Simhachalam
Annavaram
Vijjeswaram
Tirumala-Tirupati
Vijayawada
Bhadrachalam
Ryali
Draksharamam
Vijjeswaram: Vijjeswaram, 20 km from here, in
west Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
Vijjeswaram power project unit : The
60 MW capacity steam turbo set of the second phase of stage-II of the country's
first gas-based power project was synchronised with the state electricity board
on December 1998.
The project is situated at Vijjeswaram, 30 km from here, in west Godavari district
of Andhra Pradesh.
The second stage, with a total capacity of 172 MW, was completed on time at a cost
of Rs 434 crore as against the initial estimation of Rs 471 crore.
Annavaram: Annavaram
is at a distance of 72 kms from Rajahmundry, 124km from Visakhapatnam and 498 kms
from Hyderabad and it is a sacred piligrim centre on a hill top known as Ratnagiri.
The presiding deity at Annavaram is Veeravenkata Satyanarayana Swamy. It is believed
when Vrata is performed in the name of Satyanarayana Swamy by devotees, their wishes
will be fulfilled. It is estimated on an average about one lakh Vratas are performed
here every year by couples generally. Marriages, thread marriages (upanayanam) are
performed in large number. Chief festival days are Bhishma Ekadasi (Jan/Feb) and
Kalyanotsavam, Vysakha Ekadasi (Apr/May) are important. It is situated on the banks
of river pampa about 3 km from Annavaram.
Ryali:
Ryali lies at a distance of 25 km from Rajahmundry. It is famous for the temple
of Jaganmohini-Kesavaswami. The idol of the deity is beautifully carved on black
stone and it is worth seeing for its sculptural beauty and grand appearance.
Draksharamam: Draksharamam is a shaivite shrine
185 km. from Vijayawada, 17 km. from Kakinada, 40 km. from Rajahmundry and 466 km.
from Hyderabad. It is believed that sage Vyasa who performed penance here named
this as Dakshina Kasi (Southern Benaras).
Legend has it that the Saptamaharishis (Seven Sages) to achieve the ends of their
penance divided the akhanda (unbranched) Godavari river into seven different streams
at Draskharama. Bharadhwaja, Viswamitra and Jamadagni streams known as Antarvahinies,
were believed to have gone under ground. There is Sapta Godavari Kundam (Seven river
pond) near the temple where the devotees bathe. Sivarathri attracts huge crowds
of pilgrims.
According to another local legend a king by name Kaksha Prajapati performed a great
yaga with the motive of insulting his son-in-law Lord Siva. The king invited everyone
except his own son-in-law. Parvathi, though uninvited, attended the yagna and was
ill treated. Unable to withstand the insult, she subjected herself to self immolation.
Thus this place is known as "Daksha Vatika" and later as Dakshramam or Draksharamam.
There are a number of rock edicts (Sasanas)engraved on the walls of the temple.
The temple art shows the influence of a blend of sculptural traditions of Chalukya
and Chola styles. Famous Telugu poet Srinatha (4th century) is said to have written
a Prabhanda Kavya 'Bhimakhanda' about this sacred place.
How to reach
Air: The nearest airport to Draskharamam is in Vijayawada
at a distance of 185 km.
Rail: The nearest rail head is in
Kakinada at a distance of 17 km.
Road: One can easily reach Draskharam
by bus from Kakinada and Rajahmundry.
Where to stay: Choultries are available
at Drakshramam. Budget hotels in Kakinada and Rajahmundry.
Simhachalam: Simhachalam is 16 km. from Visakhapatnam,
the "Hill of the Lion", famous for its 11th century hilltop temple of Lord Narasimha.
The deity is always covered with sandalwood paste, giving it an appearance of a
sandalwood Shiva Linga. During the Chandanayatra festival celebrated here with great
pomp in March-April, the real shape of the deity can be seen.
How to reach
Air: The nearest airport is in Visakhapatnam at a distance
of 16 km.
Rail: The nearest rail head is in
Visakhapatnam is at a distance of 16 km.
Road: Simhachalam is easily accessible
from Visakhapatnam by the bus services offered by the government.
Where to stay: Choultries are available
at Simhachalam. Budget hotels Visakhapatnam.
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