Religious Tourism

Religious tourism is also referred to as pilgrimage tourism, where the primary purpose of travel is for pilgrimage to Temples, Churches or Masjids.  East Godavari is a notable place with its rich and varied temples and shrines. It is a place of rich tradition, heritage and historical significance. Here, we provide a list of some historical, most visited and famous pilgrimages in East Godavari district along with their details.

Jaganadh Swamy Temple

1. RYALI: Ryali is located 38km from Rajamahendravaram. It is an enchanting place situated between the rivers Vashista and Gowtami. In this temple the exquisite idol of Jaganadh Swamy is made of black stone. It has MahaVishnu in front and Jagan Mohini on back side and can also catch a glimpse of ten incarnations of concerts, Thumbara, Narada, Rambha, Urvasi, Garuda, Ganga and many more. This shrine is referred as “Swayambhu”

SRI VIGNESWARA SWAMI VARU

2. BIKKAVOLU: Bikkavolu temple is dedicated to Sri Vinayaka. The main deity inside the temple is 7 feet tall. This is a “Swayambhu”. It is located 40kms from Rajamahendravaram. It is believed that the idol was installed during 849 AD and has been increasing year by year. Here the devotees whisper their wishes in Sri’s ear. The other fascinating thing is the water that comes out from bottom portion of left leg of the Sri.

SRI SURYANARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE

3. GOLLALA MAMIDADA: Gollala Mamidada is located 45kms from Rajamahendravaram. It is in the midst of coconut groves and green fields. Suryanarayana Swamy temple is situated here. It has 170 feet high gopuram. The temple is situated in 16 acres. The whole gopuram consists of 100’s of carvings which are said to be an eye feast and takes lot of time to see every carving which is constructed based on different epics of god & goddess. It is also known as ‘Chinna Bhadrachalam’.

MARKANDEYA SWAMY VARI TEMPLE

4. MARKANDEYA TEMPLE: One of the ancient temples of Rajamahendravaram. The temple was rebuilt in 1818 which shows Sri Shiva along with all other deities in one place. It is located near Ghats of Godavari. Devotees generally have a dip in river Godavari before they enter the temple.

SRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE

5. KORUKONDA: It is located about 25kms from Rajahmundry. It is an ancient historic temple known as Vaishnava Divya Kshetram. It is dedicated to Sri Vishnu. It is a ‘Swayambhu’ idol situated at the top of a hill which can be accessed only through long flight of 650 steps. The temple was constructed 800 years ago.

The Royal Mosque

6. ROYAL MOSQUE: The Royal Mosque which is situated in the midst of Rajahmundry was built in 1305A.D by Sumera Sahib son of Mohammad Bin Tughlak and is one of the oldest monument worth seeing. It has completed 700 years and it stood as a centre for religious harmony and brotherhood.