About Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam is a town in Khammam district in Telangana. Located on the banks of river Godavari, it is an important pilgrimage town. Bhadrachalam is regarded as an earthly abode of Lord Rama and his consort Sita.

The town gets its name from the term 'Bhadragiri' which means mountain of Bhadra. Bhadra was the offspring of Meru and Menaka born as a result of a boon. Just like Ayodhya is the birth place of Lord Rama, Bhadrachalam is also famous for the temple of Lord Rama.

Best Time to visit Bhadrachalam: October to February when it is pleasant and cool

History of Bhadrachalam

On 17th November, 1959, Bhadrachalam Revenue Division, comprising of Bhadrachalam and Nuguru Venkatapuram Taluks of East Godavari district were merged into Khammam district for the sake of better and efficient administration.

Legends Associated with Bhadrachalam

According to a legend, the region around Bhadrachalam was once a part of Dandakaranya forest. Also, Lord Rama and Sita devi along with Laxmana (Ram's younger brother) lived in this forest while they were on exile. They also built a hut here (in Parnasala) and this is the place where Sita was abducted by Ravana.

There is yet another legend according to which Lord Vishnu and his devotee Bhakta Bhadra, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Rama met him on His way to Lanka in order to rescue Sita. The sage requested Rama to sit on his head. When this did not happen as Rama was in a hurry to reach Lanka to help Sita, Bhadra sage continued worshiping Lord Vishnu just to get a glimpse of his Rama avatar. Lord Vishnu finally appeared before Bhadra as Rama with his wife Sita and brother Laxmana. He sat on the top of Bhadragiri and his wife sat on the left lap while his brother sat on the right side. The name Bhadrachalam is believed to have been derived from sage Bhadra and his devotion for Lord Rama.


Still another legend is about Lord Rama appearing in the dream of a lady named Pokala Dammakka. He told her about the presence of vigrahas on the slopes of Bhadragiri mountain which to the surprise of this woman was true! She tried her best to clear the jungle and prayed at the altar daily. Since then, this mountain has become a holy centre for pilgrims all around the world.

The idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxmana in the temple in Bhadrachalam are believed to be swayambhu (self manifested).

Bhakta Ramadasa

Bhakta Ramadasa (1620-1680) is also popular as Ramadasu Kancherla Gopanna or Bhadrachala or even Bhakta Ramadasu. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama and a great composer too. He was a vaggeyakara - a person who composes lyrics and sets them to tune.




Bhakta Ramadasa lived in village Nelakondapalli near Bhadrachalam in the 17th century. He is famous for building the popular Rama temple in Bhadrachalam. In South Indian music, his devotional compositions are famous as Ramadaasu Keertanalu. He also wrote 'Dasarathi Shatakamu' and 'Dasaradhee Karuna payonidhi' (a collection of poems).

Bhakta Ramadas Memorial Building was built at his birth place in 1955 and was named as Bhakta Ramadasu Dhyana Mandiram. It was handed over to Sri Seeteramachandra Swamy Devastanam, Bhadrachalam, in 1983 for development.

Economy of Bhadrachalam

Agriculture and religious tourism are main sources of economy in Bhadrachalam. It is well connected with nearby cities by road and rail. River Godavari aids in irrigation. Local crops comprise of rice, cotton, mango, sunflower, peanuts etc. Horticultural crops such as banana, mango, cashew, oil palm, pepper, cocoa and coconut are grown in most parts of Bhadrachalam and other regions in Khammam district as it is gifted with agro climatic and soil conditions.

ITC's Paperboards and Specialty Paper Division caters to wide range of businesses including packaging, communication, printing, paper requirements etc. and is the largest exporter of coated boards from India. The unit in Bhadrachalam is the largest pulping and paperboard manufacturing unit in India which manufactures and uses pulp made from ozone bleaching process known as light ECF process.




Kothagudem is an important industrial town in the newly formed state of Telangana. It is a part of Khammam district and is also referred to as 'Coal Town'. It is 270 kms. from capital city Hyderabad. Palvancha is another significant industrial town in Telangana. Kothagudem is the commercial as well as educational capital in Khammam district. Singareni Collieries Company Limited is located here which produces 40 million tonnes of coal annually!

Well, temple town Bhadrachalam is just 40 kms. from Kothagudem. The Kothagudem Railway Station here was earlier referred to as 'Bhadrachalam Road' owing to closeness to Bhadrachalam town. Can you believe it that Kothagudem literally means 'New York'! Yes, Kotha means new and Gudem means York. The place along with Bhadrachalam generates income for the district. So, new airport will be established at Punuguduchelaka near Kothagudem.

However, in 2006, Khammam district was declared as one of the backward districts by the Indian Government and is currently receiving funds from Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).

