is situated on the left bank of sacred and perennial river Godavari, about 70 km from Khammam of Andhra Pradesh. Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy shrine is most famous temple in country. It is is a sacred pilgrimage for hindus, considered to be one the greatest holy shrines in south India with a very rich and unique historical background. The temple was constructed in the 17th Century by the local Tahsildar Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, a fervent devotee of Lord Sree Rama. housing one of the most famous and splendorous temples dedicated to Lord Sri Rama. The puranic and historic facts relate that Lord Rama long after he had shed his mortal coils manifested himself to save his devotee Bhadra Maharshi whom he promised "moksha" after intensive pepance until tretha yuga was over and Lord Rama, who was an incarnation Lord Vishnu, was back to this original avatar. Pleased by Bhadra's devotion, he appeared in form of Lord Rama (as per Bhadra's wishes) and granted him moksha. The Hillok on which Bhadra Maharishi did penance and attained moksha, is called Bhadragiri / Bhadrachalam. Another legend associated with the place is that Lord once appeared in dream of a woman called Pokala Dammakka and informed her about the existence of idols on the Bhadragiri hills. To her surprise she found the Vigrahas on Bhadragiri hills and pu up modest structure. This was origin of the present temple.
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is situated near to Kunavaram, nearly 60 km far away from Bhadrachalam is also the sacred pilgrim centre, one can have the darshan of Lord Yoga Rama. People believe that Lord Rama used to be under Yoga Samadhi while he was spending the days in Dandakaranya. The bird Jathayavu was stated to have fought against Ravana nearer to Sri Ramagiri and fell tired getting its wings broken while Sita was being taken away. Hence this place was used to be termed as Sokkanapalli at first and later as Rekhapalli.
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is situated on the bank of godavari, near Papi hills in velerupadu mandal, nearly 85 Kms far from Bhandrachalam, there is some historical background behind the formation of this remote village. The region of this place was under darkness eight decades ago with full of thickened forest containing trees and bushes that none could reside. During the year 1927, the Saint " Sri Swamy Balananda Saraswathi" visited this place and strived hard for its development and for ameliorating the living standards of tribals here. At present, 30 tribal families are residing in the village and they have taken up the 'Podu' cultivation. The village is a free of Alcoholism and observes high moral values. Beautiful handicrafts with bamboo fibre, are being made in the shape of flowers and houses by these tribal families.
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Rajahmundry is first of East Godavari District to became Corporation. Rajahmundry with population of about 3 Lakhs, lying on the left bank of the river Godavari, located on National Highway, 560 Km. away from Madras and 520 Km. from Hyderabad, is not only an ancient town where rich literary activities flourished, but it is also an important commercial center. It came into existence even by 918 A.D.
Asia's largest rail-cum-road bridge on the river Godavari linking Kovvur and Rajahmundry is considered to be an engineering feat.
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which lay 120 kms from Eluru, 32 kms from Rajahmundry & 25kms from Kovvur, the place held a pleasant surprise for city dwellers. The famous temple of Sri Veerabhadra is picturesquely located on a hillock known as "Devakuta Parvatha" situated in the middle of the river Godavari. As per mythology, Veerabhadra is born out of the lock of Shiva's hair during his tandava performance on sighting his wife getting burnt in the fire of the yagna being conducted by Daksha, his father-in-law. Here we had to cross the river on board a crude motorboat to reach the temple. The backdrop of hillocks, the golden sand, undulating waters, the floral tips of wild grass waving in the cold breeze set the mood as we got ready for the visit to the ancient temple, considered to be one of the Panchakashi Kshetrams of the Shivaities, with a peaceful bent of mind. The temple with its beautiful Nandi, carved images of dancing delties on the walls does not disappoint the pilgrim. However, one fervently wishes that the renovation work were carried out
in a manner which would have preserved the ancient façade of the temple without the same having been replaced with modernpainted
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are fast becoming the favourite destination for nature lovers, enjoys going on the weekend pleasure trip by luxarious boats on the river godavari, takes you into a different world where nature rules in all her glory, untouched by man. One can see the picture postcard prettiness of a hilly countryside patch worked with quaint little farms, a landscape dotted with tribal habitations and river banks densely forested with the timber reserves. Feel the crisp fresh air invigorate your senses and lose yourself in the scenic beauty of the hills and its environs. The pristine waterfall at the quaint village of Perantala Palli and Ashramam is very popular with tourists. Papi hills are three in number, very tall looks like a boundry wall in the middle of river godavari, dividing East, West and Khammam district, is a lovely place whose scenery resembles the scenery of Kashmir (North India). The beautiful scenery of Papi Hills, the waterfalls at Munivaatam, and the peaceful atmosphere at this tribal area give a pleasant look and peace to visitors, making it a special attraction for tourists. The idol of Shiva under serpent shade was installed in Munivaatam. The original name for this hill range was 'Papidi Kondalu'. Papidi is a rough translation for partition in Telugu. Since this range looks like a well designed partition that splits river Godavari, this name was coined. In due course, it settled for 'Papi Kondalu'.
