Srikakulam District - 2 | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Religious Tourism

• The Arasavilli Sun God Temple is located in Arasavilli Village, just 1 km east of SRIKAKULAM Town in Andhra Pradesh, making it one of the oldest sun God temples in India.
• According to Padmapuranam, Sage Kasyapa established the Idol of Surya at Arasavilli for the benefit of humanity. Thus, the Surya idol belongs to the Kasyapasa Gotra and is known as the planetary King.
• The temple's 'Sthalapuranam' recounts how Lord Devendra founded the temple and placed the current idol of the sun God, also known as Lord Suryanarayana Swamy Varu, under specific circumstances.
• Once, Lord Devendra, disregarding the advice of Dwarapalaka Nandi, tried to enter to see Sri Rudrakoteswara Swamy Varu at an inappropriate time when Lord Siva was with his consort. Dwarapalaka Nandi, in his duty, prevented the intruder.

Srikurmam

• Srikurmam is a renowned ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated in the village of Srikurmam. The deity worshipped here is known as "Sri Kurmanatha," representing Lord Vishnu's second form as a Tortoise, unique to this temple. 
• Originally a shrine for Lord Shiva, it was later converted to Vaishnavism by Sri Ramanujacharya, a prominent philosopher in the Sri Vaishnavam tradition. The temple's architecture is awe-inspiring, adorned with intricate sculptures, paintings, and carvings that captivate visitors.

Pilgrim Attractions:

• An ancient temple constructed between the 9th and 11th centuries, preserved in its original form.
• The Trinity of Madhukeswara, Someswara, and Bheemeswara Temples.
• The Lingam, shaped from the trunk of a Madhuca tree with a naturally sculpted face.
• Magnificent red stone sculptures showcasing architectural grandeur.
• Situated along the picturesque banks of the Vamsadhara River.
• Under the protection of the Central Archaeological Department.

Salihundam

• Salihundam is a village and panchayat located in the Gara Mandal of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It is positioned on the southern bank of River Vamsadhara, around 5 kilometers to the west of Kalingapatnam and 18 kilometers from Srikakulam town.
• The village was originally known as Salivatika, signifying a rice emporium, but it was also referred to as "Salyapetika," which translates to a box of bones or relics.
• Discovered by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy in 1919, Salihundam houses numerous Buddhist stupas and an extensive monastic complex situated on a hillock amidst picturesque surroundings.
• Archaeological excavations at the site unveiled relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, structural temples, and various sculptures representing the three main phases of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
• These artifacts date back from approximately the 2nd century BC to the 12th century AD.
• Notable findings at the site include statues of 'Tara' and Marichi, pivotal figures in Buddhism, with Salihundam being a significant point from which Buddhism spread to Sumatra and other regions in the far-east.

Srimukhalingam Temple

• Location: Situated on the left banks of River Vamsadhara, the Srimukhalingam Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Architectural Marvel: This temple complex comprises three distinct shrines honoring Mukhalingeswara, Bhimeswara, and Someswara, each showcasing exquisite Indo-Aryan architectural styles.
• Artistic Grandeur: Visitors are captivated by the temple's intricate sculptures and carvings, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans.
• Entrance: Upon entering through a grand arched gate adorned with majestic lion sculptures, visitors are greeted by a series of staircases leading to the outer prakara area.
• Nandi Mandapam: Inside the outer prakara, a beautifully crafted Nandi idol resides in a dedicated pavilion.

Mandasa

• This location is found at the base of Mahendragiti, situated 26 kilometers away from Sompeta town.
• It boasts a fort, considered the tallest in southern India, making it a popular tourist spot.
• The village houses the Varahaswamy temple, a key attraction for visitors.

Sangam

• Sangam, a village and pilgrimage destination in Vangara mandal, SRIKAKULAM district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Located approximately 56 kilometers from SRIKAKULAM Town and 20 kilometers from Rajam.
• It is a Triveni sangam, where the rivers Nagavali, Suvarnamukhi, and Vegavati converge, akin to the famous site in Allahabad.
• The Sangameswara temple in Vangara Mandal is one of the five lingas of Lord Sangameswara, drawing numerous devotees, especially during the Maha Sivaratri Festival.

Engineering Tourism

Salihundam

• Salihundam is a village and panchayat in Gara Mandal of SRIKAKULAM district in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It is located on the south bank of River Vamsadhara, situated 5 kilometers west of Kalingapatnam and 18 kilometers from SRIKAKULAM town.
• The village was formerly known as Salivatika, which means rice emporium. Alternatively, it was called "Salyapetika," translating to box of bones or relics.
• The archaeological site boasts several Buddhist stupas and a substantial monastic complex nestled on a hillock amidst picturesque surroundings.
• Salihundam was initially unearthed by Gidugu Venkata Rama Murthy in 1919, revealing relic caskets, four stupas, a Chaityagriha, structural temples, and numerous sculptures representing the evolution of Buddhism through Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, spanning from the 2nd century BC to the 12th century AD.
• Among the notable findings at the site are the statues of 'Tara' and Marichi, significant figures that contributed to the spread of Buddhism to regions like Sumatra and other far-eastern countries.

About Srikakulam District

Tourism in Arasavilli

• The Sun God Temple in Arasavilli Village is renowned for its historical significance.
• Located just 1 kilometer east of SRIKAKULAM Town in Andhra Pradesh, it stands as one of the oldest Sun God temples in India.
• Sage Kasyapa is credited with the installation of the Surya idol at Arasavilli for the well-being of humanity.
• The idol is associated with Kasyapasa Gotra and is revered as the planetary King.
• Legend has it that Lord Devendra established the temple and placed the current idol, known as Lord Suryanarayana Swamy Varu.

• Lord Devendra's attempt to enter Sri Rudrakoteswara Swamy Varu's shrine led to the founding of the Sun God Temple in Arasavilli.
• During this event, Dwarapalaka Nandi, the gatekeeper, prevented Devendra from entering untimely, resulting in a confrontation.
• This incident underscores the significance of adhering to divine protocols and respecting sacred spaces.

Handicraft

Ponduru: Famous for Khadi

Location of Ponduru

• Ponduru is a village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It is located around 20 kilometers from Srikakulam Town.

Specialty of Ponduru: Khadi Production

• Ponduru is renowned for producing high-quality Khadi fabric.
• The Khadi produced in Ponduru is well-known across India.
• Mahatma Gandhi favored the Khadi from Ponduru due to its exceptional quality.

Significance of Ponduru's Khadi Production

• Ponduru's Khadi holds historical importance and symbolizes the village's craftsmanship and dedication towards producing superior fabric. 
• This traditional artistry has not only gained national recognition but also reflects Ponduru's cultural heritage.