Interesting facts

1. Vijayawada's historical name is 'Bezawada'. 2. According to legend, the city's name (meaning 'Place of Victory') comes from Arjuna's victory after receiving the Pasupatastra from Lord Shiva on Indrakeeladri Hill. 3. The iconic Prakasam Barrage stretches 1223 meters across the Krishna River and irrigates millions of acres of agricultural land. 4. Vijayawada Railway Station is one of the busiest railway junctions in India, serving hundreds of trains daily. 5. The Kanaka Durga Temple, located on the Indrakeeladri hill, is the city's most famous landmark and draws millions of pilgrims annually. 6. The city is often referred to as 'Blazewada' due to its scorching summer temperatures. 7. Bhavani Island, situated in the midst of the Krishna River, is one of the largest river islands in India. 8. The Undavalli Caves, located just outside the city, are monolithic, rock-cut caves dating back to the 7th century. 9. Vijayawada is a major distribution hub for the Telugu film industry (Tollywood). 10. The Bapu Museum (formerly Victoria Jubilee Museum) houses artifacts dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, including a life-size Buddha statue. 11. Auto Nagar in Vijayawada is one of the largest automobile industry hubs in Asia. 12. Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, established here in 1986, was the first university of its kind in India. 13. Gandhi Hill features the first Gandhi memorial built on a hill in the country, featuring a stupa and a sound-and-light show. 14. Kondapalli, a suburb of Vijayawada, is world-renowned for its lightweight wooden toys called 'Kondapalli Bommalu'. 15. The city serves as the commercial and publishing capital of Andhra Pradesh. 16. Mangalagiri, a town bordering the city, is famous for its handloom sarees and a unique temple where the deity is said to drink exactly half the panakam (jaggery water) offered. 17. Vijayawada is heavily agricultural on its outskirts, particularly famous for its export-quality mangoes. 18. The city was ruled by several powerful dynasties, including the Vishnukundinas, Chalukyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. 19. It operates one of the longest Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridors in the state. 20. Vijayawada forms a crucial part of the APCRDA (Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority) as the gateway to the new capital, Amaravati.