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Yanam is located on the Eastern coast of India, in the district of East Godavari of Andhra Pradesh. It is built at the place where the Gowthami branch of Godavari River confluences with the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari discharges itself into sea around 8 kms towards East of Yanam town. It lies on the spot where the Coringa River is separated from the Gowthami branch of Godavari River. The total area of the region is 30 sq. kms.Yanam was once a French colony and is presently a part of the Union Territory of Pondicherry. The French presence is seen in the stained glass work of the local church dating back to 1769 and at the French cemetery. Yanam has its share of fascinating stories about French ghosts haunting the French colony. The ancient church has a plaque paying tribute to a young French soldier by the name of Victor Simonel who died fighting heroically in a battle at the tender age of 22. This heightens the slightly melancholic mood of the place. Devotees stream in regularly offering prayers. The bright red French cap of the traffic policeman adds a sense of romance to all this.
Cruise jouorney through River canals, confluence points, islands and wild life sanctuaries over Eduralanka, Balusutippa, Masanitippa and Molletimoga.
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Konaseema is popularly called as Andhra's Kerala. Konaseema is a delta located in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. This delta is surrounded on all sides by waters (of Godavari and the Bay of Bengal). Konaseema is famous for its scenic greenery, back water islands and vedic scholars. The origin of the name may be from Telugu word "Kona" meaning corner which resembles its shape. The northern side is bounded by Gautami Godavari and southern side is bounded by Vasista Godavari. It is one ofc most fertile lands present in Coromandel Coast. The entire region is rich in Coconut trees, Mangrooves, numerous canals, backwaters, Temples and Traditions. Coconut palms, the arboreal symbol of Konaseema landscape, fringe the backwaters framing the blue tropical sky during daytime and a starry twinkling firmament during evenings. There are diverse sceneries along the backwaters crisscrossing the coastal areas. The culture of konaseema is rich traditional culture of Andhra.
BACK WATER, KONASEEMA: Konaseema is known for its backwaters. They as a whole, form an intricate network of lagoons, lakes, canals, estuaries, and rivers that drain into the bay of bengal.. Boating along the backwaters offers spectacular views and vistas of konaseema's pristine natural beauty. Coconut palms, the arboreal symbol of Konaseema landscape, fringe the backwaters framing the blue tropical sky during daytime and a starry twinkling firmament during evenings. There are diverse sceneries along the backwaters crisscrossing the coastal areas. Cruising along the backwaters islands, wild life sanctuaries (Mada forest) from Yanam to Balusutippa, Masanatippa and Molletimoga is an ideal way to discover the real Konaseema.
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Sri Someswara Swamy Temple
Kotipalli is located at a distance of 38 Km from Kakinada, 60 Km from Rajahmundry and 15 Km from Amalapuram (Via Ferry/Boat). Kotipalli is a famous pilgrimage center, which is situated on the Bank of River Godavari according to Brahmanda Puranam and Gowthami Mahatyam. Here three famous idols are situated by Lord Indra, Lord Chandra and Kasyapa Maharshi.Siddhi Janardhana Swamy along with Sridevi and Bhudevi were established as Kshetra Palaka by Kasyapa Maharshi. Lord Indra in order to wash out His sin He founded Koteswara Lingam along with Amma varu. Further Lord Chandra established Someswara Lingam with Raja Rajeswari Amma varu to wash out his sin.
