Kodandarama Temple, Vontimitta

The Kodandarama Temple in Vontimitta, about 25 km from Kadapa near Rajampet, is dedicated to Rama and is protected as a monument of national importance. Dating to around the 16th century, it is described as the largest temple in the area. Local legend credits its building to Vontudu and Mittudu, robbers who became devotees of Rama and are said to have turned to stone afterwards. The Telugu poet Bammera Potana lived in Vontimitta, and Annamacharya is said to have sung here; the French traveller Tavernier praised the temple in 1652.

The complex sits in a walled rectangular court entered through three ornate gopurams, the five-tiered eastern tower serving as the main gate. Inside, the open Rangamantapa rests on 32 pillars carved with apsaras, Krishna, Vishnu and mythical yalis, and one column shows Rama holding his bow beside Lakshmana.