Kovvur

Kovvur sits on the west bank of the Godavari, across the river from Rajamahendravaram. Its main bathing ghat is called Goshpada Kshetram. Goshpada means a cow’s hoofprint, and the town’s old name, Govuru, also points to cows. Local tradition says Sage Gautama meditated on this bank. In the legend, a cow strayed into his fields and died when he drove it away. To wash away that sin he prayed to Shiva, who released the Ganga. The river he brought down became the Godavari, also called Gautami after him.

Beside the ghat stands the shrine of Sundareswara Swamy with Bala Tripura Sundari. Pilgrims come to bathe and pray. Crowds swell during the Godavari Pushkaralu, held once every 12 years, when many families also offer rites for their ancestors. The next Pushkaralu run from 26 June to 7 July 2027, and new ghat works are planned along the Kovvur riverfront. On a quiet morning it is a simple place to sit by the river and look across at the city.