The Holy River is very famous for its sacred water it was brought by Gowtham Maharshi. If any person take a bath in these Holy Water of Gowthami at Kotipalli will purify himself from all kinds of sins. It was written in Sri Gowthami Mahatyam. It is also known as Koti Teertha Kshetram as a number of water currents are flowing in these waters. A holy dip in Gowthami waters at this Kshetram is very famous for the removal of sins completely
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Dwaraka Tirumala is a holy place in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Located about 39 km from Eluru, Dwaraka Tirumala is the site of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple, which is located on a hill named Seshadri. The place got its name from a saint, Dwaraka, who unearthed the self-manifested idol of Sri Venkateshwara (Lord Vishnu). It is also called as Chinna Tirupati, after Tirupati. Dwaraka Tirumala is 18 km from Bhimadole Railway Station, which is on the main Railway line between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnm.
t is a great wonder to see two main idols under one Vimana Sikharam. One idol is a full and complete statue. The other is a half statue of the upper portion of the form of the Lord. The upper potion of the form is a self-manifested idol located by Sage "Dwaraka". The saints of the yore felt the prayers to the Lord are not complete without worshipping His holy feet. So, the saints joined together and installed a full statue behind the self-manifested idol, to worship the feet of the Lord according to Vaikhanasa Agamam.
It is believed that the prayers to the smaller statue of the Lord will lead to Moksha, and the big form stands for Dharma, Artha and Kama. The Tiru kalyanotsavam is celebrated twice a year. One for the self manifested idol in the month of "Vaisakha" and the other for the installed idol in the month of "Aswayuja".
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Sri Bhimeswara Swami Temple
Draksharamam is located 28 Km from Kakinada, 50 Km from Rajahmundry and 40 Km from Rajahmundry.
The history of the Sacred Pilgrimage is exhaustively dealt within the 'Skanda Purana' of Sri Vyasa. Once Daksha Prajapathi decided to perform a Yaga. In pursuance of the same, he had been to Kailasa to invite Gods and Goddesses to sanctify his 'Yazna' and accept his hospitality. But when he had been there, Lord Siva was in his Court immersed in his spiritual splendour. But Daksha Prajapathi out of his ego of being the father-in-law of Lord Siva, mistook the Lord's trance as indifference towards him. So, being put out at the difference of his Son-in-law he came back without inviting the Lord and the Lady to his sacrifice.
Sati in her womanish nature requested Siva to permit her to attend, the sacrifice at her parental home, even uninvited and have the pleasure of the performance and the association of her kith and kin. But Siva explained her the tragic implications that she might have to face at her parental house and let her to at her own wish. But, when she actually stepped into her parental home, none greeted her or even just asked her a mutual exchange of her well-being.
Then Sathi was put out with the humiliation she had to face amidst her own blood and then and there, decided to give up her body instead of facing her beloved husband with a fallen face. So, she gave up her body then and there and fell down dead. Siva having come to know of the tragic end, sent his son 'Veerabhadra' to boot down the ego of Daksha. Siva in his pangs of separation with Sati came down to her dead body and shoultered the corpse over his shoulders and danced in 'Pralaya Thandava'. At this juncture, the Lord Vishnu, the presenting, force of Universe, sent his 'Chakra' to cut down the body of Sathi and redeem the grief of Lord Siva. The Chakra came and cut the body of Sati into eighteen pieces feel in eighteen parts of this 'Punyabhoomi' of ours and came to be known as 'Ashta Dasa Peethas' and out of these eighteen Sri Manikyamba of Draksharama is the Twelfth.
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Annavaram is situated 85 Km from Rajahmundry, 51 Km from Kakinada and 85 Km from Rajahmundry. It is famous for Lord Veera Venkata Satya Narayana Swamy temple, situated atop the Ratnagiri Hills on the banks of the river Pampa.
A unique Yanthra based on Tripad Vibhuti Narayan Upanishad exists here. The shrine is constructed in two storey, the lower one containing the Yantra and upper one housing vigrahas of the Lord.The idol which is about 4 metres high is in cylindrical form.The base in the lower sanctum represents Lord Vishnu and the middle portion represents Lord Shiva. The image of the deity forming a single idol and representing the Hindu Trinity is of unique attraction.
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Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple
Located 20 Km from Kakinada and 75 Km from Rajahmundry, It is considered to be one of the 18 Shakthipithas in India. It is famous for the temples of Kukkuteshwara Swamy, Kunthimadhava Swamy and Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha Kshethram, Agraharam, Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple.
Pithapuram is one of the oldest and famous pilgrim places of India. There is an oldest temple call "Padagya Keshatram in Pithapuram. The Lord "Sri Kukuteswara Swamy is the Swayambhu with Spatika Lingam". Pithapuram is one of the Twelve Pilgrims, one of the five Madava Keshatra and one of the Asta Dasa (Eighteen) Sakthi Petas. Previously Pithapuram is known as Pitikapuram.
Once you enter into the temple, complete the pradishana and come in front of Dwaja Stamba you will be attracted by the "Yaka Sila Nandi (Single Stone Nandi). The Yaka Sila is second biggest after Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandai.
