Holy Pilgrimage – AP State –( Jagannadhagutta, Sri Kanakadurga temple, Kanipakam, Lepakshi, Mahanandi and Narasimhaswamy temples)

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Holy Pilgrimage – Andhra Pradesh  State  


 





 

1.  Jagannatha Gattu Temple, Kurnool

 

Jagannatha Gattu Temple is a Hindu temple in B.Thandrapadu, Kurnool. It is a popular tourist site located near Kurnool city is very famous for the lord Shiva temple. It has a notable history from the yugas. It is said that the shivalinga was brought by bheemasena (the middle person of the pandavas) from the kasikshetra. The shivalinga is of 6 feet height and 2 feet in width which is made up of granite stone

 

2.  Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada

Kanaka Durga Temple (Telugu: కనకదుర్గ క్షేత్రం) is a famous Hindu Temple of Goddess Kanaka Durga located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the banks of Krishna River.
Kaalika puraana, Durgaa sapthashati and other vedic literature have mentioned about Goddess Kanaka Durga on the Indrakeelaadri and have described the deity as Swayambhu, (self-manifested) in Triteeya kalpa

Goddess legend

According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hills that obstructed the flow of River Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Shiva for His intervention directed the hills to make way for the river. And lo! the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or "Bejjam" bored into the hills by Lord Shiva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.[citation needed]
One of the many mythologies associated with this place is that Arjuna prayed to Lord Shiva on top of Indrakeela hill to win His blessings and the city derived its name "Vijayawada" after this victory. Another popular legend is about the triumph of goddess Kanakadurga over the demon King Mahishasura. It is said that the growing menace of demons became unbearable for the natives. Sage Indrakila practiced severe penance, and when the goddess appeared the sage pleaded Her to reside on his head and keep vigil on the wicked demons. As per his wishes of killing the demons, Goddess Durga made Indrakila Her permanent abode. Later, She also slayed the demon king Mahishasura freeing the people of Vijayawada from evil.[citation needed]
At the Kanakadurga temple, the enchanting 4-foot-high (1.2 m) icon of the deity is bedecked in glittering ornaments and bright flowers. She is shown eight arms, each holding a powerful weapon, in a standing posture over the demon Mahishashura and piercing him with her trident. The goddess is the epitome of beauty.[citation needed]
Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri. By ascending the steps on the hill, one comes across little images of different deities, prominent among them are Kali, Shiva, and Krishna.

Description

Kanaka Durga Temple is synonymous with Vijayawada. It is mentioned in the sacred texts.[
This is the place where Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha astra after his great penance for Lord Shiva. The temple was constructed for Goddess Durga by Arjuna. It is connected by steps and a ghats road.]
The temple occupies an important place in the scriptures as several of the Siva-leelas and Shakti-mahimas were enacted on or around it, making the region a place of unequaled spiritual significance and attracting pilgrims since times immemorial.[3]
It is mentioned in the Vedas that the deity in the Kanakadurga temple is regarded as 'Swayambhu' or self-manifested, hence considered very powerful.
Inscriptions of different dynasties are found in the temple
he abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, is the presiding deity of the city. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

The beauty of this temple is seen to be believed. The temple is situated on a hill on the banks of the Krishna river. The origin or installation of Kanaka - durga Devi at Vijayawada is unknown. She is said to be Swayambu or selfmanifest. She also takes the aspect of Chandi or destroyer of the demon Durgama who was causing havoc among the peace - loving inhabitants of Dakshinapatha.

Mother Kanakadurgeswari seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada is the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, attracting lakhs of tourists since time immemorial. This temple occupies a covetable place in the scriptures; for several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual eminence of everlasting significance.

