Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple in Gollala Mamidada, 20 km away from Kakinada is located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
It was built on the banks of Tulyabhaga (Antharvahini), a tributary of Godavari. The temple is also known as, ‘Chinna Bhadradi’ or the ‘Little Bhadrachalam’.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Kodanda Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, worshipped along with Sita Devi and Lakshmana. The temple celebrates Lord Rama’s adherence to dharma (righteousness) and his role as an ideal king, husband, and brother.
Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple in Gollala Mamidada is renowned for its unique architecture and its two massive gopurams (temple towers). These gopurams, standing at impressive heights of 160–170 feet (49–52 m) and 200–210 feet (61–64 m), make the temple a striking landmark in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
The temple’s foundation dates back to 1889 when brothers Dwarampudi Subbi Reddy and Rami Reddy donated land and constructed a small temple. Initially, the temple housed wooden idols of Lord Rama and Sita. To accommodate the growing number of devotees and enhance the temple’s grandeur, a larger structure was built in 1939.
The construction of the two monumental gopurams took place over several years. The first gopuram was built between 1948–1950, and the second, even taller, was completed between 1956–1958. These architectural marvels remain a testament to the dedication and contributions of the temple’s patrons and devotees.
According to the local traditions and legends, this area was once a dense grove of mango trees (Mamidada means “big mango garden” in Telugu). It is believed that the divine presence of Lord Rama inspired the establishment of the temple here. The sacredness of the site attracted devotees who established this grand temple.
The temple was constructed in the early 20th century under the patronage of the local zamindars (landowners), particularly Ravu Jaggayya and his successors. Their devotion to Lord Rama and their desire to create a spiritual center for the people of the region led to the construction of this impressive temple.
The temple is a major pilgrimage site, especially during festivals like Sri Rama Navami (the birthday of Lord Rama), and Vaikunta Ekadashi. Devotees believe that visiting this temple and worshipping Lord Kodanda Rama grants peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.
