Andra Pradesh > Kadapa > Vontimitta
Vontimitta or Ontimitta is a mandal head quarters in Cuddapah district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a historical place and has a 450 year old temple of Bhagawan Sree Rama. The great Sri Rama devotee and composer Tallapaka Annamacharyulu is associated with this legendary temple. His native place is near this pilgrimage spot. The temple is also associated with the Ramayana. The temple of Sri Kodandarama is situated towards the south west of the Vontimitta village. The temple had a spacious courtyard and three gopura gateways. The temple was developed by the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. A unique feature of the temple is, the absence of the Hanuman Idol, which makes it a one-of-its kind temple in India. So that it is noticeable that to the east of the eastern gopura of this temple is the temple of Sanjeevaraya (Sri Hanuman) facing west to the main temple.
The Vontimitta temple is famous for its architecture and art. The French traveler Traverniar described the temple as "one of the grandest pagodas in the whole of India". The temple is considered to be centrally protected monument.
Moola ViraatVontimitta is said to have been "Holy kshetra" located in between two great kshetras of the south india - Srisailam and Siddavatam. This holy place was also called as Dandakaranya Kshetra. In "Tretayuga" Rama accompainied by Sitha and Lakshmana went to the to fulfill the words of his father Dasaradha. One mid day, Rama to quench the thirst of Sitha shot his arrow in to the earth, through which sweet water sprang out. Later this perennial flow of water was made to form two small tanks which are called "Ramatirtham" and "Lakshmanatirtham" .Rama along with his consort and brother Lakshmana toured all over Dandakaranya and mwt many 'Rishis' . The rishis appealed to Rama to free them from the atrocities of demons. Rama blessed them all and promised to punish the demons.
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