Narasapuram is a Town, Mandal, Municipality and Revenue division in West Godavari District in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the one of the major town on the bank of Vasista Godavari river. It was also headquarters for Narasapuram Assembly Constituency of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Narasapuram Lok Sabha Constituency of Indian Parliament.
There are many towns in the name of Narasapuram or Narasapur or Narsapur in the Medak, Nalgonda, Krishna districts and in Karnataka State. Even some villages with same name are in West Godavari District, with some prefixes like "T. Narasapuram" etc.
"Narasapuram" is the correct Pronunciation in Telugu for this town. It was also known as "Nrusimhapuri" and "Abhinava Bhootapuri". Narasapuram was the general usage form of "Narasimhaa Puram", which indicates Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, a Hindu God. Famous temple town Antarvedi is very near to this town and this town named after the Lord of Antarvedi that is Narasimha Swamy.
Demographics
As of 2001[update] India census, Narsapur had a population of 58, 508. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Narasapuram has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 71%. In Narsapur, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Narsapur was famous for the Embarmannerswamy Kovel, Lutheran Church. The modern Christ Lutheran Church( built in 1929) is considered a landmark in the town.
Culture
The town is a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Narasapuram has a unique culture which has been influenced by the many communities that have made it their home. Narasapuram is quite a cosmopolitan town with people of various ethnic groups and faiths living in it. Predominantly Hindu, the town also has a large Christian population. The town was a major center for Lutheran missionary activity in the 18th century. It is famous for its lace handicraft industry. Many families from this town have greatly benefited from the lace industry.
Godavari Pushkaram is celebrated every 12 years in Narasapuram. Many people from the town and nearby villages plus people all the way from abroad and including foreigners take a holy dip in the Vasista River (also called the Vasista Godavari) during Godavari Pushkarams. It is a memorable event. SCR runs special trains to Narsapur from various locations during Godavari Pushkaram.
Sri Adikesava Embermannar Swamy Temple
Sri Adikesava Embermannar Swamy Temple is among the places of faith and worship of Vaishnavites, located in Narsapur, West Godavari District. This beautiful temple was built about more than two centuries ago. It is of similar architecture and design as that of the renowned Sriperumbudur Temple in Tamil Nadu.The annual Brahmotsav festival of the temple is organized between April and May.This festival is celebrated with great pomp and splendor lasting for days. This temple is called as Kovela by the people hence the street named as Kovela street.Just about 3 km from Narsapur town is the Durga Laxmaneshwara Swamy temple. Legend has it that Sri Laxmana has installed this temple. The Goddess demands total Peace & silence, hence there are no houses near the temple. The major Cities close to this temple are Eluru, Rajamundy, Vijayawada.
Transport
The town is well connected to Hyderabad (Narsapur Express,introduced in the year 1979), Vishakapatnam (Simhadri link Express, Passenger), Tirupati (Tirupati Express), Nagarsol (Express), Vijayawada (one Passenger), Rajamundry(two Passengers), Guntur(two Passengers), Nidadavolu (Passenger), Gudivada (Passenger) and Bhimavaram (Passenger) daily.
About Narsapur station:
Station code NS, Division BZA, Zone SCR. It is the terminal(end) station in the BZA-BVRM-NS and NDD-BVRM-NS sections of BZA division. This station facilitates even the passengers of east godavari district people belonging to Sakenetipalli, Malkipuram, Razole mandals. The first aerodynamic train in India was runs between Vijayawada and Narapur.
nCoaching Depot: There is medium type coaching depot at narsapur. This depot undertakes primary maintenance and repairs of 08 express and 09 passenger trains.
The town is connected by buses to Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Eluru, Rajamundry, Kakinada, Badhrachalam, Sattupalli, Dwaraka tirumala, Jangareddygudem, Pamuru, Machilipatnam, Nagayalanka, Mogaltur, Perupalem, Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Tadepalligudem, Bhimavaram, Palakollu, Achanta, Penugonda, Ravulapalem. There is a Bus depot at Narsapur serving to Narsapur, Mogaltur, Palakollu, Achanta and Yelamanchili mandals.
Reproduced from Wikipedia