The district administration is contemplating promoting temple tourism in the district connecting major temples and Buddhist places.A daily bus starts in the city in early hours and goes up to Hamasaldeevi in Avanigadda constituency.
The circuit covers Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy temple and Kalakshetram at Kuchipudi, Sri Venugoplaswamy temple at Movva, Sri Maha Vishnu temple at Srikakulam, and Buddhist sthupa at Ghanatasala, Challapalli kota, Sri Subrahmanyeswara swamy temple at Mopidevi, Sri Durganageswara swamy temple at Pedakallepalli, and Sri Venugopala swamy temple at Hamsaladeevi.
Deputy Speaker and Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad said that each temple that was listed in the circuit has a historical and religious importance. Take for instance, Srikakulam in Ghantasala mandal. Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya wrote his famous Amuktamalyada here. The Buddhist relics and the Hindu structures at Ghantasala reveal its past glory.
The ‘sagara sangamam’ is holy place for many. But, there are hardly any bus facilities. The people rely on private transport. But, since people like to visit these places, the circuit is being planned, he said.
The Srikakuleswara Swamy temple has many attractions and historical links. As many as 32 inscriptions, including those issued by Sri Krishnadevaraya, appear on the walls of the temple. The temple is said to be existing from 1010 A.D., and was reconstructed twice before now.
When contacted, Vijayawada Sub Collector Harichandana Dasari said that the district administration is yet to finalise the finer details such timings of buses, and which agency/department should implement the programme. A report is being sent to the government for a final decision.
The government buildings at Hamsaladeevi would be renovated, and couple of boats would be pressed into service for tourist convenience. The tourists can visit the sagara sangamam and go for a boat ride in the sea. As part of package, lunch and other facilities would be provided to them, she said.