West Godavari District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

About West Godavari District

Geography

• West Godavari District was formed from a section of the old West Godavari District, consisting of 19 Mandals. 
• Situated in the western delta of the River Godavari, it was named appropriately as "West Godavari" with its headquarters in Bhimavaram.

Boundaries and Topography of the District

The district is surrounded by various geographical features:

• East: River Godavari
• West: Eluru District
• North: Rajahmundry District
• South: Krishna District and the Bay of Bengal

Climate

• The climate in West Godavari District is moderate during both winter and summer seasons in the delta area.
• Normal maximum temperatures range from 36.2°C, while normal minimum temperatures are around 19.0°C in the district.
• The highest temperatures are typically experienced in April and May.
• Rainfall in the district primarily comes from the South West and North East monsoons. The normal rainfall for each monsoon is 794.0 mm and 312.9 mm, respectively, with a total of 1106.09 mm.
• In 2019-20, the actual rainfall from the South West monsoon was 672.7 mm, and from the North East monsoon, it was 207.3 mm.
• Agricultural activities in the district heavily rely on the major irrigation scheme known as the "Godavari Western Delta System."

Demographics

• The district covers an area of 2178.4 square kilometers and has a population density of 817 per square kilometer. This area constitutes about 1.34% of the total area of the state.
• There are a total of 293 revenue villages in the district, out of which 291 are inhabited, leaving 2 villages uninhabited.
• The physical characteristics, natural resources, and potentialities of the mandals (administrative divisions) in the district show a high degree of similarity.
• According to the 2011 census, the district's total population is 1,779,935, representing around 3.59% of the state's total population.
• The female population of the district is 890,683, accounting for 50.04% of the district's population and 3.6% of the state's female population.

Religious Tourism

• Religious tourism, known as pilgrimage tourism, involves traveling primarily for pilgrimage to Temples, Churches, or Masjids.
• West Godavari stands out for its rich variety of temples and shrines, embodying a place of deep tradition, heritage, and historical significance.

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple

• Sri Venkateswara Swami temple, also known as Parijathagiri temple, is situated in Jangareddygudem, offering a serene and picturesque site for worship and visitation. It is unique for having a cluster of seven mountains besides Tirumala Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh. 
• The temple underwent recent renovations to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, with a grand Kalyanamandapam hosting numerous marriage ceremonies. 
• The sacred tradition of Annadhanam, providing food to devotees, is a regular practice here. Additionally, the annual Srivari Brahmotsavam festival spans nine days, attracting devotees from far and wide.

Sri BhuniLa Sameta Sri Janardhana Swamy Kanyakumara Parameshwari Ammanala Temple, Eluru

• The temple in Eluru is dedicated to Sri BhuniLa Sameta Sri Janardhana Swamy Kanyakumara Parameshwari Ammanala.
• The creator of the universe, who also created the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), desired self-realization. Brahma proposed that Vishnu take the role of the third entity. Vishnu accepted this proposal, leading to the creation of the third entity.
• This third entity was not to their liking, and Shiva, in his Shankar form, was called upon to rectify the situation. Shiva divided this entity into four parts, with three parts becoming Lakshmi, Parvati, and the power they embodied.
• The remaining fourth part was divided into 101 portions, each allocated to a specific village. These villages were instructed to worship Lord Shiva and were named Nokkalamma, Polaremma, Sattemma, and Mahavishnu, collectively known as Pothuraju.

Sree Kottasathemma Goddess, Nidadavolu Zone

• In the 13th Century, King Veerabhadra Chalukya, the spouse of Rani Rudrama Devi, governed a part of West Godavari District with Niravadyapuram (Nidadavolu) as the capital.
• During his reign, Nidadavolu was fortified as a fort and witnessed numerous wars.
• The fort was believed to be safeguarded by Goddess Kotasattemma.
• Niravadyapuram gained prominence during the Kakatiya dynasty, which was succeeded by the Reddi dynasty.
• The temple of Ammavaru was engulfed by floods and natural disasters, leading to its disappearance for centuries.
• In 1934, a local farmer named Sri Devulapalli Ramamurthy Sastry unearthed the statue of Ammavaru while tilling his land.
• The Goddess appeared in his dream, instructing him to build a temple for her.
• With the assistance of fellow farmers, Sri Sastry constructed the temple, surrounded by compound walls.
• The temple was managed by the Yadavas and quickly gained popularity, with people believing that their wishes were granted through worshipping the Goddess.

