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| Kodanda Rama Temple, AP substack.com |
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| Kodanda Rama Temple W. Godavari upload.wikimedia.org |
Above image:Lord Rama Temple Gopuram at Gollalamamidada, East Godavari district.Image credit: Adityamadhav83.
Nestled on the serene banks of the Tulyabhaga river (a tributary of the Godavari) in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, the Kodandarama Temple of Gollala Mamidada stands as a monumental testament to both spiritual devotion and Dravidian architectural excellence. Often referred to by devotees as "Chinna Bhadrachalam" (Little Bhadrachalam), it is considered one of the most significant Rama temples in the state, rivaled only by the Vontimitta Kodandarama Temple.
Historical Origins and Evolution
The temple’s history is a story of humble beginnings transformed into architectural grandeur. The foundation was laid in 1889 by two brothers, Dwarampudi Subbi Reddy and Rami Reddy, who donated their land and initially installed wooden idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Over the decades, the site evolved significantly; a more permanent, larger structure was erected in 1939. The most defining features of the temple—its massive gopurams—were added mid-century, with the eastern tower completed between 1948–1950 and the western tower between 1956–1958.
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| Sri Rama Temple,Golla Mamidada upload.wikimedia.org |
Architectural Signific
What sets this temple apart are its two towering gopurams, which dominate the local skyline. The east-facing gopuram rises to approximately 160–170 feet and consists of nine storeys. However, it is the west-facing gopuram that truly commands attention, standing at a height of 200–210 feet with 11 storeys. These structures are not merely tall; they are "encyclopedias of stone," adorned with hundreds of intricate stucco figures. Each floor depicts vivid scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavatam.
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| Kodanda Rama Swamy, temple .instagram.com |
In 1975, the temple was further enhanced with a unique Addala Mandapam (Mirror Hall) situated above the sanctum sanctorum. This hall features stunning relief work depicting the Rama Pattabhishekam (coronation) and Lord Rama blessing his devotee, Hanuman.
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| Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy, temple vedicbharat.org |
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| Lord Kodanda Rama temple W. Godavari, AP thehindu.com |
Above image: Dedicated to Lord Kodandarama Swamy the temple was built by Dwarampudi Subbaiah and his wife Mahalakshmi in 1889, the two entrance towers were renovated in the early 1930s. Both towers contain sculptures depicting the events of the Ramayana. The towers were constructed with cement the style followed was that of Dravidian style of Temple architecture; height of the gopuram is 210 feet with 11 storeys where one can reach the top 11th floor overlooking the village........
Cultural and Spiritual Life
The spiritual heart of Gollala Mamidada beats strongest during Sri Rama Navami. This festival draws thousands of pilgrims to witness the celestial wedding (Kalyanotsavam) of Rama and Sita. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the District Collector and local representatives offer silk clothes to the deities, symbolizing the state’s reverence for the temple. Other major observances include Vaikunta Ekadasi and Vijayadasami.
Located just 25 km from Kakinada and 45 km from Rajahmundry, the temple remains a vital hub of Andhra heritage. With its proximity to the Suryanarayana (Sun) Temple in the same village, Gollala Mamidada continues to be a premier destination for those seeking a blend of profound history and architectural beauty.
Ref
https://www.vedicbharat.org/2016/02/sri-kodanda-rama-temple-gollala-mamidada.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodandarama_Temple,_Gollala_Mamidada
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) - Kakinada Heritage Circuit.
Collectorate, Kakinada District - Religious Landmarks (2024-2025 updates).
Census of India, Village and Town Directory: Gollala Mamidada.
K. N. Jayaraman
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