Bhadrachalam

Tour-temples    Pilgrimage Centers in AP/Telangana Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy  Facts to file How far  :  320 km from Hyderabad and 201 km from Vijayawada. How to go :   Air : Vijayawada is the nearest airport. Rail : Koththagudem is the nearest rail head at a distance of 40 km. Bus : State buses every hour from Koththagudem,which is connected with Vijayawada, Khammam, Machilipatnam, Tenali, Kakinada, Nalgonda and Hyderabad. Where to stay : A.P. Tourism's 'Parnasala' and 'Panchavati' guest houses.Dharmasalas of Endowments department. Economy hotels. What to see : Sri Seetharamachandra Swamy Temple, Parnasala. The Sree Seetharamachandra Swamy shrine at Bhadrachalam, the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama, is situated on the left bank of the mighty river Godavari in Khammam District. Regarded as one of the most holy temples in South India, it has become a major pilgrimage center for Hindus from all over the country. More than three hundred thousand devotees throng this temple on Sreeramanavami day to witness the "Kalyana Mahotsavam" or the auspicious wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita. Special archanas and pujas are held on the occasion. Round the year, devotees visit Bhadrachalam to seek the blessings of Lord Rama. The uniqueness of the temple is that the idol of Lord Rama has a bow in one hand along with Shanku and Chakra, amalgamation of two avatars - Vishnu and Rama. Also, unlike in other temples Sita is seated on Rama's lap. A visit to this shrine will leave an indelible impression in the minds of the pilgrims. The holy soil is believed to have been trodden by Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana during their stay at Dandakaranya.