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Kotappakonda, the abode of Trikoteswara
Swamy, is a village, 15-km southwest of Narsaraopet in
Guntur district. Mahasivaratri is
the important festival celebrated here with great devotion and fervour.
Kotappakonda comes alive on this eve, which falls during February-March
every year. Milling crowds occupy every inch of the space on and around
the hill.
'Prabhas', rectangular frames tapering at the top made of bamboo and
decorated with coloured cloth and paper, of different sizes are taken in
procession as a part of the festival. Most of them are 25 to 30 feet high
and are carried by the devotees. But the giant Prabhas, rising to a height
of over 100 feet, are carried on decorated and lighted bullock carts
accompanied by a large following. They are placed on a meadow at the foot
of the hill. Large manpower, money and material are needed to erect these
Prabhas, which promote a spirit of cooperation and unification enthusing
the villagers.
Accommodation facilities are available and there are many nearby
attractions like the artificial Jurassic Park, meditation center etc
around Kotappakonda and thus, the place is all set to become a major
tourist attraction, providing "Rakthi, Bhakthi and Mukthi"
(entertainment, devotion and salvation) to the visitors.
Road: The best way to reach Kotappakonda is to take a bus from Narasaraopet, Chilkaluripet and Vijayawada.