Event Detail Information
Location Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Bhadrachalam, Telangana
Occasion Sri Rama Navami (Chaitra Shuddha Navami)
2026 Date March 27, 2026
Peak Muhurtham Abhijit Lagna (around 12:00 PM)
Key Attraction Mutyala Talambralu (Pearl-mixed sacred rice)
The Spiritual Heart of the “Ayodhya of the South”
​Every year, the banks of the Godavari River transform into a sea of devotion as Bhadrachalam hosts the Sri Sita Rama Kalyana Mahotsavam. Known as the “Ayodhya of the South,” this temple holds a unique place in Indian heritage, not just for its architectural beauty, but for the profound history of Bhakta Ramadasu (Kancherla Gopanna), the 17th-century saint-composer who built the current shrine.
​The Kalyanam (celestial wedding) is not merely a ritual; it is a grand reenactment of the divine union between Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, symbolizing the harmony of the universe and the ideal of Dharma.
​The Legend and the Legacy
​The temple’s origin is tied to the devotion of Bhadra Maharshi, who performed penance to have a vision of Lord Rama. It is said that Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, appeared to him even after the Treta Yuga ended, choosing to stay on the hill (Bhadragiri) to bless his devotees.
​The Ramadasu Tradition
​In the 1600s, Kancherla Gopanna, a local tehsildar, used government tax revenues to build the temple and craft exquisite jewelry for the deities. Legend says he was imprisoned by the Sultan of Golconda but was miraculously released when Lord Rama and Lakshmana themselves appeared in disguise to repay the gold coins. To this day, the state government continues the tradition started by the Sultan, offering silk clothes (Pattu Vastramu) and Mutyala Talambralu (pearls) for the wedding.
​The Grand Rituals
​The festivities span several days, but the climax occurs on Rama Navami.
​Edurukolu: The ceremonial welcome where the lineages (Gotras) of the bride and groom are recited.
​Abhijit Lagna: The wedding reaches its peak at noon, the exact time Lord Rama was born.
​Mutyala Talambralu: Unlike other weddings where rice is used, Bhadrachalam is famous for using pearls mixed with turmeric and rice, symbolizing purity and prosperity.
​Maha Samrajya Pattabhishekam: Held the day after the wedding (March 28 in 2026), this ritual depicts the grand coronation of Lord Rama as the King of Ayodhya.
​A Gathering of Millions
​While the Mithila Stadium hosts thousands of physical attendees, millions across the globe tune in via live broadcasts. For devotees, receiving a small packet of the Talambralu from this ceremony is considered a blessing that brings peace and marital harmony to their homes.
​”Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Rame Rame Manorame…” — The chanting of the Rama Nama echoes through the temple town, reminding us that in Bhadrachalam, Rama is not just a deity, but a living presence.