Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026: Full Schedule, Kalyanam Date & Brahmotsavams Guide

Planning to attend Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026? The Brahmotsavams run from March 26 to April 5. Discover the full schedule, key events, and travel tips.

Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 celebrations are set to be among the grandest in all of Andhra Pradesh, drawing lakhs of pilgrims to Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple for 11 consecutive days of divine rituals, spectacular processions, and devotional fervour. The annual Brahmotsavams runs from March 26 to April 5, 2026 — covering everything from the sacred Dhwajarohanam flag hoisting to the celestial Sita Rama Kalyanam and the flower-laden Pushpayagam finale. This complete guide gives you every event, every timing, and every practical detail so you can plan your pilgrimage with confidence.

Key Takeaways — Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026

• Festival Dates: March 26 to April 5, 2026
• Rama Navami Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 — Navami Tithi begins at 11:48 AM
• Ram Janma Muhurat: 11:13 AM to 1:41 PM on March 26 — most sacred moment at 12:27 PM
• Ankurarpanam (Brahmotsavams start): March 26
• Dhwajarohanam (flag hoisting): March 27, 9:30–10:15 AM
• Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam: April 1, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Rathotsavam: April 2, morning
• Pushpayagam (finale): April 5, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Daily Vahana Sevas: Every morning 7:30–9:30 AM & every evening 7:00–9:00 PM
• Tickets & Booking: ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in

About Vontimitta Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple

Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple at Vontimitta stands as one of the most revered Rama temples in South India. Located in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh — roughly 25 km from Kadapa city, near Rajampet — the temple carries architectural heritage dating to the Vijayanagara period of the 16th century. Devotees across generations have lovingly called it Dakshina Ayodhya, the Ayodhya of the South.

The presiding deities are Lord Sri Kodandarama Swamy, Goddess Sita Devi, and Lakshmana. Additionally, the gopuram and mandapam bear the hallmark Vijayanagara stone craftsmanship — intricate carvings that still captivate historians and pilgrims alike. The Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department administers the temple, while TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) oversees key sevas and the annual Brahmotsavams.

Furthermore, the temple carries a literary distinction unique among Rama shrines. Bammera Pothana — the celebrated Telugu poet who composed the Andhra Maha Bhagavatam — has deep ties to this region. His Jayanthi is observed at the temple every year during the Brahmotsavams, adding a rich cultural layer to the devotional festivities.

Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 — Festival Dates and Auspicious Timings

Rama Navami 2026 Date and Ram Janma Muhurat

Rama Navami 2026 falls on Thursday, March 26. The Navami Tithi begins at 11:48 AM on March 26 and ends at 10:06 AM on March 27. Therefore, most devotees observe the festival on March 26, while some communities following regional calendars also observe it on March 27 — both dates are considered auspicious.

The Ram Janma Muhurat — the most sacred window for worship — runs from 11:13 AM to 1:41 PM on March 26. At 12:27 PM falls the Madhyahna Moment, the precise time scriptures associate with Lord Rama’s birth. Consequently, the period between 11 AM and 2 PM on March 26 is the single most spiritually charged window of the entire festival year. Devotees at Vontimitta observe this with special abhishekam and aarti during this time.

Pre-Festival Rituals — What Happens Before the Brahmotsavams

The preparations for Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 began with a Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam on March 24 — a sacred purification ritual that cleanses the temple premises before the main celebrations. On March 26, priests performed the Ankurarpanam, the sowing of sacred seeds that officially marks the Brahmotsavams’ commencement. Moreover, on March 27, the Sri Rama Navami Asthanam from 11 AM to 12 Noon presents a formal divine court ceremony — one of the most visually striking rituals of the opening days.

Complete Day-wise Schedule of Vontimitta Brahmotsavams 2026

Below is the full officially announced day-wise schedule. Morning events refer to special Alaankaram (divine adornments), while evening events are Vahana Sevas — processions where the deity rides a different celestial vehicle each night.

