Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple Ramalayam Buchireddypalem / Sri Kondandarama Swamy Temple, Buchireddypalem, Nellore Andhra Pradesh – Kodandarama Swamy Temple & Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Devastanam : Lord Rama Temple in Nellore with 100 Feet Tallest Rajagopuram, the Second Tallest Temple Tower in Andhra Pradesh & Goddess Sita’s Rare Right Side Position | Complete History, Sthala Purana, Temple Architecture, Koneru, Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavam, Sita Rama Kalyanam, Rathotsavam, Garuda Seva, Temple Timings, Contact Details, How to Reach & Complete Travel Guide (Updated)
– a darshan of lord rama & divine shrines of chaturbhuja lakshmi, lakshmi narasimha, andal & hanuman
Sri Kodandarama Swamy Devastanam is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. It stands in the quiet town of Buchireddypalem in SPSR Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. Devotees also call it the Buchireddypalem Ramalayam or the Kodandarama Swamy Temple. The Valmiki Ramayana describes Lord Rama as the very embodiment of righteousness, “Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah” (Rama is Dharma personified). Standing before the deity here, that line feels completely true.
History of Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple Ramalayam Buchireddypalem Nellore
In 1715, a farmer named Dodla Anna Reddy left Ranavathuru village near Tiruttani in Tamil Nadu and settled in Buchireddypalem. His hard work and ability won him recognition under the British and the Nawab of Arcot, and he became an administrator of many nearby villages, including the regions around Duvvur and Kandukuru. 
His grandson, Dodla Rami Reddy, lovingly known as Bangaru Rami Reddy, grew into a true devotee of Lord Rama. According to local tradition, Lord Rama appeared in his dream one night and asked him to build a permanent home for the deity in this very town. Obeying that divine command with complete Bhakti (loving devotion) and Shraddha (faith), Rami Reddy laid the foundation in 1765.
The work continued for nineteen long years and was completed in 1784. The entire temple is built of stone, and it shows the grace of Dravidian architecture. Some elders say traces of Chola style craftsmanship can also be seen.
A few thousand acres of land were donated for the daily Deepa (lamp) and Dhoopa (incense) offerings of Lord Rama. Even today, the descendants of the Dodla family serve as the trustees of the temple, a beautiful example of Seva passed from one generation to the next.
Goddess Sita’s Rare Right side Position
In almost every Rama temple, Goddess Sita stands on the left side of Lord Rama. Here at Buchireddypalem, Goddess Sita stands on the right side of Lord Rama. Devotees believe that worshipping the Divine Mother in this rare Dakshina (right) position brings Aishwarya (prosperity), good fortune, and finally Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
The main sanctum shows Lord Rama in a standing posture with Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana, and I stood there for a long time, unable to look away. The moment of Darshan (sacred sight of the deity) was so peaceful that I forgot to make my Sankalpa (sacred resolve) and simply stood with a quiet heart.
Temple Architecture and Layout
The temple faces east and rises under a magnificent seven tiered Rajagopuram (grand gateway tower) about 100 feet tall. It is counted among the tallest temple towers in Andhra Pradesh, and you can see it from far away as you approach the town. Just after the entrance you will find the Balipeedam (sacred altar for offerings) and the Dwaja Sthambam (flag mast), which is about 50 feet tall. A four pillared mandapam stands in front of the tower.
Inside, the temple has the Garbhagriha (sanctum), the Antarala (inner passage), the Maha Mandapa (great hall), and the Mukha Mandapa (front hall). The whole complex is enclosed by a strong compound wall. The Koneru (sacred temple tank) is another wonder. As per Vastu Shastra, a temple tank usually lies on the northern side, but here it lies on the southern side. The temple is said to follow Dakshinaadi Vasthu, and all the pujas are performed according to Dakshina Sampradaya (the southern tradition of worship).