Sri Uma Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

• This ancient temple, known as Sri Uma Ramalingeswara Swamy, is dedicated to the main deity Sri Ramachandra Ravanavada.
• The temple is believed to be a significant site for absolving sins like Brahma Hattaya Papanakiana and houses the Rameshwaram Lingam.
• It was constructed with imposing walled towers, and the Swami's Deepa Navayathas were the primary benefactors, including kings and zamindars.
• Devotees from far and wide visit the temple to pay their respects and receive blessings from the Swami.
• Swami is known for bestowing devotees with blessings and divine hymns, enriching their spiritual experience.
• According to mythology, the temple is located in the midst of the renowned Saptasagara Sanctuary, with Gautama Vasishta residing to the west in Vasishta "Achanta".
• The ancient name of the temple is "martyr".
• The temple is dedicated to Sri Rameswaran Lingusayam Umasamatumuga, an alternative name for Lord Rama Chandra, situated in the northern and eastern parts of the temple area.
• These distinctive features make the temple noteworthy and revered among devotees.

AnjaneyaSwamy Temple

• Anjaneya Swami Temple is situated in Relangi village in the Iragavaram mandal of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, India. 
• It is located approximately 5 kilometers away from the main town of Iragavaram, about 74 kilometers from Rajahmundry, and 138 kilometers from Vijayawada. 
• The village is renowned for the Sri Mantalama Talli Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Village Goddess (Grama Devi or Grama Devatha) Mantalamma.
• It is accessible by both road and rail transport, with local trains between Nidadavolu and Bhimavaram stopping in the village.

Gunupudi Someswara Janardhana Swamy Temple

• Gunupudi Someswara Janardhana Swamy Temple is situated in Bhimavaram, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is famously known as "Somarama," one of the Five Pancharama temples.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Sri Someswara Janardhana Swamy, and was mainly constructed by King Chalukya Bheema in the 4th century.
• The Shiva lingam in the temple, called Someshwara, is believed to have been installed by Lord Chandra. It is said that the color of the lingam changes during the full moon and Amavasya.
• The temple also houses shrines for Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Adilakshmi, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, God Kumara Swamy, Navagraha, Sun God, and Lord Ganesha.
• Noteworthy features of the temple include a pillar at the main entrance and a Pushkarini pond, also known as Soma Gundam, on the east side of the temple.

Dwaraka Tirumala-Chinna Tirupati Temple

• This sacred site, known as Dwaraka Tirumala, is named after the revered saint Dwaraka, who discovered the self-manifested idol of Lord Sri Venkateswara through intense penance inside a Valmikam (ant hill).
• Devotees affectionately refer to Sri Venkateswara as Kaliyuga Vaikunta Vasa, highlighting his significance in the present age.
• It is also recognized as Chinna Tirupati, signifying its importance as a smaller version of the famed Tirumala temple.
• According to scriptures, rivers in North India like the Ganges and Yamuna gain holiness as they flow towards their origins, while rivers in South India such as the Krishna and Godavari become increasingly sacred as they flow towards their mouths and into the sea.
• The geographical location of Dwaraka Tirumala holds a special place in India, embraced by the majestic rivers Krishna and Godavari, as described in the Brahma Purana.
• For devotees who are unable to visit the main Tirumala Tirupati temple to make offerings to Lord Venkateswara, they can fulfill their desire by donating, praying, and worshiping at the Dwaraka Tirumala temple.

Ramalingeswara Swami Temple

• Palakollu is situated in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is renowned for the Sri Kshira Rama Lingeshwara Swamy Temple, one of the Pancharama temples.
• The Sivalingam (Moola Virat) in the temple is unique as it can be viewed from all four sides through windows in the Garbhaalayam.
• The temple is dedicated to various deities including Sun God, Kashi Vishweshwara, Goddess Parvathi, Goddess Lakshmi, Nagareshwara Lingam, Dundi Vigneshwara, Veera Bhadra, Sapta Matruka, Kanaka Durga, Brahma, Saraswathi, Kumara Swamy, Kartikeya, Mahishasura Mardhini, Nagasarpa, Nataraja, Dattatreya, Kala Bhairava, Nageshwara, Saneeswara, and Radha Krishna.
• One significant belief associated with the temple is that the Sivalingam was installed by Lord Vishnu.

