Phirangipuram
| Phirangipuram ఫిరంగిపురం | |
|---|---|
| village | |
  Phirangipuram | |
| Coordinates: 16°18′00″N 80°16′00″E / 16.3°N 80.2667°ECoordinates: 16°18′00″N 80°16′00″E / 16.3°N 80.2667°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Guntur |
| Talukas | Phirangipuram |
| Population | |
| • Total | 50,000 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 522521 |
| Telephone code | 08641 |
Phirangipuram is a diverse and peaceful village, as well as a mandal within the Guntur district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.[1]
Location and Accessibility
Phirangipuram is a village situated 22 km from Guntur and 24 km from Narsaraopeta, and it is connected to these cities by train, bus and private transport. The Phirangipuram railway station is located on the Vijayawada-Guntakal route of the South Central Railway and it is administered by the Guntur division. Phirangipuram is also connected to the cities of Secunderabad, Hubli and Bangalore by rail.
Population
India Growing[2] states that, as of April 2013, Mandal Phirangipuram consists of a population of 50,869; of which 25,855 are male and 25,014 are female.
History
Phirangi translates to Cannon, which alludes to its history as a stationary village for the cannons of the Reddy rulers. These kings ruled from Kondaveedu, a famous historical site situated 5 km away from Phirangipuram. Phirangipuram was one of the earliest centers of Roman Catholicism in Andhra Pradesh.
Landmarks
The Infant Jesus Cathedral, built in 1891 by Milhill Missionary Rev. Fr. Dickman, is a large Gothic structure in the village. Its shape resembles a cross when viewed from overhead. The Mother Lourdhu Matha Gruha, built by Fr. G. L. Marreddy, lies in front of the church. There are other fourteen structures around it, all were built by Fr. Rayappareddy. The Hill of Our Lady of Lourdes shapes the backdrop of the cathedral, crested by the Chapel of Mother Mary. This can be accessed by climbing a thousand steps to the top. The cricket stadium within the village was named after the Bishop of Guntur, Most. Rev. Gali Bali.
Culture
Phirangipuram is well known for the unity and diversity of its people. People respect other religions and celebrate festivals with people of other faiths. It remains a popular pilgrimage center for people of all faiths in the region, and is known for its century old traditional celebration of the Big Feast on Christmas Day, as well as the feast of Mount Carmel, or Konda meeda Panduga, which occurs every year from July 14 thru July 16.
Education
The century old St. Paul's High School for boys is located across the road from the Infant Jesus Cathedral. St. Ann's Convent, a high school for girls, is located behind the cathedral, along with R.C.M. Elementary School. St. Paul's Minor Seminary is another well-known institution of Phirangipuram. The seminary promotes the personal development of the seminarians through instruction and enlightenment within the human, spiritual, physical, psychological, pastoral, liturgical and sociological areas.
Demographics
The village has an estimated population of 60,000. Although the residents have various religious beliefs, they are predominantly Christian. They congregate for the village feasts and co-exist harmoniously. They enjoy sports, food and entertainment; and the main source of employment and economic activity is agriculture.
References
- ↑ "List of Sub-Districts". Census of India. Retrieved 2007-04-27.
- ↑ "India Growing article". India Growing. Retrieved 9 June 2013.