From Tahsildar to Bandikhana Ramadasu. Kancherla Gopanna (later known as Ramadasu) was born into a devout family; his mother Kadamba was the sister of Madanna, a Brahmin minister in the court of Tana Shah. Through Madanna’s influence, Gopanna was appointed Tahsildar (revenue collector) of Palvancha Paragana, which included the village of Bhadrachalam on the Godavari. His devotion to Lord Rama was so overwhelming that he decided to build a grand temple for the deity. He collected funds from the public and also diverted tax revenues to complete the construction. When the Nawab learnt of this, he imprisoned Gopanna for 12 years in the Golconda fort.
The miracle of the Ram Tanka coins. In prison, Ramadasu poured out his anguish in soul‑stirring keertanas, reminding Rama of his promise to protect his devotees. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana, disguised as two young warriors, personally paid the exact amount due (the legend says six lakh gold coins) to the Nawab’s treasury. The Nawab, seeing the coins stamped with Rama’s Pattabhishekam and Hanuman, realised the divinity and released Ramadasu immediately. The Ram Tanka coins are still preserved in the Bhadrachalam temple. The Nawab not only released him but also granted land for the temple’s maintenance and recognised Ramadasu’s spiritual greatness.
Literary and musical legacy. Ramadasu’s keertanas are sung in Carnatic concerts even today. Saint Tyagaraja acknowledged his debt to Ramadasu, referencing him in compositions like “Dhirudau Ramadasuni Bandhamu dirchinadi vinnanura Rama?” (O Rama, I heard You released the bold Ramadasu from his prison). His Dasarathi Shatakamu (108 verses) is a masterpiece of Telugu devotional poetry; each verse ends with the refrain “Dasarathi Karuna Payonidhi” (Son of Dasaratha, ocean of compassion). The keertana Ramachandraya Janaka Raja Manoharaya (the mangala harati) is sung in almost every Rama and Hanuman temple in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh today.
Life & Miracles – The Bhadrachalam Story
Literary & Musical Works
Ramadasu Keertanalu: Over a hundred devotional songs in Telugu, set to Carnatic ragas. These range from pleading lyrics (“Ikshvakukula Tilaka Ikanaina palukava”) to joyful invocations (“Nandabalam Bhajare”). They are noted for their simple language, emotional intensity, and occasional use of Persian/Urdu words.
Dasarathi Shatakamu: A shataka (collection of 108 verses) in Telugu, each ending with the refrain “Dasarathi Karuna Payonidhi”. It covers devotion, morality, philosophy, and self‑introspection. A staple in Telugu school curriculum.
Choornika: A prose‑poem summarising the Ramayana, listing the 24 names of Vishnu. An elegant prayer to Sri Ramabhadra of Bhadrachalam.
Mangala Harati: The famous “Ramachandraya Janaka Raja Manoharaya” is sung at the conclusion of daily rituals in Rama temples across South India.
Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple, Bhadrachalam
Ramadasu’s greatest tangible legacy is the Bhadrachalam temple on the northern banks of the Godavari. The temple houses the idols of Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana, which were originally installed by Ramadasu. The annual Sri Rama Navami Brahmotsavam draws lakhs of devotees. The temple also preserves the Ram Tanka coins as proof of the miracle. The Kalyana Mandapam (where the celestial wedding of Sita and Rama is re‑enacted) was later additions. Today, the temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Telangana, managed by the Endowments Department.
Places of Pilgrimage – Ramadasu Circuit
Nelakondapalli (Birthplace)
His native village in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. A Bhakta Ramadasu Dhyana Mandiram (memorial building) was constructed in 1955 and is maintained by the Bhadrachalam temple. Annual memorial festival: 28 April – 2 May.
Bhadrachalam Temple (Main Shrine)
The temple he built. Located on the Godavari river. The sanctum houses the three idols. The temple has a statue of Ramadasu. Ram Tanka coins are displayed in the museum.
Golconda Fort (Imprisonment site)
Ramadasu was imprisoned for 12 years in a cell inside Golconda Fort (Hyderabad). The cell is marked and can be visited as part of the fort complex.
Pattiseema (River Island)
During Aurangazeb’s invasion, the temple idols were hidden in the Veerabhadra temple on this island (West Godavari district, Andhra). Pilgrims often combine visits.