Dasara celebrations

Special pujas are performed during Dasara also called Navaratri. The most significant are Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam.[citation needed]
The festival of Dasara for Goddess "Durga" is celebrated here every year. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations and take a holy dip in the Krishna river.[5]

Transport

Located in the heart of Vijayawada city, the temple is just a 10 minutes drive from the railway station and Bus stand and about 20 km from airport. Vijayawada is located 275 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is well connected by road, rail and air from all parts of the country.

Dasara festivities of Devasthanam

Sri Kanaka Durga Devi, the chief deity of the temple is portrayed as blessing the visiting devotees in various forms (avatars) during the ten day festival. A symbolic representation of the 10 forms of triumph of good over evil, this form (known as 'Alankaram') of the day is chosen as per the astrological star of each day, in accordance with the lunar calendar. This year, the devotees are being blessed according to the following schedule of Alankarams:
Day 1 -SRI SWARNA KAVACHALAKRUTA DURGA DEVI
Day 2 - SRI BALA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI
Day 3 - SRI ANNAPURNA DEVI
Day 4 - SRI GAYATRI DEVI
Day 5- SRI LALITHA TRIPURA SUNDARI DEVI
Day 6 - SRI SARASWATI DEVI
Day 7 - SRI MAHA LAKSHMI DEVI
Day 8 - SRI DURGA DEVI
Day 9 - SRI MAHISHASURA MARDHINI DEVI
Day 10 - SRI RAJA RAJESWARI DEVI
Note: Alankarams may change according to Thidis and nakshatrams every year


3. Kanipakam 

Kanipakam (Telugu: కాణిపాకం), is a village located in Irala mandal of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh in South India.   

Etymology

"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland.

Temple

Kanipakam is home to a popular Hindu temple of Lord Ganesha called as Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple.[1] It was constructed in the early 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara dynasty. Local legends claim that the idol of Ganesha continuously grows in size. The temple was too small to be patronized by Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The temples of Cholas and Vijayanagaras are normally magnificent in size and grandeur. Most of the present structures are of recent origin and the present major developmental and construction activities of the temple are well supported by offerings given to the temple by the devotees. Ganesha is popular.
This temple became widely known only in the past 10–15 years. Prior to this it was popular only in and around the Chittoor district, but the AP government has been promoting tourism. In addition, the number of buses which run between Tirupati and the local temples allows pilgrims greater transportation flexibility.
This Vinayaka Swamy is well known as Sree Swayambu Varasiddhi Vinayakaswamy.

Legend

According to the temple legend there were three brothers, each with a handicap: one was mute, one was deaf and one was blind. They earned their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land. They used channels to irrigate their fields, and as one of them guided the water, the other two drew water. On one such occasion they found that the water in the well dried up and they could no longer continue their work. One of them got into the well and excavated it. He was taken aback when his shovel struck a stonelike formation. He was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within a few seconds the clear well water turned blood red. This divine sight cured the three brothers on the spot. As soon as the villagers discovered this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further but were thwarted when the swayambhu idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters.
Ultimately they offered many coconuts with prayers before the new idol. The coconuts' water covered than one and a quarter acres. This incident led to the modification of the usage of the Tamil word Kaniparakam into Kanipakam. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial. During the rainy season, the holy water overflows from the well even today..
Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is growing in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol. The old and present Kavachams are on public display in the temple and the temple is planning an expansion. The holy water from the well is offered to the devotees as theertham.

The legend behind Bahuda River

Long ago there lived two brothers Sankha and Likhita. They were on a pilgrimage to Kanipakam. As the journey was tiring, the younger brother Likhita felt hungry. Disregarding the advice of the elder brother he plucked a mango from the mango grove. Sankha felt bad and reported this to the ruler of that area and pleaded for punishment for the sin committed during the pilgrimage. Thus Likhita was punished severely being deprived of both arms.
Later, they bathed in the river near Kanipakam temple. Lo Behold! The chopped arms were restored to Likhita as soon as he had a dip in the sacred waters of the river. These incidents lead the ruler to rename the river as Bahuda-(Bahu means human arm). Thus the river beside Kanipakam temple is now known as 'Bahuda River'.

