East Godavari district is a residuary portion of the old Godavari District after West Godavari District was separated in 1925. As the name of the district conveys, East Godavari District is closely associated with the river Godavari, occupying a major portion of the delta area. The Headquarters of the District is located at Kakinada.
East Godavari District lies North - East Coast of Andhra Pradesh and bounded on the North by Visakhapatnam District and the State of Orissa, on the East and the South by the Bay of Bengal and on the West by Khammam and West Godavari Districts. Area of the District is 10,807 Sq.Kms. The District is located between Northern latitudes of 16o 30' and 18o 20' and between the Eastern longitudes of 81o 30' and 82o 30'. It has a population of 48.73 lakhs as per 2001 Census.
The District consisting of 5 Revenue Divisions viz., Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Peddapuram, Rampachodavaram and Amalapuram.
Kakinada is an educational hub and a rapid growing city in Coastal Andhra in industrial sector. Rajahmundry is one of the well known business centres in Coastal Andhra.
The District is known as rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh with lush paddy fields and coconut groves. It is also known as another Kerala. East Godavari is the Rice Granary of Andhra Pradesh, it beckons tourists to have a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage.
The district, like the rest of the Deccan was under the Nandas and Mauryas in its early history. After the fall of the Mauryan Empire, the district was under the Sathavahanas until the third century under the famous poet king Hala. Coins found during excavations have revealed the rule of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Vasisthi-putra Pulumayi and Yajna Sri Satakarni. Gupta emperor Samudragupta invaded during the rule of both Pishtapura and Avamukta in the district in 350 A.D. Samudragupta's invasion was followed by the rule of theMathara Dynasty from 375 to 500. The earliest known ruler of the dynasty was Maharaja Sakthi Varma.
The district passed into the hands of Vishnukundinas during the rule of Vikramendra Varma I during the 5th century. The records indicate that their domain extended over Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur Districts in addition to East Godavari District. Indra Bhattaraka defeated the rulers of Vasistha Kula and re-established Vihsnukundina authority, but was shortly defeated byKalinga armies. Indra Bhattaraka was followed to the throne by a few others, including Madha Varma III and Manchanna Bhattaraka, who tried to restore their kingdom. Madhava Varma III was the last important ruler of this family.
There are lot of Princely States and Zamindaris in East Godavari, who are successors to the SURYAVANSHI Kings of Rajputana, migrated in early 12th century. Famous Zamindaris are Peddapuram, Tuni, Ramachandrapuram. They are VATSAVAI Kings and are Titled as JAGAPATI'S.
Godavari River:The Godavari River is a major waterway in central India, originating in the Western Ghats Trimbakeshwar, in the Nashik Subdivision or District Of Maharashtra and flowing eastwardly across the Deccan Plateau through the state of Maharashtra. It is known as dakshin ganga (Southern Ganges). It enters Andhra Pradesh at Kandhakurthi in Nizamabad district. While passing through telangana region of Andhra Pradesh it touches a small village called Dharmapuri which is a pilgrimage village with many ancient Hindu temples and river Godavari serving as spiritual place in true sense for bathing in Godavari river spread over rocks and sand. While crossing the Deccan Plateau and then turns to flow in a southeast direction until it empties into the Bay of Bengal through two mouths.[3] Basara, on the banks of Godavari in Adilabad District, is home to a famous temple for Goddess Saraswati and is the second temple for the Goddess in India
Konaseema:Konaseema is famous for its scenic greenery and vedic scholars. The origin of the name may be from Telugu word "Kona" meaning corner which resembles its shape. The northern side is bounded by Gautami Godavari and southern side is bounded by Vasista Godavari. It is one of most fertile lands present in Coromandel Coast. The entire region is rich in Coconut trees, Mango groves,Cashew and paddy fields.
Annavaram:The popularity and importance of the temple is gaining among the pilgrims and this place is considered as second only to Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Festivals are celebrated round the year at this temple with great pomp and show. Some of the popular festivals celebrated are the Kalyanam festival in May, Devi Navaratri festival in September, the Swayamvara Vardhanti of Sraavana Suddha Ekadashi Day, Srirama Kalyana, Kanakadurga Yatra, Prabha Utsavam, Teppa Utsavam and Jalatoranam.
Drakshmaramam:The Siva deity is known as Bhimesvara Swamy. The temple is situated on the eastern bank of Godavari River. The consort of Lord Bhimesvara is Manikyamba. According to local belief the Siva linga at the temple was installed and established by the god Surya. Maha Shivaratri, Devi Navaratrulu, Karthika Masam, and Dhanurmasam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple