A Temple Beyond Worship
From time immemorial, temples in India have served as much more than places of worship. They have been centers of learning, culture, spirituality, and community life. In ancient times, temples functioned as institutions of education, preserving and propagating knowledge, arts, music, dance, architecture, medicine, and sacred scriptures. They were vibrant hubs where spiritual wisdom and cultural heritage flourished.
Continuing this timeless tradition, Divya Saketam, located within the sacred precincts of Jeeyar Asram at Sri Ramanagaram, Muchintal, about 40 kilometers from Hyderabad, stands as a magnificent spiritual and cultural landmark dedicated to Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy.
The Significance of “Saketa”
The name Saketa is one of the ancient names of Ayodhya, the divine kingdom of Lord Sri Rama. “Saketa Rama” refers to Lord Rama as the eternal ruler and resident of this sacred abode.
Inspired by the divine glory of Ayodhya and the virtues of Sri Rama, Divya Saketam was envisioned as a spiritual destination where devotees can experience the presence of the Lord in His various divine manifestations.
Legacy of HH Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji
The inspiration behind Divya Saketam can be traced to the life and teachings of Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji, affectionately known as Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji.
Born on September 1, 1909, in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, HH Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji was an ardent devotee of Lord Kodanda Rama. Throughout His life, He tirelessly propagated the message of Sri Ramanujacharya—universal brotherhood, compassion, and spiritual upliftment.
He organized 108 Rama Krathu Yagnas and established 108 Sri Rama Stupas across India and Nepal. Revered for His profound scholarship, He delivered enlightening discourses on Divya Prabandham and was proficient in multiple languages.
On Vaikunta Dwadasi, December 31, 1979, while immersed in meditation upon Srimannarayana, HH Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji attained the divine abode of Sri Vaikuntam. His Brindavanam is located at Nadigaddapalem, Andhra Pradesh.
A Tribute by HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
To honor the unwavering devotion of His revered Guru towards Lord Kodanda Rama, HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji established temples dedicated to Sri Rama at Seethanagaram near Vijayawada and Divya Saketam at Sri Ramanagaram, Muchintal.
For HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, Lord Kodanda Rama is the most cherished and worshipful deity. Divya Saketam stands as a living tribute to the Guru-parampara and the eternal values exemplified by Sri Rama.
A Unique Three-Tier Divine Temple
One of the most remarkable features of Divya Saketam is its unique three-tier architectural design, allowing devotees to worship three sacred manifestations of Lord Vishnu within a single temple complex.
First Level – Sri Kodanda Rama
The ground level houses the majestic Sri Kodanda Rama, accompanied by Sita Devi and Lakshmana Swamy. Standing in reverence opposite the sanctum is Sri Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion and service.
The temple also features beautifully sculpted vigrahas of revered acharyas and saints including:
- HH Pedda Jeeyar Swamiji
- Sri Manavala Mamunigal
- Sri Bhagavad Ramanujacharya
- Sri Vishwaksena
- Sri Nammalwar
- Sri Periyalwar
- Sri Thirumangai Alwar
These sacred personalities continue to inspire generations through their teachings and devotion.
Second Level – Sri Ranganatha Swamy
The second level enshrines Sri Ranganatha Swamy in His divine reclining posture, accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi.
Additional shrines on this level include:
- Saketa Lakshmi
- Goda Devi (Andal)
- Rangamannar
- Garuda Alwar
This level recreates the divine atmosphere associated with the sacred temples of Sri Ranganatha.
Third Level – Sri Vaikunthanatha Swamy
At the highest level resides Sri Vaikunthanatha Swamy, accompanied by Sri Devi, Bhu Devi, and Neela Devi.
This sanctum represents the supreme celestial abode of Srimannarayana, offering devotees a glimpse of the divine Vaikuntam itself.
The Divine Connection Between Rama, Ranganatha, and Vaikunthanatha .
According to tradition, during His incarnation as Sri Rama in Treta Yuga, the family deity worshipped by Lord Rama was Sri Ranganatha Swamy.
Sri Vaikuntanatha is regarded as the original transcendental form from which Sri Ranganatha manifests.
With this profound theological connection in mind, HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji envisioned Divya Saketam as a sacred space where devotees could worship Sri Kodanda Rama, Sri Ranganatha, and Sri Vaikuntanatha together in one temple, thereby experiencing the complete divine continuum of the Lord’s manifestations.
Sacred Salagrama Ranganatha .
A unique feature of Divya Saketam is the divine form of Sri Ranganatha Swamy, whose sacred body has been constituted using Salagramas collected from all the 108 Divya Desams.
It is believed that worshipping Sri Ranganatha at Divya Saketam bestows the spiritual merit equivalent to worshipping Lord Vishnu in all the 108 Divya Desams.
The Majestic Sri Vimanam .
Crowning the sanctum is the sacred Sri Vimanam, an exquisitely designed eight-sided dome known as the Ashtanga Vimanam.
In temple architecture, the Vimanam symbolizes the cosmic mountain connecting Earth and the Divine Realm. It serves as the spiritual axis linking devotees with the celestial abode of the Lord.
Each of the eight facets of the Sri Vimanam is adorned with one syllable of the sacred Narayana Ashtakshari Mantra, making it both an architectural marvel and a profound spiritual symbol.
Above the temple tower shines the divine Sudarshana Chakra, symbolizing the Lord’s protection and grace.
A Sanctuary of Serenity .
Surrounded by lush greenery, aromatic plantations, and a spacious Yagnasala, Divya Saketam offers devotees an atmosphere of tranquility and spiritual elevation.
The temple was consecrated on May 7, 2009, and has since become a cherished pilgrimage destination attracting devotees from across the world.
Daily Worship and Spiritual Activities .
Divya Saketam is vibrant with daily spiritual activities and sacred rituals, including:
- Suprabhata Seva
- Sahasranama Archana
- Sudarshana Homam
- Kalyanotsavam
- Valmiki Ramayana Parayanam
- Divya Prabandham Parayanam
- Vishnu Purana Parayanam
These daily observances ensure that the temple remains a living center of devotion, learning, and spiritual practice.
Daily Worship and Spiritual Activities .
Among all festivals celebrated at Divya Saketam, Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Mukkoti Ekadashi) occupies a special place.
A unique feature of the celebrations is the symbolic representation of the Seven Spiritual Gates (Sapta Prakaras) that a soul traverses on its journey toward the Divine.
Devotees pass through these sacred gateways before entering the Uttara Dwaram (Northern Gate) of the temple, symbolizing entry into Lord Vishnu’s eternal abode.
It is traditionally believed that circumambulating the temple prakaram at Divya Saketam bestows the merit of worshipping all the 108 Divya Desams.
Gateway to the Statue of Equality
Just a short distance from Divya Saketam stands the magnificent 216-foot Statue of Equality, dedicated to Bhagavad Ramanujacharya, one of India’s greatest philosophers, reformers, and spiritual visionaries.
The Statue of Equality commemorates Ramanujacharya’s timeless message of equality, devotion, inclusiveness, and universal welfare.
After receiving the blessings of Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy at Divya Saketam, devotees often proceed to visit the 108 Divya Desams and the grand Statue of Equality, completing a spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
A Living Spiritual Heritage
Divya Saketam is more than a temple—it is a sacred confluence of devotion, philosophy, architecture, and tradition. It embodies the eternal teachings of Sri Rama, the compassion of the Acharyas, and the inclusive vision of Bhagavad Ramanujacharya.
For every devotee who enters its sacred precincts, Divya Saketam offers not merely darshan, but a transformative spiritual journey toward peace, devotion, and divine grace.