Bhadrachalam is a Census town in Khammam District of Telangana. This census town of Telangana is a hill station and there exist a large number of temples dedicated to Hindu Gods.
Location of Bhadrachalam
Bhadrachalam is an important Hindu pilgrimage town in Telangana, a newly formed state with Hyderabad as its capital. Bhadrachalam is situated on the banks of Godavari River- the River of South. Bhadrachalam is located 312 kilometres East of state capital, Hyderabad.
History of Bhadrachalam
Paleolithic man probably roamed around the areas of lower Godavari River valley and the surroundings of Bhadrachalam. The town has a documented history of Lord Rama temple constructed in the medieval age of 17th Century.
The legend has it that the present town is situated in an area which once formed part of the Dandakaranya forest, and said to be visited by Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana during their exile (Vanavasam). The forest in the vicinity of the temple was the site of Rama`s retreat and it was at the Parnasala (32 km from here) that he built a hut for himself and Sita and from where Sita was abducted by Ravana.
Shrines of Bhadrachalam
The history of this shrine stands for the significance of Ramayana Era, and vicinity of the temple had its incompatible combination of another story which portrays the demand of "Sri Mahavishnu" to manifest himself as Lord Rama long after Ramavatara was to fulfil his promise to his Bhakta Bhadra (a mountain king), a sage who had been continuing the scared penance to get grace of Lord Rama.
The temple at Bhadrachalam has the Archa Murthys of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana and is considered to be Swayambhu (self-manifested ones). Lord Sri Rama appeared in a dream to a woman called Pokala Dammakka and informed her about the existence of vigrahas on Bhadragiri hills. To her surprise she found the "Vigraha`s" and put up a modest structure. Dhammakka, cleared jungle and offered puja to the deities.
Tourism in Bhadrachalam
Here in Bhadrachalam, tourism refers to the pilgrimage tourism. In this region, there exist a large number of temples like Parnasala, Jattayu Paaka, Dummugudem, Gundala, Sree Rama Giri, Venkatareddipeta, Gannavaram and many other places. People from far off place visit this place of historical and mythological importance.