Anantapur

ANANTAPUR

The History of AnantapurAnantapur offers some vivid glimpses of the prehistoric past. It is generally held that the place got its name from 'Anaatasagaram' , a big tank, which means "Endless Ocean". The villages of Anaantasagaram and Bukkarayasamudram were constructed by Chilkkavodeya, the minister of Bukka-I, a Vijayanagar ruler. Some authorities assert that Anaantasagaram was named after Bukka's queen, while some contend that it must have been known after Anantarasa Chikkavodeya himself, as Bukka had no queen by that name.
Anantapur is familiarly known as "Hande Anantapuram" . ' Hande ' means chief of the Vijayanagar period. Anantapur and a few other places were gifted by the Vijayanagar rulers to Hanumappa Naidu of the Hande family.
The place subsequently came under the Qutub Shahis, Mughals, and the Nawabs of Cuddapah, although the Hande chiefs continued to rule as their subordinates. It was occupied by the Palergar of Bellary during the time of Ramappa but was eventually won back by his son, Siddappa. Morari Rao Ghorpade attacked Anantapur in 1757. Though the army resisted for some time, Siddappa ultimately bought off the enemy for Rs.50,000.
It then came into the possession of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu hanged all the male members of the Siddappa family except Siddappa who escaped from his confinement at Srirangapatnam. After Tipu's death, it was once again taken back by Siddappa. Siddappa submitted himself to Nizam because of the treaty of 1799, who took the total control of the area. He was later pensioned off when British occupied the territory.

Tourist Places in Anantapur

Gooty

Gooty is located at a distance of 52 kms, from Anantapur. It is one of the oldest hill forts of Andhra Pradesh. The earliest inscriptions are in Kannada and Sanskrit, and is assigned to about the 7th century. An inscription refers to a fort, 'Gadha', while an inscription of Bukka, the Vijayanagar monarch refers to it as the 'King of Forts'. The Marathas under Murari Rao conquered it.

The 'Gooty Kaifiyat' records that fort was captured by Mir Jumla and was subsequently under the charge of Qutub Shahi chiefs. It was taken over by Haider Ali in 1773 and eventually fell into the British hands. After the attack of British Col. Browser, who took over the fort, found it to be commanded by a Zeruwar Khan, a Brahmin who became Muslim. The fort is situated at a height of 300m above the plains in Gooty.
The citadel of the fort is constructed on the westernmost circle of hillocks. It is a huge precipitous mass of bare rock and towers over the adjacent ones.
The fort is approached by a paved path leading first to an outlying spur strongly fortified and known in former days as 'Mar Gooty'. After passing through the fortifications, the pathway winds upward round steep sides of huge rock and reaches the summit where the citadel or 'qila' is situated.
The fort is built in shape of a shell and having 15 forts with 15 main doors ('Mukhadwaralu'). The fortifications include a series of walls connected by 14 gateways flanked by bastions. None of the buildings in the fort is of any architectural importance. There are two edifices, apparently a gymnasium and a powder magazine, and a small pavilion of polished lime stone called Morari Rao's seat, on the edge of the cliff. This commands excellent view of the town below and is said to have been a favourite resort of Morari Rao. There are also number of wells in the clefts of the rock. One of them is believed to have been connected with a stream at the foot of the hill.

Thimmamma Marrimanu

Located about 35 kms from Kadiri, and 100 kms from Anantapur, it is famous as it has a banyan tree, which is locally called as "Thimmamma Marrimanu''. It is regarded as the biggest of its kind in South India. It's branches spreads over nearly 5 acres. It is named after 'Thimmamma' who was considered to be the representative of the Almighty. To the pride of India, the "Marrimanu" was recorded as the biggest tree in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989.

A small temple dedicated to Thimmamma lies under the tree. An account of this lady in Telugu kept at the shrine reveals that she was the daughter of a Setti Balija couple Sennakka Venkatappa and Mangamma, born in AD 1394. She was married to a Bala Veerayya who died in 1434, and Thimmamma committed 'Sati'.
The banyan tree is believed to have sprouted at the place where she ascended the funeral pyre. The people of this area strongly believe that if a childless couple worship "Thimmamma" they will have a child the very next year. A big 'Jatara' is conducted here on the day of "Shivaratri" when thousands and thousands of people flock here to worship 'Thimmamma' on this occasion.

Sri Kadiri Laxmi Narayana Temple

Narashimha Swami temple is located to the west of the town and is a popular place of pilgrimage attracting devotees even from neighbouring districts. The epics say that 'Narashimha Swami' is one of the ten avataras of Lord Vishnu. This Vishnu temple appears to have been constructed by one 'Ranganayudu', a Palegar of Patharlapattanam.
Several scenes from 'Ramayana' are painted on the ceiling of the 'Rangamantapa' and several frescos on that of the Lakshmi mantapa depicting scenes from the 'Bhagavata'. Unfortunately the murals have lost their freshness and are fading. Many inscriptions on the temple mostly mention the gifts given by kings to the temple.

he legendary significance of this sacred shrine dates back to Trethayuga, and according to local version, the presiding deity - Narasimhaswami in His terrific aspect - 'Vugrarupa' chose to settle down here after killing Hiranyakasipu.
It is said that devotees who offer prayers here get relieved of their sorrows, sufferings and sins. There are several sacred thirthas connected to the temple that are a worth visiting.Special poojas are performed during Dassera and Sankranti.

