shift temple where all the rituals are being carried out, including Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam the day before yesterday.

The Vontimitta temple is renowned as the “Ayodhya of the South” due to its association with Lord Rama. It holds immense significance, especially during the Sri Rama Navami festival when grand celebrations and rituals attract thousands of devotees. The temple’s rich heritage and spiritual energy make it a must-visit destination for those seeking divine blessings and a glimpse into the past.

Walking through the temple premises, we felt a profound sense of peace and connection to the divine. The temple’s sprawling courtyard, adorned with ancient sculptures and detailed inscriptions, transported us back in time. The calm and tranquil atmosphere was a stark contrast to the bustling darshan at some temples, offering us a moment of quiet reflection and prayer.

A temple employee’s explanation of the temple’s history and significance added depth to our visit. We offered our prayers and spent time admiring the detailed carvings that depicted scenes from the Ramayana. The intricate artistry left us in awe, a testament to the dedication of the craftsmen who brought these stories to life in stone.

Our visit to the Vontimitta Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple was a deeply enriching experience, a journey into the confluence of history, art, and spirituality. As we left the temple, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the divine blessings and the timeless beauty we had witnessed. For anyone travelling to Tirupati or places nearby, a visit to this historic temple is an absolute must.

Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam At Tirumala!

 

Vaikunta Ekadashi @ Tirumala – A Video:

I am happy to share with you that our family is blessed to have received a profound Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy at Tirumala on Friday, 10th January morning by 9:45 am, on the occasion of Mukkoti Ekadashi. My heart is filled with grace after such a beautiful and significant darshan. May the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy stay with you and all of us forever.

I with my wife, eldest son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons started for Tirumala from our house in Secunderabad in my son’s SUV on 9th May at 5:15 am and reached Tirumala and checked into Vishnu Padam Guest House at 5:15 pm. The next day after Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam we came down from Tirumala and visited Srikalahasteeswara Temple at Srikalahasti and Sri Padmavathi Ammavari (Alamelumanga) Temple in Tiruchanoor and returned to Vishnu Padam Guest House, Tirumala by 6:00 pm.

On the 9th and the 10th of January, we witnessed the magnificent floral and lighting decorations in and around the temple, along with stunning lighting displays across Tirumala. While my son has been fortunate to experience Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam about eight times since 2008, this was the first time for the rest of our family. This was possible by obtaining the most sought-after Srivani Darshanam Ticket for Vaikunta Ekadashi, for which only 2000 tickets were issued.

We began our journey back home from Tirumala on 11th January at 5:50 am and reached Secunderabad and then our house by 10:30 pm. Along the way, we visited the Sri Vontimitta Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta and the Sri Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple in Mahanandi.

For readers who are not aware of this … Vaikunta Ekadashi also known as Mukkoti Ekadashi is one of the most significant and auspicious days for us Hindus, especially for devotees of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy. Held on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the Hindu month of Pushya Masam, this sacred day attracts thousands of devotees to the Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, nestled in the hills of Andhra Pradesh, India. This year Vaikunta Ekadashi as I mentioned above was on Friday, 10th January.

Vaikunta Ekadashi is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu opens the doors of Vaikunta (the heavenly abode) to his devotees. It is a day of spiritual purification and liberation, where devotees seek the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara to attain Moksha/Salvation (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

The highlight of the day is the Vaikunta/Mukkoti Dwara Darshanam, where devotees get a glimpse of the sanctum sanctorum, believed to be the gateway to Vaikunta.

For many devotees, Vaikunta Ekadashi is not just a day of worship but a spiritual journey. The pilgrimage to Tirumala is filled with devotion, faith, and a sense of unity. The journey itself is considered a form of penance, and the experience of witnessing the divine darshan is a moment of profound spiritual fulfilment.

Vaikunta Ekadashi at Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is a celebration of faith, devotion, and the eternal bond between the devotee and the divine. It is a day that brings together people from all walks of life, united in their quest for spiritual liberation and the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara.

Lonesome New Year’s Eve for the First Time

 

This New Year's Eve, the family's laughter, joyousness, and loud rejoicing were amiss in Srilekha, as only two of us were at home watching a K-Romcom drama, with subdued smiles (as all family members were preoccupied with important engagements and unavailable). This reminded me of an earlier experience at a fine-dining restaurant with a sumptuous spread and Karaoke singers performing just for the two of us for the whole evening, as shown in the pictures below. While it seemed special, it lacked the warmth and fun of shared moments with others. I hope the family circle can get together soon in full strength to create a truly joyful and memorable evening 🙂…