Munikudali Ghat Expected To Be the Focal Point of Godavari Pushkaralu
According to tradition, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are believed to have bathed at the site, while sages are said to have performed penance there.
Kakinada: Munikudali ghat in Seethanagaram mandal of East Godavari district is emerging as a major focal point for the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, with authorities planning extensive development works and highlighting its pollution-free environment. The ghat, located in Rajanagaram constituency, is also known as Devansh ghat. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu named Munikudali ghat after Devansh, son of minister N. Lokesh, who had been born during the 2015 Godavari Pushkaralu. Munikudali is one among 13 ghats in Seethanagaram mandal, the others including Raghudevapuram, Muggalla, Rajampet, Katavaram and Bobbilanka. Following Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan’s recent review of the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram preparations and concerns over river pollution, Rajanagaram MLA Bathula Bala Ramakrishna has focused on upgrading the ghats in the Seethanagaram mandal, particularly Munikudali ghat. As part of the proposed development works, the ghat will be expanded from 35 metres to 59 metres. Nine metres of it will be earmarked for ‘Pinda Pradhanam’ and other traditional rituals associated with the Pushkaralu.
MLA Bala Ramakrishna said Munikudali ghat holds religious significance and is associated with beliefs linked to the Ramayana. According to tradition, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are believed to have bathed at the site, while sages are said to have performed penance there.
The Rajanagaram legislator underlined that Munikudali and other bathing points in the area are free from industrial effluents and drainage inflows, ensuring cleaner river water for pilgrims. He said two additional ghats are being planned to share the rush of pilgrims during the Pushkaram.
Bala Ramakrishna said Pawan Kalyan is expected to visit Munikudali ghat on June 24 to review the development works. Road connectivity from Visakhapatnam, Paderu, Bhadrachalam, and other regions is being strengthened to facilitate pilgrim movement. He said all ghats in the area would be upgraded and expanded to improve facilities for devotees during the festival.
East Godavari district collector P. Keerthi Chekuri said Munikudali ghat is being developed as a model ghat for the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, with focus on maintaining the existing pollution-free environment.