Penukonda Fort

Penukonda means a big hill. It is located 70-kms from Anantapur on the Kurnool-Bangalore road. The town is most picturesquely situated at the foot of a fortified hill and connected with it at both the ends runs a semi circular line of fortifications. This town has become famous, as Penukonda fort is situated here, which is one of the major tourist attractions of Andhra Pradesh.Penukonda was the second capital to the Vijayanagar kings and was called as "Ghanagiri" or "Ghanadri". The numerous inscriptions at the place states that king-Bukka I of Vijayanagar entrusted the province of Penukonda to his son Vira Virupanna Udaiyar in whose time the Penukonda Fort was built.

The name of the Penukonda fort is mentioned as Ghangari in inscriptions. The structure of the fort shows the splendid sculptural beauty and skilled workmanship of ancient times. According to the history, the Penukonda fort was the capital of Vijayanagara Empire for a short period and it is most inaccessible to the enemies. An inscription at Kallodi in Mysore reveals that Bukkaraya had a channel dug in order to bring water from the Penneru to this town, which would appear to be originally the summer resort of Vijayanagar Kings of the second dynasty, which is called "Gagana Mahal".

The Gagan Mahal witnesses the majesty and aristocracy of Royal times and it was built in 1575 AD. Gagan Mahal has a basement in Hindu style but a ground floor of intricate Islamic details with later additions. Continuing the Vijayanagar traditions, the palace is similar to several structures at Hampi, with Islamic style arches, vaults and plaster decoration combined with temple like elements.
Another important sight is "Babayya Darga" which is the symbol of communal harmony between Hindu and Muslims. It is traditionally believed that there were 365 temples at the place, one perhaps meant for worship each day of the year. Of these temples Lord Yoga 'Narasimhaswamy', Lord 'Kashi Vishwanatha' and Lord 'Yogarama' temples are important ones. Most of these seem to have destroyed. The numerous ruins and fragments of carved stones, which lie scattered both on the hill and the plain recall the past glory of the place.
One can find a huge idol of Lord Hanuman, which is about 11 feet high, at the 'Yerramanchi' gate, the main entrance of the fort. The most important mosque is the 'Sher Khan Mosque', which has on the pavement of its courtyard a Telugu inscription of 'Sadashiva', dated 1564. There is another mosque in the fort at the entrance to which is a large porch in Hindu style.

Dharmavaram

Located at a distance of 47 kms from Anantapur, Dharmavaram is well-connected both by rail and road. The place has derived its name from 'Dharmamba', the mother of 'Sri Kriyasakthi Odeyar' who constructed the local Dharmavaram tank. The Sri Lakshmi Chennakeshwara Temple is renowned for its architectural brilliance and for the perennial waterspout and pillars, which produce seven different musical notes when struck. It has a storied tower, extensive enclosures and an entrance carved in the Vijayanagar style.
Dharmavaram is also known for its cotton and silk weaving-industry with it's silk sarees popular all over the world. This place is also known for its expertise in making leather puppets.
The local Jamma Masjid is reported to contain a hair of Prophet Muhammad, which is exhibited once a year.
Jamma Masjid is a fine piece of Muslim architecture in Adoni, Kurnool district. It was built by Madu Qadiri, the Adil Shahi governor in the year 1680 AD. The entrance to this mosque is through a lofty portal framed by supports.

Lepakshi

Lepakshi is a small village, which lies 15-km east of Hindupur in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It is the most important place in the district from the historical and archaeological point of view. A trip to Lepakshi is revitalising for those who believe in heritage sites, for those who marvel at the art of our ancestors, and those willing to get away from the routine multiple-destination tourist routes. The place is renowned as the repository of the best mural paintings of the Vijayanagar Kings.Lepakshi consists of three shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and 'Virabhadra'. On one of the hillocks near the place is known as "Kurma Saila" (tortoise shaped hill), are located the temples of 'Papanatheswara', 'Raghunatha', 'Srirama', 'Veerabhadra' and 'Durga', of which the Veerabharadra temple is the most important. Veerabhadra temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture. A reference is made in the 'Skandapurana' to Lepakshi as one of the hundred and eight important 'Shaiva Kshetras' (shrines). Though the temple of Veerabhadra is claimed to have been constructed by Saint 'Agastya' himself, it was developed into the present exquisite shrine by 'Virupanna', the treasurer of the Vijayanagar Kings.He conceived the idea as he found the image of Veerabhadra.