Maddi Anjaneya Swamy (Lord Hanuman) Temple

• Maddi Anjaneya Swamy (Lord Hanuman) temple is located 3 kilometers away from Janareddigudem town in a village called Gurvaigudem.
• Devotees often visit the temple on Tuesdays to offer prayers to Lord Anjaneya Swamy.
• Similar to many South Indian temples, there is an organized queue system for darshan of Lord Hanuman.
• For a quick darshan, there is a special Rs 20 line that allows devotees to bypass the crowded free darshan queue.
• It is customary to walk around the main temple sanctum 11 times (Pradakshina) before seeking darshan, with the belief that wishes will be fulfilled within a year.
• Each round of Pradakshina takes about one minute 30 seconds to one minute 45 seconds, depending on walking speed.
• Photography and video recording are allowed inside the temple complex free of charge.
• There are no restrictions on photography within the temple premises, and professional photographers are available to take photos with the temple in the background.

Mavullamma Temple, Bhimavaram

• The history of Jaganmatha Sri Mavullamma Temple dates back to 1880 AD, showcasing the temple's rich heritage since that time.
• Legend has it that the deity is enshrined in Motupallivari street under a couple of pipal and neem trees.
• Annually, during the month of "Jyesta Masa" (third month of the Telugu almanac calendar), on "Paadyami" (new slender crescent moon day), devotees observe a month-long celebration.
• The entire town and its surroundings take on a festive appearance during this period.
• The temple committee and local fruit and vegetable traders' committee honor various artists, actors, musicians, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Religious Places in West Godavari District

• In 1910 AD, the Mulavirat (Statue of Mavullamma) was partially damaged by floods. It was later restored by the skilled artist and sculptor Sri Grandhi Narasanna's son, Sri Grandhi Appa Rao. 
• The statue was transformed from a fierce form to a peaceful one.

Juttiga and Natta Rameswaram (Dakshina Kasi)

• Juttiga and Natta Rameswaram, twin villages in Penumantra Mandal, W.G.Dt, hold religious significance due to the presence of temples. 
• Juttiga Village houses the Swayambhulingam temple known as Sri Uma Vasuki Ravi Someswara Swamy, while Natta Rameswaram 
• Village has a lingam made of shells and cones known as Natta Ramalingeswara Swamy. 
• The Sivaratri festival's Edurukolotsavam is a grand celebration at the border of these villages, drawing thousands of pilgrims.

Sri Vasavi Kanyakaparameswari Temple, Penugonda

• The Sri Vasavi Kanyakaparameswari Temple, located 15 km from Palakollu and 16 km from Tanuku, is a renowned site. 
• Legend has it that Vasavi Kanyakaparameswari, known for her beauty, chose self-immolation over marrying the Chalukyan ruler Vishnu Vardhan due to his dishonorable intentions. 
• Following her sacrifice, a temple was constructed in her honor. Nearby, the Sri Nageswara Swamy temple houses a large Lingaroopa of the Swamy.

Sri Adikesava Embermanar Swamy Temple

• The sandalwood paste applied around the Linga at this temple miraculously remains fresh and moist until the following morning, baffling visitors and devotees alike.
• The Sri Adikesava Embermanar Swamy temple serves as a significant pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.
• Constructed more than two centuries ago, this temple bears resemblance to the famous Sri Perambadur temple in Tamil Nadu.
• Annually, the temple hosts grand Brahmotsava celebrations during April-May, drawing large crowds of devotees to partake in the festivities.

Gowripatnam

• Gowripatnam, located in South India, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes encompassing pastures, valleys, mountains, and rivers.
• It is situated near Nirmalagiri, a hilly forest area positioned alongside the Chennai-Kolkatta National Highway, overlooking the River Godavari at a distance of 20 kilometers.

Syed BajiHazaratDargah (ELURU)

• The Hazarat Syed Yaakub Jaan Mahatmulavari Dargah in Eluru, specifically situated on Eastern Street in Paidichintapadu, is a revered site of worship.

Abhaya Buddha Statue, Eluru

• A striking 74-foot Buddha statue stands prominently within the Gajjalavari Cheruvu pond, accompanied by a gallery showcasing paintings that disseminate Buddha's teachings.
• The pedestal of the statue is adorned with renowned Amaravathi sculptures, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the site.