One Rama temple in Andhra Pradesh that should be visited is Ramanarayanam at Vizianagaram, that was built by Narayanam Narasimhamurthy, a succesful businessman, who headed the NCS Group, and donated liberally for many philanthropic activites.
Narasimhamurthy ran a succesful family business related to ports, had established 2 bulk liquid storage terminals at Kakinada and Karwar. And all that money he channelled towards Dharmic activities.
Among some of his activities are a guest house at Tirumala called Padmavathi Nilayam which he handed over to TTD, also donated 1 acre of land for TTD at Vizianagaram to set up a Kalyanamandapam, an old age home, donated to TTD's Annadana scheme.
He also got a Krishna temple constructed in Kakinada at Gokulam, and started the supply of milk to pilgrims waiting in Q at Tirumala, as well as cows to TTD's Goshala, and educated many poor children in Vizianagaram. Truly noble soul.
However Narasimhamurthy Garu's most famous project would be the Ramanarayana, a massive theme park cum temple, depicting the Ramayana, spread over 15 acres, that was inaugurated in 2014. And is now one of the main attractions in Andhra Pradesh.
The purpose of the temple was to depict the entire Ramayana and educate people about the human values shown in the epic, as well as making it a spiritual center.As one can see, the entire Ramanarayanam Temple complex is built in the shape of a bow and arrow, housed in a two storey complex, and a large statue of Hanuman at the tip of the arrow, surrounded by gardens, trees giving a pleasant atmosphere.
One section of the temple complex showcases the trees of Nakshatra vanam, Narayana Vanam, Raasi vanam, Navagraha Vanam, Vinayaka Vanam, Saptarishi vanam, Panchavati Vanam, Pancha Bhoota vanam. The 2 tier gallery, has sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana, and walking along, takes you back to the era of the great epic. The entire Ramayana is depicted here.
However the best time to visit this temple complex is during the night time, when it turns into a wonderland, with color fountains, lighting, taking you to another world.
This is one of those places which is a must visit. The entire concept, the design, the architecture is a wonder to be experienced and seen.
Ramanarayanam Temple can be easily reached from Vizag by road and Vizianagaram itself is well connected by rail, road. The temple complex is visited by many in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, but if you are making a trip to Vizag, make sure this is part of your intinerary.
Narayanam Narasimhamurthy Garu passed away in 2007, but his son Narayanam Srinivas has carried on his father's work well, and the Ramanaraynam Temple will forever be a legacy to cherish. Respect to this great man, who needs to be known to all.
It is people like him who keep Sanathana Dharma alive, chanelling their wealth towards Dharmic causes, serving selflessly without any publicity. Respect to such great souls.
To those who are interested you can check out more on Ramanarayanam at their official web site here.