Markapuram | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 Chennakesava Temple, Markapur | |
.svg)  Markapuram Location in Andhra Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates:15°44′N79°16′E / 15.73°N 79.26°E /15.73; 79.26 | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Prakasam |
| Government | |
| • Body | Markapuram |
| Area | |
• Total | 22.85 km2 (8.82 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 145 m (476 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 71,092 |
| • Rank | 11th(Towns in AP) |
| • Density | 3,100/km2 (8,100/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 523316[4] |
| telephone code | +91–8596 |
| Vehicle registration | AP |
| Website | Markapuram Municipality |
Markapuram is a town inPrakasam district of theIndian state ofAndhra Pradesh. It is amunicipality and is the headquarters of Markapuram Municipality inMarkapuram revenue division.[1][5] Markapuram is notable for the Chennakesava Swamy Temple, built by King SriKrishnadevaraya. DuringRatha Yatra (Tirunalla inTelugu) there occurs a popular carnival; the town is also famous for Chenna Kesavaswamy (Saptavahana Seva) on the day ofRathsapthami, which is attended by thousands of people coming from different parts of the state. It is the second-largest town in Prakasam district afterOngole and it is the main place within West Prakasam district to avail all facilities.
Markapur was formerly a part ofKurnool District, serving as the east gate ofRayalaseema. The town is close to theNallamala Hills and currently has a population of approximately 75,000. Markapuram is known forslate manufacturing industries.
On 3 September 2020, Markapuram received a historically heavy rainfall measuring 227mm. Due to this weather event, the partially-depleted ground water level increased significantly, leading to a marked decrease in local drought conditions.
The town's name comes from a story of amilk maid by the name ofMarika who was graced with a son by Swamy Chennakesava. The milk maid, in commemoration of this event, constructed a small temple. Soon afterwards a village grew round and about this temple and was known asMarikapuram. By afflux of time this name evolved into Markapuram. The temple, originally constructed by Marika, underwent numerous additions and renovations, the later large and prominent temple being dedicated to Sri Chennakesava.
This town was a part of Kurnool District until 1971. Yerragondapalem, Markapuram, and Giddalurmandals were in Kurnool district until 1971, when a carve-out made a new district (along with Kanigiri, Podili, Darsi, Kandukur from Nellore District and Ongole and Chirala from Guntur district).
Markapuram is situated about 100 km (62 mi) east ofKurnool and about three miles north-east of theVijayawada-Guntakal railway line. Markapuram is located at15°44′N79°17′E / 15.73°N 79.28°E /15.73; 79.28 at an average elevation of 145 metres (476 ft) and is surrounded byNallamala Forest.[6][7] An important industry in Markapuram is slate manufacturing. It exported slate to other countries in the late 1980s. It is one of the revenue divisions in Prakasam district.
Markapuram is located on theAnanthapur-Amaravati Express Highway, a section of the Expressway Project. It is 95 km (59 mi) away from Ongole, 43 km (27 mi) away from Podili, andNandyal is 120 km (75 mi) away on the other side of Nallamala hills.[8]
It is a part of theGuntur division ofSouth Central Railway division. The railway line fromVijayawada toGuntakal passes through this station. Markapuram is nearSrisailam. People visiting Srisailam take the train route throughMarkapuram railway station.
Donakonda Airport was used by the British during World War 2 and is also close to Markapuram.
The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government in conjunction with private schools, under theSchool Education Department of the state.[9][10] Instruction is given in both English and Telugu.
N.S. Agricultural College is located in Markapur, along with other degree colleges, including engineering. Various coaching institutes are there which help for competitive exams.