Irrigation Projects in Bhadrachalam

Polavaram Project is a multipurpose irrigation project near Bhadrachalam in Khammam district. It is constructed across river Godavari. However, owing to technical and other economic reasons, further construction work on the dam and hydro electric station could not be taken up. Presence of Khondalite bed rocks which are highly weathered and tribal displacement are other reasons for shelving of this project. However, when completed, this project will become the first river merge multipurpose project in India. Kinnerrasani dam near Bhadrachalam is another feather in the cap of Khammam district.

Natural Resources in Bhadrachalam

The Bhadrachalam forest pocket comprises of myriad natural resources. Godavari river is the life line of the place providing water for drinking purposes and irrigation. The region is rich in coal deposits.

Culture in Bhadrachalam

Different facets of culture of this place include diverse dance forms, delectable cuisine and other customary festivals and traditions. All these traditions and art forms weave the population together in the bond of love and brotherhood.



Perini Sivatandavam dance form inspired from temple art, story-telling and problem solving discussions by means of Oggu Kathalu and Gotralu are common here. Children and adults learn and participate in Kuchipudi dance, warrior dance form called Perini, Kolattam, Dappu, Lambada, Veeranatyam, Burrakatha, Bonalu, Tappeta Gullu, Dhimsa etc. Carnatic music is a favourite of all - men, women and children. People are god-fearing, polite and hard working and are proud of their traditions.

Cross cousin marriages, tattoos on their bodies etc. are some common aspects of the society. Women decorate front yards of their homes with Kolam, tie mango leaves to the porches during festivals and wear ring on their second toe. Men wear dhoti while women look beautiful wearing sarees.

Art and Craft in Bhadrachalam

A number of tourists visit Bhadrachalam due to the presence of Rama temple. It is a pilgrimage centre in Telangana. Toys, stone and metal craft, needle crafts, bronze castings, brassware, dokra metal crafts and lacquerware are sold in markets here. These are crafted in Bhadrachalam or brought from other nearby cities and sold here to tourists. Telangana is also famous for Kondapalli toys, sarees, Ikat weaving, bidri work, kalamkari work and Venkatagiri, Pochampalli and Gadwal weaves which are available in Bhadrachalam too - the religious town of Telangana.

Festivals Celebrated in Bhadrachalam

Bonalu festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm as it is also a state festival just like Bathukamma. Goddess Mahakali is offered prayers during Bonalu festival by offering rice with milk and sugar kept in brass or earthen pot. The pot is beautifully decorated with neem branches, turmeric and vermilion and processions taken out. Bonalu festival is celebrated in July-August.

Bathukamma festival, another state festival, is celebrated in September-october. Goddess Mahagauri is worshiped in this festival.

Other festivals celebrated here are Sadar festival or Dunnapothula panduga, Ekadasi Mukkoti,Diwali, Holi, Makara Sankranti, Raakhi Krishnashtami and Dussera etc.

Large number of devotees also celebrate 'Vykuntha Ekadasi'which is celebrated in December/January. Vykuntha dwarams at Northern Gate are thrown open for darshan to devotees which are believed to give salvation.



Mukkoti festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam. Early in the morning, 'abhishekam' is performed on the deity and then the presiding deity gives darshan to devotees in 'Matsya Avataram' on the first day of the festival. Later, Punyavachanam and Viswaksena Puja are performed. The festival idols of the Lord were taken in a procession from the temple to Mithila stadium. Theertham and prasadam are distributed to the devotees who walk in a procession to have darshan of the Lord. The festival is celebrated to commemorate killing of demon Somakasura by Lord Vishnu in Matsya Avatara in order to protect the Vedas.

Ram Navami is the celestial wedding of Rama and Sita and is celebrated with equal fervour! Offerings are offered even by the state and other devotees who arrive here and enjoy witnessing traditioanl celebrations. Sri Seetharaamula Kalyanam and Adyayanotsavam are also celebrated in Mithila stadium.



There is yet another festival which involves a celestial ride around Godavari! Yes! It is celebrated in Bhadrachalam. The Hamsavahanam (or boat) is tastefully decorated for the boat festival known as 'Teppotsavam'. Safety precautions are taken during this festival with rescue boats and swimmers to prevent any untoward incident. The boat looks like a swan --- a 'hamsa vahana'. The festival is celebrated in December.The boat has a seating capacity of 40 persons.

Another festival is Vaggeyakara Mahotsavam celebrated to honour Bhakta Ramadasa, a vaaggeyakara. He was also a devotee of Lord Rama. Dhyana Mandir was constructed in 1972 in the memory of Bhakta Ramadasa. Since then, the event is celebrated during Mukkoti Ekadasi and famous musicians are invited on this festival.

Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavam is even broadcast 'live' by All India Radio and Doordarshan to capture prayers and devotion of people in Bhadrachalam on this festive occasion! Ram Navami is the most popular festival celebrated in this place.