Connectivity

Nearest railway station and bus station is Chittor(CTO), although direct bus lines have begun to run from Tirupati and Sri Sailam which do not stop in Chittor. This historic temple is in Kanipaakam in Irala Mandal, Chittoor District. It is about 11kms from Chittoor town.

Hotels

Bans The Hotel 3 star,Accommodation,Dining & Water Park.7km from Kanipakam ph.249091/92/93/94, cell no.8500952002 & 9704771333

 

4.  Lepakshi    

 

Lepakshi (Telugu: లేపాక్షి) is a small village and Mandal headquarters located in the Anantapur District, in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and about 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. From Bangalore, it can be reached by going west at Kodikonda checkpost on Hyderabad highway NH 7. Alternatively, one could take a bus or a train to Hindupur and then travel to Lepakshi.
Lepakshi is very important historically and archaeologically. There are three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra

The famous Veerabhadra temple, dedicated to Veerabhadra, is located here. Built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, the temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar architectural style.[1] It is famous for its sculptures, which were created by the artisans of Vijayanagara empire. A huge Nandi bull made out of a single granite stone is one of the attractions in Lepakshi.The place is renowned for being one of the best repository of mural paintings (see below) of the Vijayanagar Kings. Many old Kannada inscriptions dating back centuries can be seen on its walls. Legend has it that the Naga of the Nagalinga was carved out of a single stone by sculptors while they waited for their mother to prepare lunch

The best specimens of the Vijayanagar style of sculpture and mural paintings are found in the Natya and Kalyana Mandapams (dance and wedding halls). These sculptures depict puranic episodes like those of 'Ananthasayana', 'Dattatreya', 'Chaturmukha Bramha', 'Tumburu', 'Narada' and 'Rambha'

Temples of Lepakshi

There are three temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra. On a hillock known as Kurma Saila (tortoise shaped hill), temples of 'Papanatheswara', 'Raghunatha', 'Srirama', 'Veerabhadra' and 'Durga' are located. Veerabhadra temple is the most important temple.
Lepakshi is an ultimate testimony for Vishwakarma Brahmins who sculpted these temples. It is believed that noted Vishwakarma Amarashilpi Jakanachari took part in the planning the architecture of these temples. There are many shila shasanas that the famous sculptors like Dakoju, Maroju took part in this temple sculpture.

Points of interest in the Temple

There are many specialities in this temple like a rock chain, Vastu Purush, Padmini race Lady, the Hanging Pillar, Durga Paadam, Lepakshi saree designs etc. On the walls of this temple, several stories like the Mahabharatha, Ramayana are sculpted. On the roof are many beautiful paintings done by natural pigments. One noted spot in the temple is "Eyes of Viroopaakshanna". According to history, due to a misunderstanding with the temple's builder, the king ordered him to be blinded. Hearing this, the builder plucked out his own eyes and threw them at the wall. Even today those blood marks are evident on that particular wall.

 

Transport

 

Lepakshi is a small village, which lies 15-km east of Hindupur in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. Means  It is 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur and about 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore. From Bangalore, it can be reached by going west at Kodikonda checkpost on Hyderabad highway NH 7. Alternatively, one could take a bus or a train to Hindupur and then travel to Lepakshi.By

 

5.  Mahanandi    

 

Mahanandi is a village located east of the Nallamala Hills near Nandyal, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a pictures village surrounded by thick forests. Within 15 km of Mahanandi, there are nine Nandi shrines known as Nava Nandis. Mahanandi is one of the Nava Nandis. The Mahanandiswara Swamy Temple, an important shrine, is located here. This ancient temple dates back over 1,500 years. The inscriptions of 10th century tablets speak of the temple being repaired and rebuilt several times.
These nine temples are Mahanandi, Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi (also called Vishnunandi) and Naganandi.
A festival is held here annually during February and March to celebrate Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva.
Mahanandi is about 14 km from Nandyal Bus Stop. The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, which is about 215 km from Kurnool, and the nearest railway station is at Nandyal.

