Vykunta Rama is a manifestation that Bhagwan Vishnu took to fulfill the desire of his ardent devotee Rishi Bhadra. This form is worshipped in Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Temple. The story of Vaikunta Rama symbolically suggests the greatness of intense devotion.
Rishi Bhadra, an ardent devotee of Vishnu, performed intense penance on the banks of Godavari River. Sri Ram met Rishi Bhadra at the Dandakaranya forest near Godavari River.
Rishi Bhadra Rama to spend some time with him.
However, Sri Ram was in a hurry as he was in search of Mata Sita who was kidnapped by Ravana.
Rishi Bhadra was even ready to carry Sri Ram on his head.
Moved by his devotion, Rama promised him that he would fulfill his desire on his way back.
Sri Ram later found Mata Sita and annihilated demon Ravana with the help of Vanara army.
He had forgotten about the promise he made to Bhadra. Rama Avatar had ended.
However, Rishi Bhadra was still continuing his penance.
When Bhagavan Vishnu realized this, He rushed to Bhadra and manifested in the form of Vaikunta Rama with his consort Mata Sita and brother Lakshman. Bhagavan signaled his arrival by blowing Shankh or conch.
The place where Vishnu appeared as Vaikunta Rama is Bhadrachalam. Sri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman are worshipped in the form in which they appeared before Rishi Bhadra.
The murti of Bhagavan Sri Ram has four hands . He holds Shanku and bow in the right hands and Chakra and bow in his left hands. Mata Sita sits on the lap of Sri Ram. Lakshman stands nearby. This is the form of Vaikunta Rama.