Munikudali Ghat Pushkaralu is shaping up as one of the most talked-about bathing points for the 2027 Godavari festival, and the buzz is well earned. This quiet ghat sits in Seethanagaram mandal of East Godavari district, well away from the packed heart of Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry). Officials are turning it into a model bathing point, so thousands of pilgrims are rethinking where to take their holy dip. If you want cleaner water, smaller crowds, and a calmer ritual experience, this guide answers every question before you travel.
Munikudali Ghat at a Glance
- Location: Seethanagaram mandal, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh
- Also called: Devansh Ghat
- Pushkaralu 2027 dates: 26 June to 7 July 2027 (12 days)
- Nearest city: Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry)
- Speciality: pollution-free water, being built as a “Zero Liquid Discharge” model ghat
- Tradition: linked to the Ramayana, where Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are believed to have bathed
Where Is Munikudali Ghat Located?
Munikudali Ghat lies on the Godavari river in Seethanagaram mandal, part of the Rajanagaram assembly constituency in East Godavari district. It is one of 13 ghats in the same mandal, so the riverbank here is dotted with bathing points such as Raghudevapuram, Muggalla, Rajampet and Katavaram.
The ghat sits a short drive from Rajamahendravaram, the main hub of the festival. Because it stays on the rural stretch of the river, the water here avoids the industrial drains that affect city ghats. That single fact is why authorities picked it as a showcase site.
Why Munikudali Ghat Pushkaralu Is Drawing Attention in 2027
Munikudali Ghat Pushkaralu is getting attention because the government plans to build it as a national-level model rural Pushkar ghat. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan directed officials to develop the village as a “Zero Liquid Discharge” spiritual and tourism hub, where no untreated waste reaches the river. So the focus here is clean water, not just crowd numbers.
Rajanagaram MLA Bathula Bala Ramakrishna has confirmed that Munikudali and nearby bathing points stay free of industrial effluents and drainage inflow. As a result, devotees get cleaner river water for their holy dip. The district administration, led by Collector P. Keerthi Chekuri, is treating the site as a case study for clean-ghat development.
The ghat itself is being widened from 35 metres to 59 metres. Nine metres of that stretch will be set aside for Pinda Pradanam, the rite performed for departed ancestors. Two more ghats are also planned nearby, so the pilgrim rush can spread out instead of crowding one point.
The Devansh Ghat Story
Munikudali Ghat carries a second, more personal name: Devansh Ghat. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu named it after Devansh, the son of Minister Nara Lokesh, who was born during the 2015 Godavari Pushkaralu. The name has stuck locally, so you will hear both used when you ask for directions.
The Sages and the Ramayana Link
The name “Munikudali” itself points to its old story. In Telugu, “muni” means sage and the word suggests a meeting place of sages. According to local tradition, sages performed penance along this stretch of the river. Devotees also believe that Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana bathed here during their forest exile, which adds to the spot’s pull during Pushkaralu.
Munikudali Ghat Pushkaralu 2027 Dates and Timings
The Andhra Pradesh government has officially fixed Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 from 26 June to 7 July 2027, a 12-day festival. The start time is tied to the moment Jupiter enters the zodiac sign Simha, or Leo, which is the sign linked to the Godavari. Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu announced these dates in the Assembly.
The first day and the last day are considered the most sacred for a dip. However, those two days also draw the heaviest crowds, so plan accordingly. For volatile details like exact muhurtham timings, check the official East Godavari district website closer to the festival.
Best Time for the Holy Dip
Early morning is the calmest window for bathing. The 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM slot keeps crowds lighter, while the water feels cool and the ritual stays unhurried. After 8:00 AM the rush builds quickly, since most pilgrims arrive mid-morning.
Evenings between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM are usually quieter than midday. Even so, the opening day, weekends and Amavasya will be packed at any hour. If you are travelling with elders or children, an early weekday dip is the smart choice.
How to Reach Munikudali Ghat
Reaching Munikudali Ghat is straightforward because it sits close to Rajamahendravaram, a well-connected city. Use Rajamahendravaram as your base, then take a short taxi or auto ride to Seethanagaram mandal. Road links from Visakhapatnam, Paderu and Bhadrachalam are being strengthened ahead of the festival.
By Train
Rajahmundry Railway Station is the nearest and best-connected option. Trains from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Chennai stop here regularly. Samalkot Junction works as a backup during the peak rush, although it adds road time.
By Road
APSRTC runs regular buses to Rajamahendravaram from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Special Pushkaralu transport is usually arranged during the 12 days, so check for shuttle services to the ghats. Self-drive and taxis are common, yet expect diversions and parking limits on peak days.
By Air
Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) handles flights from major cities such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru. From the airport, a taxi reaches the Seethanagaram ghats in under an hour on normal days. Book transport early, because demand spikes during the festival window.
