It is said that Maharishi Bhadra had attained salvation, hence the name of this place is Bhadrachalam. In the 17th century, the idols of Vaikuntha Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were found by a devotee of Rama, Pokal Dhammakka, who was a resident of Bhadrareddypalem, a mile from this place.
The temple was built by a Tehsildar Kancherla Gopanna, who used the tax money for the maintenance of the temple and was imprisoned. While he was in jail, he wrote many kirtans on Rama, hence he came to be known as Bhakta Ramdas.
According to Hindu legend, during the fourteen years of exile, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana lived in the Dandakaranya forest, which is a part of Bhadrachalam. It is the next largest temple dedicated to Rama after Ayodhya. The idol of the quadrilateral Rama in the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple is unique, which holds a conch shell, a wheel, a bow, and an arrow. Goddess Sita is seated on the left lap of Shri Ram and Lakshmana is seated on a different seat. Impressed by the glory of Lord Rama, the Golconda ruler Tanisha earmarked Rs 20,000 from the income received from the Palvanch pargana for the maintenance of the temple. This was continued during the reign of Nizam. On the occasion of Rama Navami, pearls are offered to the deities on an elephant through a specially sent messenger on the occasion of Kalyan Mahotsav. That process of sending pearls to the deities is still followed by the present state government during the Shri Ram Navami festival.

Service and worship
The temple opens at 4.30 am with 'Prabhotsavam'. Antarlaya Abhishekam, Suvarna Pushpa Ashtottara Naamarchan are performed on Sundays.

Celebration
Shri Ram Navami is one of the major festivals of the temple in Chaitra month.
Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam i.e. the divine marriage ceremony of Sita Devi with Lord Rama is performed in this temple every year and is telecast live throughout the state.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is another important day celebrated in Dhanur month.

Best time to visit: All year round (May is the hottest month)

Interesting fact
Devotees can participate in Kalyanam during Sitarama Kalyanam.

Nearby Places:

• Paranasal is a hut on the banks of the Godavari, about 37 km from the temple. It is said that Ravana abducted Sita from here.
• Shri Abhay Hanuman Mandir is dedicated to Hanuman, one km south of the main temple.
• Papikonda: The natural beauty of Papikonda is quite famous. Here, the Godavari river appears narrow.