Temple pools

The temple is famous for its fresh water pools, called Kalyani or Pushkarni. The architecture of the pools and temple shows the skill of the Vishwakarma Brahmins.
The main temple is surrounded by three pools: two small pools at the entrance and one big pool inside the temple itself. This holy tank is 60 square feet (5.6 m2) with an outdoor pavilion called a mandapa in the centre. The inlets and outlets of the tank are arranged so that the depth of the water is constantly kept at five feet, thus enabling pilgrims to bathe in the holy waters.
A peculiarity of the water source is that it has a constant flow irrespective of the change of seasons. The water source originates at the Garbhagruha (inner shrine) just below Swayambhu Linga. One can touch the water near the Shiva Linga (symbol of Shiva). The devotees can offer prayers and touch the Shiva Linga. This is unusual, because traditionally at temples, the main deity is kept away from the touch of the devotees.
The water is famous for its crystalline and healing qualities and is ever tepid. The outgoing water irrigates 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) of fertile land surrounding the village. The surrounding areas are under production with rice fields, fruit, vegetable and flower gardens.The temple is well known for the konneru. The water during the winter season will be very hot and vice versa during the summer.

Kalyani or Pushkarini (Temple Tank)
Temple tanks are wells or reservoirs built as part of the temple complex near Indian temples. They are called pushkarini, kalyani, kunda, sarovara, tirtha, talab, pukhuri, etc. in different languages and regions of Bharat. Some tanks are said to cure various diseases and maladies when bathed in..[1] It is possible that these are cultural remnants of structures such as the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro, which was part of the Indus Valley Civilization

Tank design

Since ancient times, the design of water storage has been important in India's temple architecture, especially in western India where dry and monsoon seasons alternate. Temple tank design became an art form in itself.[2] An example of the art of tank design is the large, geometically spectacular Stepped Tank at the Royal Center at the ruins of Vijayanagara, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, surrounding the modern town of Hampi. It is lined with green diorite and has no drain. It was filled by aqueduct.[3]
The tanks are used for ritual cleansing and during rites of consecration. The water in the tank is deemed to be sacred water from the Ganges River.[4]

Stepwell

In India, a stepwell is a deep masonry well with steps going down to the water level in the well. It is called a vav in west India and a baoli in north India. Some were built by kings and were richly ornamented.[5] They often were built by nobility, some being for secular use from which anyone could obtain water.[6]

Kalyani

Kalyani, also called pushkarni, are ancient Hindu stepped bathing wells.
These wells were typically built near Hindu temples to accommodate bathing and cleansing activities before prayer. They are also used for immersion of Ganesha idols during Ganesha Chaturthi.

Sarovar

In Sikhism temple tanks are called "Sarovar".         

How to get there

Mahanandi is about 14 km from Nandyal Bus Stop. The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, which is about 215 km from Kurnool, and the nearest railway station is at Nandyal.. By road and rail Mahanandi can be reached from Nandyal.


6.    Narasimha Swamy  Temples
Near Vijayawada
Narasimha
Narasimha.  Narasiṃha ... Shri Panakala Narasimha Swamy, Mangalagiri , near Vijayawada. Shri Shobhanaachala Vyaghra Narasimha Swamy

By local ttansport buses both the pilgrimage places (Panakala Narasimha swamy temple, Mangalagiri and
Shri Shobhanaachala Vyagrhra Narasimha Swamy, Agiripalli village)  can be reached.



 Narasimha

Narasimha. (नरसिंह, Narasiṃha ... Shri Panakala Narasimha Swamy, Mangalagiri , near Vijayawada. Shri Shobhanaachala Vyaghra Narasimha Swamy, ...