Date	Morning Event	Evening / Night Event
27 Mar 2026	Dhwajarohanam (9:30–10:15 AM, Vrishabha Lagnam)	Sesha Vahanam
28 Mar 2026	Venugana Alankaram	Hamsa Vahanam
29 Mar 2026	Vatapatrasai Alankaram	Simha Vahanam
30 Mar 2026	Navaneeta Krishna Alankaram	Hanumanta Vahanam
31 Mar 2026	Mohini Alankaram	Garuda Seva
1 Apr 2026	Sivadhanurbhanga	Kanta Korika & Edurkolu Utsavam (3:15 PM) → Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam (6:30–8:30 PM) → Gaja Vahanam (9 PM)
2 Apr 2026	Rathotsavam	—
3 Apr 2026	Kaliyamardhana	Aswa Vahanam
4 Apr 2026	Chakra Snanam	Dhwajavarohanam
5 Apr 2026	—	Pushpayagam (6:00–9:00 PM)

Major Festival Highlights You Cannot Miss

Dhwajarohanam — The Grand Flag Hoisting

On March 27, the Dhwajarohanam ceremonially opens the Brahmotsavams by hoisting the sacred Garuda Dhwaja at 9:30 AM during the auspicious Vrishabha Lagnam. The ritual concludes by 10:15 AM. Thousands of devotees fill the temple courtyard to witness this moment. Notably, the atmosphere is electric — Vedic chanting, resonating trumpets, and the collective reverence of the assembled crowd create a deeply moving experience that sets the spiritual tone for all ten days ahead.

Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam — The Celestial Wedding on April 1

The centrepiece of Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 is undoubtedly the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1. From 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, priests enact the divine wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita with full Vedic rituals, traditional nadaswaram music, and elaborate floral decorations. This celestial marriage ceremony draws the single largest crowd of the entire 11-day festival. Consequently, the temple administration deploys crowd barriers, special darshan queues, and extended viewing areas to manage the massive gathering.

Furthermore, the Edurkolu Utsavam at 3:15 PM on April 1 builds anticipation beautifully. In this ritual, the temple deities ceremonially go out to receive the divine wedding party. The Kanta Korika ritual follows. Even pilgrims who can attend just one day of the Brahmotsavams consistently choose April 1 for its extraordinary spiritual and visual impact.

Rathotsavam — The Chariot Procession on April 2

On April 2, the Rathotsavam takes centre stage as the festival’s most visually spectacular event. Priests seat the elaborately adorned deities on the grand temple chariot. Thousands of devotees then pull it by rope through the streets surrounding the temple, lining both sides of the route with flowers and prostrations. Similarly, the Gaja Vahanam on the night of April 1 and the Aswa Vahanam on April 3 each bring their own visual grandeur to the Brahmotsavams.

Pothana Jayanthi and Kavi Sammelanam — A Cultural Gem

One aspect that sets Vontimitta apart from other Rama temples is the Pothana Jayanthi on March 27. At 4 PM, the temple hosts a Kavi Sammelanam — a gathering of Telugu poets in honour of Bammera Pothana, the revered poet-devotee who composed the Andhra Maha Bhagavatam. Hence, the Brahmotsavams here carry a distinctly literary and cultural dimension alongside the devotional rituals — something no other major Rama festival in the state replicates quite like Vontimitta.

Daily Vahana Seva Timings During the Brahmotsavams

Throughout the Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 Brahmotsavams, Vahana Sevas take place twice every day. Morning processions run from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Evening processions run from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Therefore, if you cannot attend on peak festival days like April 1 or 2, arriving for any morning or evening Vahana Seva still offers a magnificent devotional experience.

Each evening features a different celestial vehicle. The Garuda Seva on March 31 draws an especially fervent crowd — Garuda is Lord Vishnu’s divine eagle carrier, and witnessing the deity on this vehicle is considered extraordinarily meritorious. Accordingly, plan to arrive at the temple by 6:30 PM on March 31 to secure a good viewing position for the Garuda Seva.

How to Reach Vontimitta Temple

By Bus from Kadapa

APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) operates regular bus services from Kadapa city to Vontimitta. The 25 km journey takes about 40–50 minutes. Moreover, during the Brahmotsavams festival period, the state government typically runs additional special buses from Rajampet, Nellore, and other nearby towns. Check updated schedules on the APSRTC official website at apsrtconline.in.

By Train to Kadapa Junction

The nearest major railway station is Kadapa Junction (station code: HX), well connected to Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Tirupati on the South Central Railway network. From Kadapa Junction, local buses and auto-rickshaws run to Vontimitta. However, during the Rama Navami period, trains to Kadapa book out quickly. Book tickets at least 2–3 weeks in advance at irctc.co.in.

By Car or Taxi

From Kadapa city, the drive to Vontimitta takes roughly 35–40 minutes via the Rajampet road. From Tirupati, the temple is approximately 180 km away — about 3.5 hours by car. From Hyderabad, the distance is roughly 340 km, or 5.5–6 hours by road. Taxis and private cabs are readily available from both Kadapa and Tirupati, making Vontimitta a practical day-trip destination from either city.

