BHADRACHALAM - SITA RAMASWAMI

About the Temple Sthalapuranam Other Legends

Sthalapuranam :

Legend has it that Bhadra (son of Meru) has performed intense penance for Rama till the end of Thretha Yuga and Ramaavatar Pleased by his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared as Rama before him and granted him moksha. This explains the unique form of the deity at Bhadrachalam and the origin of the name as "Bhadragiri" or "Bhadradri" or "Bhadrachalam". It is also said that this Bhadra was in earlier life a rock that Rama had once rested on while on exile.

It is also said that Lord Rama has later appeared in the dreams of a woman called Pokala Sammakka informing her of his existence there. She is known to have got a modest structure around the idols.

About 35 Km away from Bhadrachalam is "Parnashala", the hut in which Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were believed to have lived during the Aranya vasam (exile). The eroded land is shown as an indication of Sita being abducted from the place by Ravana (the demon king). In vicinity can be seen yellow and red coloured stones - the "Pasupu Rallu" and "Kumkum Rallu", as referred to by the natives, that rae said to be used by Sita for her bathing and decoration.

A few kilometers away from the place is "Ushnagundam". Legend says that Lakshmana brought hot water from here for Sita to bathe. The hillocks in vicinity are seen to be bearing some strange impressions with metallic borders. It is said that they are the impressions of saris dried by Sita.

Another interesting sight at the pilgrimage is that of the devotees throwing stones at a near by tree! The tree seen with its base covered with huge assembly of stones is said to be Surpanaka and it need to be punished.

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