Pithapuram is equalent to Kasi:
According to "Bhimeswara Purana" of Srinath kavi Sarvabhuma, Pithapuram is one of the twelve pilgrims (Dwadasa Punya Keshatras). The sage told that Pithapuram is equalent to Kasi and also known as Southern Kasi (Dakshina Kasi).
About the pond-Padagaya
Pithapuram is third one of three Gayas of India.
1st is - Siro Gaya also familiarly known as "GAYA", located in Bihar State.
2nd is - Nabi Gaya near to Jijapur Railway Junction, located in Orrisa State 3rd is - Padagaya Pithapuram, located in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.
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Sri Jaganmohini Kesava & Gopala Swamy Temple
Is situated 50 Km from Rajahmundry and 74 Km from Rajahmundry and it is situated between the rivers Vashista and Gautami, Tributaries of river Godavari, this is the site of the renowned Jagan Mohini Kesava Swamy temple. The exquisite idol, made of black stone depicting Maha Vishnu and Mohini on its front and rear sides, is a real marvel of sculptural dexterity.
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Sthala Puranam
According to the legend "Bhagavatam" while Devatas and Rakshas were quarrelling over sharing of holy Devine nectar "Sree Maha Vishnu" came to the rescue of Devatas in the guise of Mohini and convinced both the rivalry groups promising to distribute holy Devine nectar in equal share to Devatas and Rakshas. But in the interest of universal peace and welfare of sages, holy and Devine nectar was distributed among Devatas alone and the Mohini disappeared.
Lord Siva having seen the most fascinating beauty of Mohini allured her. He chased her for getting for a while the presence of his consort Parvathi Devi it is the general belief that the holy incident was the result of birth of "AYYAPPA SWAMY". One flower from the plait of Mohini fell down and it was smelt by Lord Siva. Then he surprisingly found "Sree Maha Vishnu" in the form of Mohini and felt shy for his behavior.
The place where the flower from the plait of Mohini fell is named as RYALI the Telugu meaning of "Fall". This place known as Ryali for the above reason became above of Lord Siva and Sree Mahavishnu with the form of Mohini on back side Lord Brahma consecrated the Siva Lingam with his Kamandalam and hence Lord Siva at Ryali is worshipped as Sri Uma Kamandalesara Swamy Varu, Sri Mahavishnu with the form of Mohini on backside is worshipped as Sri Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy varu both Siva and Vishnu Temples are located facing each other. This is very rare feature at Ryali where Vishnu and Lord Siva Temples faces each other in East, West direction.
Sri Siddi Vinayaka Swami Temple
(Sri Vigneswara Swami Temple)
Ainavilli is located at a distance of 72 Km from Kakinada (Via Yanam, Amalapuram and Mukteswaram), 55 Km from Rajahmundry (Via Ravulapalem, Kotapeta and Vanapalli) and
14 Kms from Amalapuram (Mukteswaram). According to Vaastu Sastra the most suitable places to build temples are, on the bank of a river, near the sea - shore, at the confluence of riv ers, on top of a mountain or near places of sanctity.
In the midst of the lush - green fields of the River Godavari the Konaseema area reminds one of the sanctity and sacred feeling described in the Vaastu Sastra. In this area of Konaseema is AINAVILLI, where the "SIDDI VINAYAKA TEMPLE" is situated. Before performing Daksha Yagna Daksha Prajapati was supposed to have performed puja of Vinayaka at this place for its successful completion. This is written in the "KSHETRA PURANA" of this place. There is another story that Vyasa Maharshi, during the beginning of his tour of the South, had installed the Son of Parvati at this place and this age - old "SIDDI VINAYAKA" is reputed to fulfill the wishes of his devotees.
In a spacious, elevated area, this temple of Vinayaka stands with idol facing South. With two gopurams and gates, one can approach Vinayaka from the south and Sri Visveswara Swamy from the East.
In the same compound is situated Sri Devi, Bhudevi with Sri Kesava Swamy. By the side are situated Sri Annnapurna Devi. Sri Kalabhairava Swamy and Kshetrapalaka are situated by the side.
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Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Antharvedi is located at a distance 100 kms from Rajahmundry and 65 Kms from Amalapuram.