7.  Prasanna Anjaneeya Swamy Temple

(Machilipatnam)

Prasanna Anjaneeya Swamy temple is a Hindu temple in Godugupeta, near Machilipatnam in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Lord Hanuman is the presiding deity of the temple and is known as Prasanna Anjaneeya Swamy.

Importance

The Lord in this temple is Hanuman and called as Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy. As per the Agama shastra (Science of temple construction), Dakshana mukha (facing South) Anjaneya is more powerful and those who worship him will be blessed with success and fortune. This temple is one of the Dakshina mukha Anjaneya temples and is more than 100 years old.

History

It is said that while performing rituals for renovation work(samprokshana) in 19th century by swamiji of Kurtalam, there was a heavy rain and the streets around the temple were flooded with water but at the same time there was no rain drop on the temple. That incident reflects the power of almighty.

Festivals

Hanuman Jayanti, the birthday of Hanuman is celebrated on Vishaka Bahula Dasami (10th day after full moon day in the Vishaka month of Hindu calendar). Three day celebrations are made which include rituals like abhishekam to idol, archana, reciting of Hanuman Chalisa, Manya suktha parana, deepalankarana (lighting of lamps), purnahuthi are performed in the temple.

Other attractive places in Machilipatnam

Panduranga - Panduranga Swamy Temple, Chilakalapudi  in Machilipatnam and also the harbour is also located at Manginapudi near Machilipatnam.


How to reach

Machilipatnam, located 60 km from Vijayawada is well connected by rail and road.

 

8.  Rajahmundry (Sundara Prasanna LakshmiNarasimha swamy Temple)

 

Sri Sundara Prasanna LakshmiNarasimha Swamy is one of the various forms of Lord Narayana as part of his divine Narasimha Avatara. In India, Lord Narasimha is worshipped in various forms. Some worship the lord in this Ugra Rupam, and some in the form of Prasanna Rupam along with Lakshmi Ammavaru. One of the ardent devotees has built a temple in Rajahmundry(On Tilak Road). This temple portrays Lord Narasimha Swamy in his Prasanna Rupam. The lord's idol in this temple is one of the rarest to be seen in the state of Andhra Pradesh. In this temple, Lord Narasimha was installed with Lakshmi Ammavaaru, on AdiSeshu. 

Rajahmundry or Rajamahendri(Telugu: రాజమండ్రి   ) is the biggest city of the East & West Godavari districts and first municipal corporation in the Godavari district's of Andhra Pradesh state in India. Poet Nannayya gave Telugu script here which made it a language.[1] It is the birthplace of poet Nannayya, who is also called the first poet of Telugu. The City is known as the Cultural Capital of Andhra Pradesh,[2] Rajahmundry is noted for its versatile Vedic culture and intellect. It is one of the oldest cities of India. It is the fourth largest by area and eighth most populous city in Andhra Pradesh. City population is around 1 million, but census shows 3,43,903 (Census 2011).[3]In Madras Presidency,The district of Rajahmundry was created in 1823.The rajahmundry district was reorganized in 1859 into two - the Godavari and Krishna districts.During British rule, Rajahmundry was the headquarters of Godavari district. Godavari district was further bifurcated into East and West Godavari districts in 1925. It is situated 400 kilometres (249 mi) east of the state capital, Hyderabad, on the banks of the River Godavari.It is the birth city of Andhra Pradesh. This is probably due to the fact that the Telugu language originated here. Officially the corporation Rajahmundry is named as Grand City of Culture.

