Kotilingala Ghat in Rajahmundry is a significant historical and religious site on the banks of the Godavari River. It’s known for its association with the Kotilingam temple, where a legend says Lord Brahma installed the 1,00,00,000th Shiva Linga to fulfill a devotee’s wish. The ghat is also one of the longest bathing ghats in India and is a major location for pilgrims during the Godavari Pushkaram festival.
Key aspects of Kotilingala Ghat:
- Historical Significance:Kotilingala, an ancient site near Rajahmundry, has yielded valuable archaeological evidence, including punch-marked coins and artifacts from the pre-Satavahana period.
- Religious Importance:The ghat is named after the legend of the Koti (one crore) Lingas and is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma installed the final Linga.
- Pushkaram Festival:Kotilingala Ghat is a major bathing ghat during the Godavari Pushkarams, a festival that occurs every 12 years.
- Development as a Tourist Hub:The Andhra Pradesh government has invested in developing Kotilingala Ghat as a major tourist destination, including improvements to infrastructure and sanitation.
- Bathing Ghat:The ghat is known for its length and the large number of pilgrims it can accommodate during the Pushkaram festival.