History:
Sage Vasista, after mingling the Goutami branch of the Godavari into the Sea, established his Ashram there. Lord Brahma, to get freed from the sins he had committed against Lord Sankara, performed Rudrayaga and installed Lord Neela kantheswara there. As that place was made a stage or "Vedik" to perform the Yaga, it was named as "ANTARVEDI". It is the place between the Vasishta river. After some time, Raktavilochana, the son of Hiranyaksha, did tremendous penance for ten thousand years on the banks of Vasishta river, to please Lord Siva and to get his grace. Lord sankara was very much pleased with his penance and appeared before him. He promised to bless him with Whatever he would desire. Raktavilochana asked him that the number of sand particles drenched by the blood drops falling from his body on to the ground at war, would produce equal number of Rakshasas as strong and vigorous as himself after and they would assist him at war and become one with him after killing all the enemies. Lord Sankara was astonished at the demon's uncommon desire, but as per the promise, being impressed of his penance had concerned to his desire. Then the rakshasas pride know no bounds. He started harassing the brahmins, the Gods, the saints and the cows and obstructed Yagas and Vedic-recitals.
Sage Viswamitra found opportunity to take Vengeance against sage Vasishta and provoke Rakta-vilochana to kill Vasishta's hundred sons in his absence. The Demon did so, causing an irreparable loss to Arundhati and Vasishta. Arundhati, Vasishta's wife, wept a lot for the death of her son and prayed to Vasishta who was then at Brahmaloka. The sage by his divine vision, could come to know of what all happened at this hermitage. He returned to his ashram and prayed for Lord Narasmiha's grace.
"Prahlada varadam Vishnum Nrusimham Paradivatam. Saranam Sarvalokaanaamaapannaarti Nivaaranam."
Then to save his devotees, Lord Nrusimha along with Goddess Lakshmi, Charioted on Garuda Vahana and appeared before Vasishta Lord Narahari blow the 'Panchajanya' inviting the demon to the war. Raktavilochana heard the thundering noise of the panchajanya and like a cyclone enveloped the Lord and engulfed him to fight with him. He shot all types of weapons at the Lord. Lord Narahari could attack and smash them with his only weapon the 'Sudarsana' the chakrayudh wounded the sensitive parts of the demon's body. As a result of which blood-shed took place. The soil particles drenched by the blood drops falling on to the ground from his body, produced equal number of demons as strong and vigorous as Raktavilochana. Demons having been thus generated, began hurting garuda who attached them in such a way that they could not with stand him. The demon-king saw this and throw his weapons one after another at Garuda which could not do any thing against him, as Lord Narahari destroyed them on the way with his Sudarana Chakrayudha.
In addition to that he created "Maya Sakthi" to manage stopping the fall of blood drops from Rakta Viliochana body to the ground. At last, after a tough fight with the demon, Lord Narahari killed by cutting his hand with chakrayudha, with the same Sudharsana chakra, he killed the demons also. Then the blood stopped by Maya Sakthi from falling on to the ground, was released by her as a reddish river, know as the "Raktakulya". This river can't be passed over even Bhetala and the devils. Maya sakti rode a horse, and so called as 'Aswarudhamba' or 'Gurralakka'. The place where the Lord after killing the demons washed his chakrayudha, become popular as chakrateertham. A dip at the place washed away all the sins. When the Lord wiped of the troubling demon, Vasishta expressed his desire of establishing his Holiness at his hermitage. The Lord was pleased to agree to fulfill his desire. Sage vasishta on an auspicious day, in the Presence of all Gods and angels with all Vedic formalities, erected Lord Narahari at Antaravedi all of them said their prayers to the Lord and sang his glory. Then the Lord told them about the significant greatness of the shrine in future. He described Antarvedi in many ways as the easiest means for achieving the ultimate Mukti.
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Sri Bala Balaji Devasthanam
It is Located at a distance of 70 Km from Kakinada (Via Yanam & Bodasakurru), 110 Km (Via Ravulapalem from Kakinada), 85 Km from Rajahmundry and 35 Km from Amalapuram (Via Ambajipeta) 13 Km (Via Bodasakurru Ferry) from Amalapuram. Appanapalli, a remote village in Mamidikuduru Mandal of East Godavari District, situated on the holy banks of river Vynateya has attained reputation as second Tirupathi of Konaseema being the abode of Lord Bala Balaji.
H
e founder of the present Bala Balaji Devasthanam is Sri Molleti Ramaswamy an ardent devotee of the Lord of the Seven hills. One night he saw in his dream the Lord ordering him to go ahead with his SAMKALPA of building a temple for the Lord at Appanapalli without coming to Tirupathi with the share of profit in his business for the Lord annually. Accordingly Sri Ramaswamy at once installed the photos of Sri Sri Sri Venkateswaraswamy varu and his consort Padmavathi Ammavaru in his coconut shop in 1966.
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