Rural Tourism > Pochampally > Sightseeing
 

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Distance:
Place   km
Tirupati
: 490.28
Visakhapatnam
: 589.8
Puttaparthi : 418.48
Rajahmundry
: 407.32
Vijayawada : 284.1
     

Easy Weekend Getaways
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   Sightseeing

Vinobha Mandir
The most important tourist site here is the Vinoba Ashram, which has been accorded a religious status as this was the launch site for the Bhoodan movement. This Mandir as it is called, houses statutes of Acharya Vinoba Bhave and also of Shri Vedire Ramchendre Reddy who was the first land donor. One can also view memoirs of the Acharya that are on display.
The Bhoodan Stupam, a symbol of the land donation movement is an important part of this ashram.

Swamy Ramananda Thirtha Rural Institute(SRTRI)
SRTRI was established to impart vocational training and guidance to rural youth. It provides computer-aided weaving design services, not only to the rural youth but also trains others who are interested in acquiring these skills. To cater to the needs of the non-local candidates, the institute offers accommodation as well.

Tourism Complex
The cool environs of the Tourism Complex with its inviting well manicured landscape,offers respite to a weary tourist. Refreshments at the cafeteria & performances of local art forms at the amphitheatre are experiences to savour here. For those interested in knowing more about the local art form, the Ikkat weaving museum provides an excellent insight.

Chenetha Gurukulam
For those seeking in-depth knowledge of the Ikkat form of weaving, Chnetha Gurukulam offers 1-5 day short-term and 45 days-1 year training programmes. The experienced Gurus here showcase the uniqueness of Pochampally weave, wherein the design is transferred onto the warp and weft before being woven together. This is unlike the normal practice in which the the design is laid on the woven cloth.

101- Darwaja House
Imagine a single house with 101 doors! Even though it sounds incredible the 80-year old dwelling here is proof of existence.

Temples
To the religious tourist Pochampally is holy ground indeed, with quite a number of shrines. These include:




Markandeya Temple

The presiding deity of this village is Lord Markandeya, as he is the main God for the weaving community. Come in February and you will be able to take part in the grand celebrations which includes a Jatra (Fair/Carnival), with devotees from the surrounding areas thronging the village. Also, special pujas (prayers) are performed on important days other than normal prayers which are held thrice a week.

Mahammayamma Temple
Also, in February is the Rathtostavam(Chariot Festival) of the Mahammayamma Temple which attracts huge crowds to a carnival like atmosphere.

Ayyappa Temple
A recent addition here is the development of an Ayyappa temple which is a scaled down replica of the Sabrimalai shrine (Kerala) including that of the deity. This is a boon to those who perform the Ayyappa Puja - which requires strict abstinence from earthly pleasures – as they do not have to travel all the way to Kerala.

Sri Laxminarayana Temple
All those lucky tourists who visit Pochampally during Deepavalli in Oct/Nov will understand the true meaning of 'the festival of lights'. This ancient temple of Lord Vishnu,belonging to the 16th century A.D, is beautifully illuminated by the Sahasra Deeparadhana where 1008 lamps are lit in worship.

Basavalingeswara Temple
Another important shrine here is the 300-year old Basavalingeswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva,that houses a Swayambhu Lingam found while ploughing the fields. It is believed that by performing the Lingabhishekam,a revered act of pouring water on the Lingam, the region will be blessed by ample rainfall.


 


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Last Updated 25-08-2010
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