History

The city origins can be traced back to the rule of the Chalukya king Raja Raja Narendra who reigned around 1022 AD, after whom it is named Rajamahendri or Rajamahendravaram where the great shahill was born. Remains of 11th-century palaces and fort walls still exist. However, new archeological evidence suggests that the town may have existed much before the Chalukyas.[4] Rajamhendravaram was renamed Rajahmundry during the rule of the British, for whom the city was the headquarters of the Godavari district. When the district was split into East and West, subsequently, Kakinada - became the headquarters of East Godavari.
Rajahmundry is acclaimed as the birthplace of Yasaswi the Great and the Telugu language—its grammar and script evolving from the pen of the city-born poet, Nannayya. Known also called 'Adi Kavi' (the first poet) of Telugu, Nannayya along with Tikkana and Yerrana, translated the Sanskrit version of Mahabharata into Telugu. Kandukuri Veeresalingam—a social reformer and the author of Rajashekhara Charithra, the first Telugu novel—was also from Rajahmundry.
Rajahmundry was one of the biggest cities in South India in the 19 century. It was the hotbed of several movements during India's freedom struggle and acted as a base for many key leaders. When the Indian National Congress had its first meeting in Bombay (Mumbai), two leaders from Rajahmundry, Nyapathi Subba Rao and Kandukuri Veeresalingam participated in it. Subba Rao, founder of Hindu Samaj in Rajahmundry, was also one of the six founders of India's noted English daily The Hindu.
The rail road connecting the city with Vijayawada was laid in 1893. Colleges and various other institutions of Learning were set up at the same time.
Some Memorable years in the Rajahmundry History :
  • 1802 - The district court was constructed in Rajahmundry
  • 1823 - The district of Rajahmundry is created.
  • 1853 - The Government Arts College was established as the District School in Rajahmundry
  • 1867 - Establishment of Sub-collector's office.
  • 1885 - Establishment of Secondary grade college.
  • 1894 - Establishment of Govt Training college.
  • 1898 - Establishment of Gowtami Grandhalayam (Library) by Mr. NalamKrishna Rao and Vaddadi Subbaraidu.
The rebirth of cultural heritage in Andhra Pradesh started in Rajahmundry. Mr. Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu is known as The father of reformations in Andhra Pradesh. He started a monthly magazine "Vivekavardhini", a school for girls at Dowlaiswaram in 1874. The first widow marriage took place on Dec 11, 1881. A society with 16 members was started on 22nd Jun,1884, which used to look after the widow marriages in Rajahmundry. The town hall in Rajahmundry was established in 1890 by Veeresalingam.
"Anni Besant visited Rajahmundry twice, first time when the foundation of branch of Divya Gjyan Samaj building at Alcot Gardens was being laid. She came again during the opening ceremony of the building.
"Ramakrishna Mission" was established in 1950-1951 near Kambaltank (the place in which present Ayakar Bhavan (Income tax office) was once a part of Sri Ramakrishna Mission only).
Independence movement and Rajahmundry: (1885–1905 AD)
Vandaemataram movement was started in the year 1905 against the partition of Bengal. Bipin Chandra Paul visited Rajahmundry in April, 1905 for the same. During his visits to Rajahmundry he used to address the public in "PaulChowk"(the present Kotipalli Bustand).
Fort Gate (Kotagummam):
The area covering the old-Godavari railway station, Statue of Mrityunjaya (Lord Hanuman), Statue of Mr. Potti Sriramulu and Hotel Ajanta is called Fortgate. Today, the Fortgate is not there, but a wall (only a part) covering the main street (through which elephants, horses etc. were taken for a bath) is still found. This wall is slant on both sides.
During the construction of the Railway bridge (Havelock Bridge - named after the then Madras Governor) in 1900 one of the Fort walls was demolished. The fort was constructed between 8th and 11th centuries during the reign of Chalukyas. Today also we can find Kandakam Street (Kandakam - A big canal dug around the fort filled with water to stop the enemy forces from coming into the fort - generally 20 ft depth and 50 ft width).
The present municipal water works department (formerly Municipal High School) was famous as Ratnangi and Chitrangi palaces. An undergroundway (Sorangamu - The way to escape when enemy forces attack the palace from all the sides.
City Central Jail:The fort of the Dutch Rajahmundry-
In 1602, the Dutch constructed a fort in Rajahmundry. The British empire converted it into a jail in 1864, and then elevated it to a central jail in 1870. The jail is spread over 196 acres (79 ha) out of which the buildings occupy 37.24 acres (15.07 ha) Rajahmundry was under the Dutch rule for some time. This fort was constructed nearly two centuries ago. In 1857 the British conquered the Dutch and they converted this big fort into central Jail.
First Flim Studio of Andhra Pradesh-[1936, Rajahmundry]
Telugu Talkie era started with Bakta Prahalada (1931). Andhra was not yet been identified as a competent area for cinema shooting so. The shooting was being done in the places like Kolhapur, Kolkata Studios. In 1936, a studio, by name Durga CineTone was started in Rajahmundry. It was started by Nidamarti Soorayya whose father Jaladurga Prasad's name was after it. The first talkie film was shot in Andra Pradesh. Those days, there were only three film studios in south India - two in Chennai and Durga Cinetone in Rajahmundry, He produced films, built three cinema halls in Rajahmundry
Today we find Andhra Bank office in the place once the studio existed. Chittajallu Pullaiah, the first-generation director, had a close association with this studio. Sampurna Ramayanam was the first cinema to be shot there. More than 20,000 ft. reel was shot here, as, sources say. Satyanarayana Vratam, Kasula Peru, Bhaktamarkandeya, Chal Mohana Ranga, Mohini Bhasmasura, were but from this very studio. Durga Cine Town was winded up running short of technical advancement.