Suggested Pilgrimage Itinerary (2–3 Days)
Day 1 – Hyderabad: Golconda Fort
- Morning: Visit Golconda Fort. Locate the prison cell where Ramadasu was held (ask guide for ‘Ramadasu Bandikhana’).
- Afternoon: Visit the State Museum (public gardens) for historical manuscripts of his keertanas.
- Evening: Drive or take a train to Bhadrachalam (≈300 km, overnight).
Day 2 – Bhadrachalam Temple & Ramadasu’s Statue
- Morning: Reach Bhadrachalam. Take a holy dip in the Godavari. Darshan of Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy.
- Afternoon: Visit the temple museum to see the Ram Tanka coins and the statue of Ramadasu. Participate in the mangala harati.
- Evening: Attend the evening aarti on the river ghats.
Day 3 – Nelakondapalli & Return
- Morning: Drive to Nelakondapalli (≈60 km). Visit the Bhakta Ramadasu Dhyana Mandiram (memorial).
- Afternoon: Return to Hyderabad.
Visitor Information – Bhadrachalam Temple
Timings & Entry
Darshan hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (daily).
Museum timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Entry fee: Free (special darshan tickets ₹50–200).
Best season: October – February; Sri Rama Navami (March/April) attracts huge crowds.
Location & Access
Address: Bhadrachalam, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana – 507111.
By road: NH30 from Hyderabad (≈300 km). Buses from Hyderabad, Khammam, Vijayawada.
By rail: Nearest station: Bhadrachalam Road (≈40 km), then taxi/bus.
By air: Hyderabad airport (≈320 km).
Parking: Available near the temple.
Facilities & Travel Tips
Facilities
- Restrooms and drinking water (RO).
- Prasadam counters – pulihora, laddu, daddojanam.
- Accommodation: Temple guest houses (book in advance), private hotels.
- Changing rooms for river bath.
Travel Tips
- Carry a copy of Dasarathi Shatakamu or Ramadasu keertanas to recite at the temple.
- Take a boat ride on the Godavari to see the temple from the water.
- Learn the famous “Ramachandraya Janaka Raja” mangala harati to join the evening aarti.
- Visit the prison cell in Golconda Fort before coming to Bhadrachalam for the full story.
🎵 Insider tip: Listen to the popular keertana “Ikshvakukula Tilaka Ikanaina Palukava” (ragam: Ragamalika) before visiting the prison cell in Golconda – the pathos of the composition becomes palpable. At Bhadrachalam, ask the priest to show you the Ram Tanka coins in the museum; they are genuine 17th‑century coins with intricate engravings. If you are a Carnatic musician, sit in the temple courtyard and sing a keertana – the acoustics are remarkable.
Legacy – The Saint Who Built a Temple and a Musical Tradition
Bhakta Ramadasu remains one of the most beloved saints of South India. His life is a testament to the power of unconditional devotion. The Bhadrachalam temple he built still stands as a symbol of his love for Rama. His keertanas continue to be sung by classical musicians and in village bhajan groups alike. The Dasarathi Shatakamu is memorised by school children. And the miracle of the Ram Tanka coins reminds every devotee that the Lord responds to sincere prayer, even from a prison cell. Ramadasu is not just a poet or a builder – he is an inspiration for every seeker of the divine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ramadasu’s guru?
He received initiation from Raghunatha Bhattacharya (not Kabir, as sometimes misattributed).
Are the Ram Tanka coins real?
Yes, they are preserved in the Bhadrachalam temple museum. They date to the 17th century and are seen as proof of the miracle.
What is the best time to visit Bhadrachalam?
October–February. Sri Rama Navami (March/April) is crowded but spiritually rewarding.
How many keertanas did Ramadasu compose?
Around 200 are known, though many have been lost. About 100 are regularly performed.
Is there a film on Ramadasu?
Yes, the classic Telugu film “Bhakta Ramadasu” (1964) starring N.T. Rama Rao is highly acclaimed. A newer version was released in 2006.
Where is the prison cell in Golconda Fort?
Near the Bala Hissar; ask for ‘Ramadasu Bandikhana’ or look for a signboard. The cell is open to visitors.
References & Further Reading
- Wikipedia – Bhadrachala Ramadasu
- Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam Official Website
- G. Srinivasacharyulu, Ramadasu Charitamu (Telugu).
- N. Ramesan, Temples and Legends of Andhra Pradesh.