Rituals Performed at the Ghat
The central ritual is Pushkara Snanam, the holy dip taken during the 12 sacred days. Many families also perform Pitru Tarpanam, an offering of water to ancestors, and Pinda Pradanam, a rite for departed family members. Munikudali Ghat has a dedicated nine-metre stretch for these ancestral rites, which is why it suits families coming for Pinda rituals.
Priests are usually available near the steps to guide the rituals. Carry a small kit with a change of clothes, a brass vessel and any items your family priest advises. Because the rites can take time, arrive early so you are not rushed.
Munikudali vs Rajahmundry’s Main Ghats
Choosing the right ghat depends on what you value most. The busy city ghats offer the biggest infrastructure, while Munikudali offers cleaner water and breathing room. The table below lays out the trade-off clearly.
| Factor | Munikudali Ghat | Main Rajahmundry Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Crowd level | Lower, spread out | Very high on peak days |
| Water cleanliness | Pollution-free, no drains | Affected by city inflow |
| Facilities | Newly built, growing | Large, well-established |
| Best for | Families, elders, calm dip | First-timers wanting the big atmosphere |
So pick Munikudali if a peaceful, clean dip matters more than the grand crowd experience. Pick the city ghats if you want the full festival energy and maximum facilities close by.
A Common Myth Worth Correcting
Several websites wrongly call the 2027 event the “Maha Pushkaralu,” the rare 144-year festival. That is not correct. The 144-year Maha Pushkaram actually fell in 2015. The 2027 event is the regular Godavari Pushkaram, which returns every 12 years when Jupiter enters Leo. The dip carries full spiritual merit either way, yet the labels are not the same.
Insider Tips Most Pushkaram Guides Skip
First, book your stay two to three months ahead, because Rajamahendravaram hotels fill fast. On peak days, consider staying 10 to 20 km away to dodge traffic jams near the ghats. Public transport often moves faster than private cars during those hours.
Second, avoid the opening day if you can. The merit of the dip applies across all 12 days, so a quiet weekday morning gives you the same blessing with far less stress. Third, carry water, a hat and footwear you can leave behind, since June heat in this region runs high.
Finally, keep your group small and fix a meeting point before you reach the ghat. Mobile networks get jammed in big crowds, so a pre-decided spot saves panic if you get separated. These small steps make the whole trip smoother.
What the Development Means for Pilgrims
The model-ghat plan brings real, practical gains. Cleaner water, wider steps and proper waste management directly improve the bathing experience. Pawan Kalyan reviewed the project personally, which signals that the work is a priority and not just a paper plan.
The wider 59-metre ghat and the two extra bathing points should ease congestion. For pilgrims, that means shorter waits and safer steps during the rush. Andhra Pradesh has proposed works of roughly ₹2,105 crore for the overall 2027 festival, so the scale of preparation is significant.
Before You Go
Munikudali Ghat Pushkaralu offers a rare mix during a massive festival: a sacred dip in genuinely clean water, with room to breathe. The verified dates are 26 June to 7 July 2027, and an early weekday morning remains the best window. For families coming for ancestral rites, the dedicated Pinda Pradanam stretch makes this ghat especially practical. Plan your stay early, travel light, and confirm the latest timings on the official East Godavari district portal before you set out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Munikudali Ghat Pushkaralu 2027 dates?
Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 runs from 26 June to 7 July 2027, across 12 days. Munikudali Ghat will be open for holy dips throughout this period. The festival begins when Jupiter enters the Leo zodiac sign.
Where exactly is Munikudali Ghat?
Munikudali Ghat is on the Godavari river in Seethanagaram mandal, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. It falls under the Rajanagaram constituency. The nearest major city is Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry).
Why is Munikudali Ghat also called Devansh Ghat?
The ghat was named Devansh Ghat by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. It honours Devansh, the son of Minister Nara Lokesh, who was born during the 2015 Godavari Pushkaralu. Both names are used locally today.
Is Munikudali Ghat better than the Rajahmundry ghats?
It depends on your priority. Munikudali offers cleaner, pollution-free water and smaller crowds, which suits families and elders. The city ghats offer bigger infrastructure and the grand festival atmosphere.
How do I reach Munikudali Ghat?
Travel to Rajamahendravaram by train, bus or flight, then take a short taxi ride to Seethanagaram mandal. Rajahmundry Railway Station is the closest rail hub. Special Pushkaralu transport usually runs during the festival days.
What rituals can I perform at the ghat?
You can take the Pushkara Snanam holy dip, plus Pitru Tarpanam and Pinda Pradanam for ancestors. Munikudali Ghat has a dedicated nine-metre area for these ancestral rites. Priests are usually present to guide you.
Is 2027 the Godavari Maha Pushkaram?
No. The 144-year Maha Pushkaram happened in 2015. The 2027 event is the regular Godavari Pushkaram, which returns every 12 years. The holy dip still carries full spiritual merit.
What is the best time to take a dip at Munikudali Ghat?
Early morning between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM is the calmest and least crowded. Avoid the opening day and Amavasya if you want a quieter experience. A weekday morning offers the same merit with far less stress.