Tourism

The biggest attraction in Rajahmundry is the river Godavari. The three bridges over the river are the longest in South India. Numerous ghats and parks are situated along the river's banks as well.
  • The First Godavari Rail Bridge was built in 1897, under the supervision of Er. Walton, a British engineer, across Godavari connecting East and West Godavari districts. Stretching for three kilometers, and constructed with stone masonry and steel girders, this bridge served the trains plying between Madras (Chennai) and Howrah (Kolkata). With increased traffic in freight and passengers, a rail-cum-road bridge was built across the river's downstream was inaugurated by the then president of India Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed in 1977.
  • A third railway bridge, the The Godavari Arch Bridge, was built between 1991 and 1997. It was commissioned for passenger traffic in March 1997 and became fully operational for running trains by the Indian Railways from 2003, as the bridge built in 1897 was found not suitable for railway traffic anymore. The Dhowleswaram bridge across Godavari is seven kilometers south of Rajahmundry. On the banks is the Rallabandi SubbaRao Museum displaying coins, sculpture, pottery, inscriptions and palm-leaf manuscripts.
  • Rajahmundry is also a major Hindu pilgrimage sites, with a number of temples like the Kotilingalu (10 million Sivalingas) temple on the bank of Godavari. It hosts holy congregations called Pushkaram[10] held once every 12 years and considered auspicious to take sin-ridding holy dips—with the last in August 2003, when around 34 million are said to have taken the bath. This festival lasts for 12 days and people offer prayers and make offerings to their departed family members. A huge and beautiful Krishna temple has been constructed by the ISKCON foundation on the banks of Godavari.[11] Popularly called as Gowthami Ghat, it is a major attraction for young people as a recreational center.

