Situated on the banks of river Thulya Bhaga?, Gollalamamidada Rama is a well-known pilgrimage centre located in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.The temple is known by the name of Sri Kodanda Rama temple and is situated in Gollala Mamidada village, hence is popularly known by the name of Gollalamamidada Rama temple.
Shrine’s History
Incepted by late Sri Kovvuri Basivi Reddy Garu in 1920, the Gollalamamidada Rama temple is a popular Hindu shrine in Southern India. The temple is popular all over the state of Andhra Pradesh and is known as Gopurala Mamidada. A special attraction of Gollalamamidada Rama temple is its 170 feet high Gopuram. April 19 is a special day at the Gollalamamidada Rama temple and wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita is held on this day every year at the temple. The temple is situated in an area of 16 acres and the temple complex is being aesthetically maintained by the management committee.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
National Highway 214 connects Kakinada to rest of the country including cities like Chennai and Bangalore. Gollala Mamidada temple is located at a distance of 24 km from Kakinada and can conveniently be reached from Kakinada.
By Rail
If you intend to travel by train, you can ideally disembark at Kakinada which has three railway stations namely Kakinada Junction, Kakinada Port and Samalkot Junction. Kakinada is connected to major cities of India through the rail route and you can hire public transport and taxis for the Gollala Mamidada temple from the railway station itself.
By Air
The nearest airport to Gollala Mamidada temple is at Rajahmundry which is located at a distance of 89 km and serves Chennai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Those travelling from overseas can arrive at Visakhapatnam airport which is located at a distance of 149 km from Gollala Mamidada temple.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Archanas or regular Pooja is conducted at the temple daily. The ceremony of Abhisheka is conducted as enlisted in the sashtras and thousands of devotees from all over the region make it a point to attend the Pooja festivities. Devotees have a firm belief in Lord Rama and make vows to return to the temple, once their wishes are fulfilled. Executive officer has been appointed by Government of Andhra Pradesh to look after the affairs of the temple since 1991. Prior to that, the management of the temple was being looked by the family of late Sri Kovvuri Basivi Reddy Garu.