Other Shrines Inside the Prakaram
While walking around the Prakaram (circumambulatory path), I visited the shrines of several other deities. They are Goddess Chaturbhuja Lakshmi, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, Goddess Andal, and Lord Prasanna Anjaneya, who is Lord Hanuman, the ideal servant of Lord Rama. Hanuman is Bhakti in human form. His shrine always reminded me that a devotee’s strength is his surrender.
Festivals at the Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple Ramalayam Buchireddypalem Nellore
The grandest celebration is the Brahmotsavam, a ten day festival that begins on Sri Rama Navami in the Chaitra month, usually in April or May. During these days the whole town feels like Ayodhya itself.
Sita Rama Kalyanam (the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita) is performed with great joy, and thousands of devotees gather to witness it, especially women. The Vahanams (divine vehicles) carry the deities in procession, including the Hamsa Vahanam, Vyali Vahanam, and the golden Garuda Vahanam of Lord Garuda. Each one shows a different aspect of the Divine. Garuda Seva is a special highlight, when Lord Rama rides in splendid procession.
The most thrilling moment is the Rathotsavam (chariot festival). A huge wooden chariot carrying Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana, and Lord Hanuman is pulled through the streets by hundreds of devotees holding thick chains. Even if you only watch and cheer, you feel Punya (spiritual merit) rising within you.
Annadhanam on Pournami
Since early 2002, the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Charitable Trust has been offering Annadhanam (sacred free meals) on every Pournami (full moon day). The Taittiriya Upanishad says “Annam Brahma” (food is Brahman), and in this temple that teaching is lived every month.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple Ramalayam Buchireddypalem Nellore
Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple, Ramalayam, Buchireddypalem, Nellore Address:
Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple, Ramalayam, Buchireddypalem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh 524305
Temple Timings: The temple opens in the early morning at around 5:30 AM and stays open through the day until evening, closing at about 8:30 PM. Timings can change on festival days, so it is wise to check locally before you travel.
How To Reach Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple Ramalayam Buchireddypalem Nellore
By Road: Travelling by road is my favourite way to reach this Rama temple, because the journey itself feels like a small pilgrimage. From Chennai, take the Chennai Kolkata National Highway towards Gummidipoondi, Sullurpeta and Nellore. The distance to Nellore city is roughly 175 to 180 km, and the drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. Buchireddypalem lies about 16 to 19 km further from Nellore city, so the total distance to the temple is about 190 to 200 km. You can hire a taxi or drive your own car from Chennai for a comfortable Darshan trip in a single day. If you prefer buses, APSRTC and TNSTC services run from Chennai to Nellore, and from the Nellore RTC Bus Stand, local buses and autos run frequently to Buchireddypalem.
By Train: The train is the most relaxed and budget friendly choice for devotees travelling from Chennai. Many express trains run from Chennai Central towards Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Howrah, and several of them stop at Nellore, the nearest major railway station to the temple. The train journey from Chennai Central to Nellore usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, so you can leave in the early morning and reach by mid morning. From the station, a taxi or bus will take you to Buchireddypalem in about 30 to 40 minutes. Please check the latest train timings on IRCTC before you plan, since schedules change.
By Flight: Chennai International Airport is the main airport for this region, and it is about 190 km from the temple. Since Chennai itself is your starting point, there is no need for a connecting flight to Nellore. If you are coming from another city, such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru or Delhi, you can fly into Chennai and then continue by road or train as described above. Another option is Tirupati Airport, about 130 km away, which is useful if you are combining this visit with a darshan of Lord Venkateswara.
Thanks for exploring this Casual Walker photo guide — India’s most visual cultural travel guide and a curious discovery journal finding authentic photo stories, guides, and tips across travel, culture, arts, temples, heritage, and food.
- Keep exploring: Browse 650+ Travel & Culture Photo Guides
- We’d love to hear your feedback, stories, corrections, and updates — Email us.
- Follow our photo walks on Instagram: @hicasualwalker
