The temple is deeply connected to classical Telugu literature. The great saint-poet Bammera Pothana is believed to have lived here, spending his life writing his magnum opus, the 'Andhra Maha Bhagavatam', which he dedicated to Lord Kodandarama of Vontimitta. Another great saint, Tallapaka Annamacharya, also visited the temple and composed beautiful sankirtanas in praise of the Lord.

Vijayanagara Grandeur and The Monolith

The temple is a masterclass in Vijayanagara architecture. It features three magnificent Gopurams (towers) pointing East, North, and South. The central Rangamantapam is an architectural marvel supported by 32 intricately carved pillars featuring exquisite sculptures of Hindu mythology. However, the true centerpiece is the Ekashila idol—Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana carved together from a single piece of black stone, showcasing extraordinary ancient craftsmanship.

The most unique aspect of this temple is that Lord Hanuman is completely absent from the main sanctum. According to the Ramayana legend, this site represents the Dandakaranya forest where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana rested during their exile—long *before* they ever met Hanuman in Kishkindha. Additionally, to quench Sita's thirst, Rama is said to have shot an arrow deep into the earth here, creating a perennial sweet water spring known as 'Rama Teertham'.

Traditional Vaishnavite Agamic worship is followed. Because Lord Hanuman is not in the sanctum, devotees first offer their prayers to the main monolithic trio of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, and then proceed to a separate shrine built within the complex later in history to seek the blessings of Lord Sanjeeviraya (Hanuman).
,br/>The nighttime Kalyanam is wrapped in a beautiful, poetic folklore. It is said that when Rama and Sita originally married in Mithila during the day, the Moon God (Chandra) was heartbroken that he could not witness the celestial union. To grant his ardent devotee's wish, Lord Rama promised that in his 'Ekashila' form at Vontimitta, the wedding ceremony would be held at night under the light of the full moon (Pournami), allowing Chandra to personally witness and illuminate the divine marriage.

The defining event of the temple is Sri Rama Navami, specifically the Sita Rama Kalyanam (the celestial wedding). While almost all Rama temples in India conduct this wedding ceremony during the day, Vontimitta holds it entirely at night. It is now celebrated as the official State Festival of Andhra Pradesh, where the Chief Minister offers silk robes and pearls to the deities on behalf of the state.