Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple, Buchireddy Palem

Location:

Buchireddypalem Mandal, Nellore District

History

The Dodla family constructed the temple as a result of a divine vision received by Sri Ramachandra Swami. The temple, with over two centuries of history, is located in the Buchireddypalem mandal of Nellore district. The life-sized idols of Sri Ramachandra Swami, along with Sita and Lakshmana, captivate devotees. The spacious temple complex, stone architecture, towering gopuram, chariot, and temple pond reflect the rich Hindu traditions and culture.

In 1715 CE, Dodla Annareddy, a farmer, migrated from Ranavathur, a village near Thiruthani in Tamil Nadu, and settled in Buchireddypalem. Due to his capabilities, he quickly gained prominence as a community leader and was appointed as the administrator of several villages by the then Nawab of Arcot. His grandson, Dodla Ramireddy, became a devout follower of Lord Rama. One night, Lord Ramachandra appeared in his dream, instructing him to build a temple for His permanent residence in Buchireddypalem. Following the Lord's command, Ramireddy began constructing the temple in 1765 CE with his own funds, completing it in 1785 CE. He also donated several thousand acres of land for the daily offerings and rituals at the temple. Since then, the Dodla family has served as the temple's trustees, with daily worship offered to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

Inside the temple premises, idols of Goddess Lakshmi (Chaturbhuja Lakshmi), Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, and Goddess Andal are also installed, while outside the temple walls stands an idol of Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swami. Every year, the temple celebrates a grand 10-day Brahmotsavam starting from Sri Rama Navami, drawing devotees from across the district and beyond.

Temple Significance:

The temple is spread over 2 acres, with a 100-foot tall gopuram, a 40-foot-high chariot, and a large temple pond covering 2.5 acres, all of which are remarkable sights.

The idol of Sri Srinivasa Murthy was brought from Tirumala and installed here, where daily worship rituals are performed. The temple also installed the idols of 12 Alwar’s (Vaishnavite saints), making it a divine temple. A dedicated team of Acharya Purushas, priests, assistants, monks, teachers, and Vedic scholars was established to conduct the daily worship, offerings, weekly festivals, fortnightly festivals, monthly festivals, and the grand annual Brahmotsavam smoothly, as part of a family tradition.

Special Pujas:

For Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami, special abhishekam and Laksha Tulasi Archana (offering of 100,000 sacred tulasi leaves) are conducted on Bhishma Ekadashi. Special programs are organized on Narasimha Jayanti.

For Goddess Chaturbhuja Lakshmi, Pallaki Seva (palanquin service) is performed, and for Goddess Andal, abhishekam and village festivals take place during the Dhanurmasa period.

For Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swami, Mandala Abhishekam (ritual bath) and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated with grandeur over nine days. During the Brahmotsavam, the Ratha Yatra (chariot festival) and Teppotsavam (boat festival) are conducted with great pomp. Over 100,000 devotees participate in the Ratha Yatra.

Darshan Timings:

Morning7:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Evening5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

How to Reach:

By Road:Nellore – Buchireddypalem (19.4 KM)

By Rail:Nearest Railway station: Nellore Railway station (17.3 KM)

By Air:Nearest Airport: Tirupati International Airport (135 KM)and Chennai International Airport (207 KM)