Must-visit places and major attractions

  •  Gowthami Ghat - ISKCON Temple, Riverbay Resorts and Water park, Ayyappa Temple, Kailash Bhoomi
  • Godavari Bund - Pushkhar Ghat, Sivalingam at Pushkhar Ghat, Markandeyaswamy Temple, Raghavendraswamy Temple, P.V. Narasimharao park
  • Kotilingala Ghat
  • Sir Arthur Cotton Museum in Dowleswaram (beside barrage) and Sri Shirdi Saibaba Temple
  • MainRoad (From Fortgate till Syamala theatre)
  • Nurseries (around 500+) in [kadiyam,kadiyapulanka, which is around 12 km from heart of the city where you can find thousands of variety plants.
  • A boat cruise on the river Godavari to Pattiseema, Papikondalu, Bhadrachalam through the waterfalls at Perantala Palli, is a major attraction along with the City view Godavari River trip (You can get information from APTDC).
  • Maredumilli, a thick dense forest with waterfalls and resorts which is around 70 km away from Rajahmundry.
  • Annavaram (Lord Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple), which is around 70 km from Rajahmundry
  • Dwaraka Tirumala (Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple), which is around 80 km from Rajahmundry
  • Draksharamam (Lord Sri Bheemeswara Swamy Temple), also known as Dakshina Kasi which is around 50 km from Rajahmundry
  • Rosemilk is very famous in Rajahmundry for its taste which will be available in a small stall near Bommana Brothers on Mainroad - A must visit
  • The city is also known for rare breed of fish named Pulasa, available only during monsoon.
  • Many traditional pen-making shops ( viz. Ratnam Pens near Fort Gate) where people can place order for a variety of vintage fountain pens in bulk.
  • Pootharekulu are also known as ‘Paper sweets’ which will be available on in Rajahmundry ( Preparation and trading of this sweet is from Atreyapuram near Rajahmundry)
  • ONGC Golf Course at ONGC Base Complex, Most happening places like Main roads of DeviChowk, Danavaipet, Prakash Nagar and Syamala Nagar

Transportation

Road

Rajahmundry is well connected to all parts of the state. NH-16 passes through Rajahmundry (via lalacheruvu). With one national highway and two state highways, it has excellent road connectivity to all important places like Annavaram, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Bangalore and Lucknow. It is the main transportation hub for both the Godavari districts.

Rail


The City is also well connected by the railway network. Rajahmundry has one of the biggest railway stations in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the top revenue generators for South Central Railways. All trains along the Howrah-Chennai route stop here. It is also connected by a number of trains from Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore and other major cities in the country.

Air

Rajahmundry Airport, situated near Madhurapudi 18 km away from the heart of the city is accessible by air from Hyderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Bangalore and Vijayawada. Daily four flights are operated by Jet Airways and Spicejet from Rajahmundry. A new terminal building was inaugurated on 16 May 2012

Notable people


Entertainers

Bridges

New Bridge
New Bridge is under construction.
Godavari Arch Bridge The bridge, built by the Hindustan Construction Company, for the Indian Railways, was designed by Bureau BBR, Switzerland, and checked by Leonard Andrea and Partners, Germany.[23][24] Construction on the bridge began in 1991 and lasted till 1997. It was commissioned for passenger traffic in March 1997 and became fully operational for running trains by the Indian Railways from 2003.
Road Cum Railway Bridge
This Rail Cum Road Bridge is longest of its kind in Asia and second longest in the world. Its total length 4.732 km (4732 mts).Finished in 1972 and inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, its total construction cost is 63 crores in those days. Locally it is called Kovvur bridge by people of Rajahmundry, as it connects Rajahmundry city with Kovvur town. Its also the most important connecting point of Agriculturally Rich East and west Godavari Districts.
Old Godavari Bridge
The construction of the bridge commenced on November 11, 1897 and opened for traffic on August 30, 1900. The Bridge was named after Sir Arthur Elibank Havelock, the then Governor of Madras. Mr. F.T.G. Walton served as the Engineer-in-chief assisted by executive engineers R.A. Delanougerede, F.D. Couchman, J.E.Eaglesome.[3]. It has 56 spans each of 45.7 metres (150 ft) and is 2,754 metres (9,035 ft) long. Having served its full life span of 100 years, it was decommissioned in 1997, and Godavari Arch Bridge was built as a replacement for the bridge


































Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                              



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )
Posted by gopalakrishna Wednesday, November 28, 2012
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1 comments:

Unknown said...

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January 29, 2013 at 10:44 PM

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