Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple Chandragiri – History, Rituals & Festivals

 

Location

• Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple is located in Chandragiri Village, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.
• It is a prominent shrine in the region, easily accessible for devotees.

Deities

• Lord Srirama (main deity)
• Sita Devi
• Lakshmana
• Bharata
• Satrughna
• Lord Hanuman
• Garuda Alwar

History & Legends

• As per legend, the temple was constructed by Sri Krishnadevaraya, the great Vijayanagara emperor.
• It is said to have been built so that devotees who could not travel to Bhadrachalam could still have darshan of Lord Rama here.
• The temple thus serves as a spiritual alternative for pilgrims, carrying the same devotional essence.

Temple Significance

• A sacred place for Vaishnavite devotees, especially those devoted to Lord Rama.
• The temple emphasizes inclusivity, allowing devotees unable to undertake long pilgrimages to experience the blessings of Lord Rama locally.
• Rituals and sevas are performed daily, maintaining the temple’s spiritual vibrancy.

Temple Timings & Sevas

Morning Session (6:00 am – 12:00 pm)

• 6:00 am – Suprabatha Seva
• 6:30 am – Thomala Seva
• 7:00 am – Sarva Darshan
• 7:30 am – Naivedyam (1st bell)
• 8:30 am – Sarva Darshan
• 10:00 am – Naivedyam (2nd bell)
• 10:30 am – Sarva Darshan
• 12:00 Noon – Temple closes

Evening Session (4:00 pm – 8:00 pm)

• 4:00 pm – Temple opens & Sarva Darshan
• 5:45 pm – Suddhi
• 6:00 pm – Naivedyam (3rd bell)
• 6:30 pm – Sarva Darshan
• 7:45 pm – Ekanta Seva

Rituals & Sevas

• Daily Sevas: Suprabatha Seva, Thomala Seva, Naivedyam (multiple bells), Sarva Darshan, Ekanta Seva.

Festivals

• Rama Navami – Major annual festival, with processions and special darshan.
• Deepavali & Ugadi – Observed with special pujas.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi – Considered highly auspicious for devotees of Lord Vishnu.
• Sri Rama Navaratri – Nine days of devotional celebrations.

Beliefs

• The temple is believed to grant darshan equivalent to Bhadrachalam, especially for those unable to travel there.
• Devotees believe worship here brings family harmony, protection from evils, and blessings of Lord Rama.
• Offering prayers to Lord Hanuman here is said to bestow courage and strength.

Getting Here

• By Road: Chandragiri is well connected by road from Tirupati (12 km) 
• By Rail: Nearest railway station is Tirupati Railway Station.
• By Air: Tirupati Airport (Renigunta) is the closest, about 20 km away.

Tips

• Arrive early in the morning for peaceful darshan before crowds build up.
• Respect temple customs: wear traditional attire, avoid footwear inside premises.
• Carry only essentials; avoid excess jewelry or cash.
• Participate in Naivedyam timings to receive prasadam.
• Plan visits during weekdays for less crowd compared to festival days.

Crowd Management

• The temple follows a queue system for darshan.
• Morning hours (7–10 am) and evening hours (6–7 pm) are peak times.
• On festivals like Rama Navami and Vaikunta Ekadasi, expect heavy crowds; plan accordingly.
• Devotees are advised to maintain discipline and silence inside the temple.