Accommodation Near Vontimitta During the Festival

TTD maintains guest house facilities at the Vontimitta temple site. Book rooms through the official TTD Devasthanams portal at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. During Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026, TTD rooms fill up extremely fast — book at least 3–4 weeks in advance, earlier if you are targeting the Kalyanam night on April 1.

Alternatively, Kadapa city offers a good range of hotels. Budget lodges on Gandhi Road and near Kadapa Bus Stand charge approximately ₹400–₹800 per night (prices may vary). Mid-range hotels in Kadapa typically range from ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per night. For most pilgrims, staying in Kadapa and commuting to Vontimitta daily remains the most practical and affordable approach during peak festival days.

Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors to Vontimitta Brahmotsavams

Experienced pilgrims who attend Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 every year share a few insider facts that most guides never mention. Keep these in mind before you travel.

Arrive early on key days. For the Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1, reach the temple by 3:00 PM at the latest. The crowd swells sharply after 5 PM, and entry to close viewing areas closes well before the event begins at 6:30 PM. Similarly, for Dhwajarohanam on March 27, be at the temple courtyard before 9:00 AM.

Carry essentials. Refreshment stalls near the temple are limited during heavy crowd days. Therefore, carry drinking water, light snacks, and any personal medications. Mobile charging facilities cannot be guaranteed at the festival grounds.

Dress traditionally. The temple follows strict dress code norms. Men must wear dhotis or full-length trousers. Women must wear sarees or salwar kameez. Shorts, sleeveless clothing, and Western casual wear are not permitted inside the premises.

Plan for Rathotsavam viewing. For the chariot procession on April 2, the area directly in front of the main temple gopuram offers the clearest sightlines. Arrive at least 90 minutes before the procession begins to secure a standing spot in that area.

Tickets and Online Booking for Vontimitta Sevas

For the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam and other special sevas during Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026, tickets and TTD room bookings are handled through the official portal at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. Seva ticket prices vary by category — check the portal for current rates, as pricing is subject to revision. Crucially, slots for the Kalyanam and premium viewing positions are limited and get claimed within days of opening. Set a reminder and book the moment slots go live.

The Bottom Line

Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 ranks among the most spiritually powerful and visually magnificent pilgrimage events in Andhra Pradesh. The 11-day Brahmotsavams, from March 26 to April 5, offer devotees a layered experience — from literary celebration on Pothana Jayanthi to the tearfully beautiful Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1. Plan your visit around April 1 if you can attend just one day. Book TTD rooms and seva tickets early through ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in, travel via Kadapa, follow the dress code, and arrive ahead of the crowds. What awaits you is a devotional experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 Brahmotsavams?

The Vontimitta Rama Navami 2026 Brahmotsavams run from March 26 to April 5, 2026 — a total of 11 days. Key events include the Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 1, Rathotsavam on April 2, and the Pushpayagam finale on April 5.

When is the Sita Rama Kalyanam at Vontimitta in 2026?

The Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam at Vontimitta takes place on April 1, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This is the most attended event of the entire Brahmotsavams, so arrive at the temple by 3:00 PM to secure a good vantage point before crowds peak.

What is the Ram Janma Muhurat timing for Rama Navami 2026?

Rama Navami 2026 falls on March 26. The Ram Janma Muhurat runs from 11:13 AM to 1:41 PM, with the Madhyahna Moment at 12:27 PM. This midday window is the most sacred time for worship, as Lord Rama is believed to have been born at this hour.

How do I book tickets for Vontimitta Brahmotsavams sevas?

Tickets for special sevas and TTD rooms at Vontimitta can be booked at ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. Slots fill very quickly during the festival period, so book as early as possible — ideally 3–4 weeks before the event dates.

How far is Vontimitta from Kadapa and how do I get there?

Vontimitta is approximately 25 km from Kadapa city. By bus or taxi, the journey takes about 40–50 minutes. APSRTC buses run regularly on this route, with additional special services laid on during the Brahmotsavams period.

Is Vontimitta accessible from Tirupati?

Yes — Vontimitta is about 180 km from Tirupati, roughly 3.5 hours by car. Many Tirupati pilgrims combine a Vontimitta visit with their Tirumala darshan trip, particularly during the Rama Navami Brahmotsavams period.