Shopping in Bhadrachalam

As the town welcomes lot of visitors, items like posters, silver statuettes, pictures of Lord Ram and Sita, frige magnates, copper coins, books of Ramdas and some others written in Telugu and English, decorative boxes etc. are sold to customers, These are not very expensive and can also be added easily to your luggage.

Well, your trip to Bhadrachalam will be an exciting one --- with shopping, sight seeing, traveling to various temples, motor boat ride to Bhadrachalam, visit to industrial town Kothagudem and even a visit inside a coal mine! Take necessary precautions before entering the mines as there is heat and radiation inside the mines. It will certainly be a great journey to Bhadrachalam especially if you visit the place during special festivals. Do come again!

Cuisine in Bhadrachalam

Traditional utensils made of copper, brass or even earthen pots are used for cooking. Badam-ki-jhab, qubani-ka meetha, are some dishes which women love to prepare. Bobbattu is prepared using wheat and sooji and filled with jaggery and lentils to make for a tasty snack! Ariselu is a sweet prepared using jaggery and rice. Chakodi, Boondi Mithai, Palkova, Sunnundallu, Sakinalu, Boondi Laddu, Rava Laddu, Kakinada Khaja, Laskora Undalu (coconut laddu), Palathalikalu are prepared often by women folk.

Restaurants in Bhadrachalam

Haritha Hotel
Temple Road, Opp Sub Collector Office,
Bhadrachalam, Telangana 507111
Phone: 087432 31463

Vishnu Residency
Ambedkar Centre, Bhadrachalam
Phone: +(91)-9666714656

Hotel Ratan
R.J.C. Bus Stand, Bhadrachalan
Phone: +(91)-9885584181

Hotel Sri Sudharsana Residency
Opposite Ramalayam, Bhadrachalam
Phone: +(91)-8743-234300

Samrat Hotel
Opposite RTC Bus Stand
Phone: +(91)-8743-232634

Hotel Sri Venkateswara
Temple Road, Bhadrachalam HO,
Opposite Tanisha Kalyanamandapam, Near Police Station
Bhadrachalam - 507111
Phone: +(91)-9848335551

Stadiums in Bhadrachalam

There are a number of stadiums in Bhadrachalam which are not only used for practising sports activities but also for celebrating religious festivals. Stadiums in Bhadrachalam include Mithila stadium and Mini stadium for promotion of rural sports. Kothagudem stadium is the oldest stadium in India and is located in Kothagudem - the commercial and educational hub of Telangana. Sri Ram Navami and mukkoti festivals are celebrated in Mithila stadium as it can accommodate large number of devotees who reach here from the temple in a procession.

Emergency Services in Bhadrachalam

Police in Bhadrachalam takes care of the law and order situation including traffic in the city. Peace and tranquility have to be maintained for encouraging free movement of public and tourists who arrive here from all around the globe.

Office of The Deputy Superintendent of Police,
Bhadrachalam Ho, Bhadrachalam - 507111
Phone: +(91)-9440795319, +(91)-8743-232440

Bhadrachalam is a Municipal Corporation in Khammam district of Telangana state. Bhadrachalam Election Results of the 2014 Vidhan Sabha Election in Bhadrachalam Assembly - The winner was Sunnam Rajaiah (CPM) while K.P.R.K. Phaneeswaramma (TDP) was the runners up.

Transport in Bhadrachalam

TSRTC buses operate in Bhadrachalam connecting it with other cities such as Karimnagar, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Khammam, Basar, Tirupati and Guntur.
Do you know that Kothagudem Railway Station is referred as 'Bhadrachalam Road'. This is one of the oldest railway stations in India.

Distance of Bhadrachalam from Other Cities

• Distance from Kottagudem: 42 kms.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 312 kms.

• Distance from Chatakonda: 37 kms.

• Distance from Yellandu: 74 kms.

• Distance from Mahbubabad: 110 kms.

• Distance from Chodavaram: 314 kms.

• Distance from Khammam: 120 kms.

• Distance from Nuzvid: 157 kms.

• Distance from Eluru: 167 kms.

• Distance from Tadepallegudem: 169 kms.

• Distance from Kovvur: 168.5 kms.

• Distance from Nandigama: 161.5 kms.

• Distance from Nidadavole: 171 kms.

How to Reach Bhadrachalam

You can reach Bhadrachalam from Burgampad on the Northern side of river Godavari. Take a motor boat from Burgampad (on river Godavari) and reach Bhadrachalam.While in Bhadrachalam, you can travel from one place to another by auto rickshaws.

You can also reach Bhadrachalam from Rajahmundry - an important railway station by steamer (over the river Godavari).

• Distance of Bhadrachalam from Rajamundry: 161 kms.

• Distance of Bhadrachalam from Vijayawada: 201 kms.