Vijayadurga's Vision of Vijayawada
Sitting on Indrakeeladri Hill, Goddess Vijayadurga, or Kanakadurga, overlooks the flow of the River Krishna and the city, formerly known as Bejawada and now called Vijayawada, and this temple stands in second place in terms of the Hundi Collection only after Tirumula. This city can be termed the railway junction of South India, as every train must pass through Vijayawada when it has to cross the direction, from east to west or south to north. Passengers are often confused when they leave Vijayawada station and feel that they are going back to their starting point because the trains travel in reverse direction. The city is also the third most densely populated urban built-up area in the world and is classified as a Y-grade city by the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
History of Vijayawada
As per the available records, this area was ruled by Parichchedi Kings in 626 A.D., and after that, the Vishnukundin Dynasty ruled. Mogalrajapuram Hills have five rock-cut temples, built during the fourth and ninth centuries. Some of the caves can be attributed to the Vishnukundin dynasty. Akkana Madanna Caves, at the foot of Indrakeeladri Hill, is a monument of national importance. The temple has inscriptions dating back to the ninth century AD to the 16th century AD by various kings. There are ten pillars and a mutilated slab with inscriptions in the Telugu language. Of them, the inscriptions issued by Yudhamalla I and II of the Eastern Chalukyas are important. It became the political capital of Andhra Pradesh when it was separated from Madras State in 1950.
Historic spiritual places
Other than Kanakadurga temple, Hazarat Bal Mosque is a Muslim shrine housing the holy relic of the Prophet Mohammed, and Gunadala Mary Matha Church is an important shrine for Christians and illuminates during Christmas Eve. Kondapalli Toys, which were granted geographical indication in 2007, are handmade by the artisans of Kondapalli, situated in the suburbs of Vijayawada.