He executed the plan in the absence of the king and used the treasure when he was away at Vijayanagar. When the construction was almost finished and it was being supervised the king returned and found the treasure empty. The king ordered, as a punishment to this heinous crime, that he should be blinded. The treasurer being a loyal person carried out the punishment spot with his own bands.
Even today one can see two dark stains upon the wall near the 'Kalyana Mandapa', which are said to be the marks made by his eyes, which he himself dashed against the wall. The builder did not survive for a long time and the village is called "Lepa-akshi Lepakshi", i.e., a village of the blinded eye.
The temple is divided into three parts - the 'Mukha Mandapa', (also called 'Nitya Mandapa' or 'Ranga Mandapa'), the 'Artha Mandapa' and 'Garbha Griha', and the 'Kalyana Mandapa', with 38 carved monolithic pillars in grey sandstone is unfinished. These three form a triangle with a common Mandapam.
As per local legend Lord Shiva and Parvati were married on the spot where the Kalyana Mandapa stands. The temple is surrounded on all sides by an outer enclosure. A second inner enclosure contains the main portion of the temple. Its finest parts are the 'Natya' (Dancing) and 'Ardha' (worship) Mandapas. The former is decorated with superbly sculptured pillars on, which are carved life-size representations of musicians and dancers in various poses displaying spirit and vigour. The Kalyana Mandapam is a standing monument to the exuberance of Vijayanagar art but it is left unfinished.
The best specimens of the Vijayanagar style of sculpture and mural paintings are found in the Natya and Kalyana Mandapams (dance and wedding halls). These sculptures depict puranic episodes like those of 'Ananthasayana', 'Dattatreya', 'Chaturmukha Bramha', 'Tumburu', 'Narada' and 'Rambha'.

Hemavathi Fort

Hemavathi is about 22 miles west of Madakasira and around 160-km from Anantapur via Penukonda. Hemavathi was once capital of Pallavas during the 9th -10th centuries. It is a repository of a striking collection of Pallava and Chola architecture. To the south west of the village are traces of an earthen construction indicating a fort.
Hemavathi is well-connected by road with frequent bus and private transport facilities. Hindupur is the nearest railhead.
The temple town of Hemavathi is famous for the Doddeswara Swamy temple built during the Pallava reign. The stone used in making the idols sounds like metal when struck and is also remarkably polished. A Nandi made of black basalt granite 8 feet in length and 4 feet in height, sits at the entrance.
There is a 6 feet tall Lingam installed inside the sanctum sanctorum. The temple area houses and two other temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, called the Siddeshwara Swamy Temple and Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
There is a museum inside which has a display of rare idols of historical importance. Some distance away are the Gorantla Temples which are all of worth visiting

Tadipatri

It is Located at a distance of 90kms, from Ananthapur.
Tadipatri has many religious monuments of interest located in and around the town. In the heart of the town is the Chintala Venkataramana Temple with its lofty gopura.At a distance of 1km, from the town, overlooking the Pennar river is the Bugga Ramalingeshwara Temple, remarkable for a lingam on a pedestal, constantly filled with water from a small spring.

Puttaparthi

As the Birth Place of Sri Satya Sai Baba, the "godman" who preaches religious tolerance, universal love and service to others, Puttaparthi has special significance for his vast number of devotees from all over the world. Sai Baba's ability to produce vibbuti (sacred ash), seemingly miraculously out of thin air, is considered by his devotees to be an important symbol of his god - like status and powers. From a very young age, Sai Baba, born as Satyanarayana Raju in this village on 23 November 1926, claimed divine powers. When he was only 14, he declared that he was the reincarnation of a celebrated saint, Sai Baba from Shirdi in Maharastra, who died in 1918. It is believed that he will return after his death as another saint called Prem Sai Baba. In 1950 Satya Sai Baba established an ashram for his followers, whose numbers had swollen to gigantic figures. Known as Prasanthi Nilayam or the "Abode of Highest Peace", it is today a large complex with guesthouses, dormitories Kitchens and dining halls. Over the years, several buildings have appeared around the ashram - schools, colleges, residential complexes, hospitals, a Planetarium, a museum and recreation centres, tranforming this tiny village into a cosmopolitan township. Outside the ashram, at the lower end of the village, rural life continues, seemingly unaffected by the ashram's activities. The countryside around is very fertile, with stretches of well - irrigated fields.Situated 97 kms, from Ananthapur , Puttaparthi, is well linked by road, rail and air.
Prasanthinilayam, the abode of peace at Puttaparthi is famous worldwide as the home of Sri Satya Sai Baba. All religions are respected here and all festivals celebrated.
On 23rd November the birthday of Sri Satya Sai Baba, millions of his devotees gather to greet him and receive his blessings.
The other places worth seeing are the Subramanya Mandir, Gayathiri Mandir, Sai Kulwant Hall where the daily darshan takes place, Sarva Dharma Stupa, a 50 foot high pillar celebrating the unity of religions, and the Poona Chandra Auditorium

Penna Ahobilam

Located at a distance of 12kms, from Uravakonda and 36kms, from Anantapur, it is well-linked by road with frequent bus service.
The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is located amidst lush greenery, on the banks of a rivulet of Pennar. Myth has it that this temple was built on the footprint of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy measuring 5 feet 3 inches.The temple is a popular location for marriage ceremonies. A grand car festival is conducted annually in the month of April. Other temples within the complex include Adi Laxmi Devi Temple & Chenchu Laxmi Devi Temple.