Anantapur tourism, Tourist places in Anantapur district (India).

Anantapur, the largest district in the state, spreads over 19,130-sq-kms. It is bounded on north by Kurnool, on the east by Cuddapah and Chittoor and on the south and west by the Karnataka State. The whole district is known for its silk trade in the modern industry. Lepakshi temple is the famous tourist attraction of this district. Anantapur is not only a largest district but also a historical area.

Anantapur 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.

Anantapur City is well connected to most major cities in India by the National Highways 7 and 205. Anantapur also has direct train connection to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Vishakapatnam, etc. Puttaparthi which is 80 km south of Anantapur is the nearest airport with scheduled air services while Bangalore, 215 km away has an international airport and is well connected to rest of India.

Rayadurgam

Sri Dasabhujaganapati temple is located in Atmakur Street, at the base of the steps leading to the top of Rayadurgam hill. The unique feature of the 10-15' tall idol of Lord Ganapati, carved from a broad single rock, is that the trunk is bent to the right. The temple also goes by the name of /Sidhi Vinayaka's temple. Apart from the ten shoulders of the eiephant God, a woman is seated on His left thigh. Amongst the sixteen forms of Vighneswara the form of Mahaganapati is one. People believe that this idol was carved at the time of construction of the fort. The shrines of Dasabhuja Ganapati and Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy lie side by side in the same precinct and hence the name Dasabhuja Ganapati - Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple. The dark idol, exuding peace, was worshipped as a holy deity by the then rulers - so goes the story.

Googoodu

This village, part of Narpala Mandalam, is 29 Km. Away from Anantapuram, and ensconced in Munchukota hill range, is a symbol of communal harmony. The temples of Kullayaswami and Anjaneya Swami, which rub shoulders as it were, are hailed as symbols of human eminence, riligious brotherhood and communal unity, because Kullayiswami is worshipped with equal fervor by Hindus along with Muslims. Like wise, muslims worship Sri Anjaneyaswami with traditional custom. During the ten-day 'Brahmotsavam' in Googoodu. The entire area reverberates with 'Namaz' of Muslims on one side and chanting of vedic hymn on the other :egend has it that this village was the 'ashram' of the tribal Guha. who belonged to the Ramayana period. It is also believed that Lord Rama and His consort Sita, alsong with Lakshmana, enjoyed the hospitality extended to them in Guha's ashram, that eventually the place acquired the name of Googoodu and that Lord Anjaneya majifested Himself here. A small village. Chandrayunipetam, lies close-by. two brothers, Ramachari and Lakshmanachari, carved a 'pir' (panja, sacred to Muslims) out of different metals, with a view to perpetuating their memory and as a sort of memento of lifetime. But the 'pir' spelt trouble for the brothers and being convinced that it was the cause for all their setbacks, they consigned it to a well with stairs. After passage of time, when a shepherd by name Kondanna descended into the well, it would appear that the 'pir' spoke to him and informed him that if it was installed in Googoodu willage and worshipped, as a presiding daity, it would fulfill the wishes and desires of people of all castes and creeds. The villagers obeyed the disctum and took it out in procession during 'Muharram' and Brahmotsavam' days. Eventually the 'pir' came to be known as 'kullayaiswami' and all rituals were observed by the believers. For 'Muharram' and 'Brahmotsavam' festivals. the RTC runs special buses to Googoodu; not only from important towns in the districts, but also from towns in Kurnool and Cuddapah district, to facilitate ' Darshan' of 'Kullayiswami'.

Bukkapatnam

This headquarters of the mandal derived the name of Bukkapattanam from the village water tank by name Bukkaraya Samudram. The tank has attained fame as the largest one in entire Rayalaseema. it was built by chikka wadiyar who was minister to Bukkarayulu. The latter ruled Vijayanagar empire and its chief source of water is the Chitravati river. As part of Satyasai Water Project, the first bore was laid in Bukkapatnam tank. Many may not know that Bhagawan Sri satyasai Baba studied eighth class from 1941-42 in this village. In memory of Chikka Wadiyar, a temple had been built on a mound in the tank.

Kasapuram

The temple of Nettikanti Anjaneya Swamy, which came into being in Kasapuram village, 5 Km. away from Guntakal, is famous amongst the holy places in Rayalaseems, and has five-century old history behind it. it is said to have been built by Vyasarayalu in 15th Century A.D. Developmental programmes and amenties for devotees are being taken up in a big way, with the donations received from devotees.

Hemavati

The village Hemavati, 33 Km. away from the town of Madakasira flourished as a capital of an empire in 720 A.D. Jain devotees from all over India converge annually on teh Jain temple located in hemavati.

There is a temple complex with an extend of 14 acres in this village. The temple of Lord Sidheswara enjoys a prestigious place because the idol of Lord Siva is not in the form of a 'linga' but it is real physical form. This attracts a large number of devotees not because of that rare feature but also because of its unusual height of 5 feet, not found anywhere eise in India. Another arresting aspect is that the rays of the setting sun touch the face of Lord Siva's idol. In the 'Ghatika Sthanam' (training center) located in the temple precinct, students used to get trained and manifest their erudition in Kanchi Peetham and other places, so reveal the rock inscriptions found in the complex. The 5ft. high and 7ft. long idol of nandeeswara facing Nalandeswara temple exudes sculptural splendor. It is learnt that a few idols belonging to Hemavati Village, were shifted to Madras Museum and Belur temple in Karnataka. Thousands of idols excavated here and displayed in the museum set up by Central Archeological Departement, catch the eye of the visitors.

Penukonda

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.

Konakondla

It is an ancient Jain pilgrimage centre, located 6 Km. Sounth of Guntakal railway station. The Jambu Dweepachakram - a relic of Jain culture and a jewel in the crown of Anantapuram district - is carved on a large rock here, but it remained undiscovered for a long time. Sri R.V. Chakravarti, who worked as a headmaster here in 1966, recognised the wheel (chakram) as Jambu Dweepachakram for the first time and gave it international publicity. There is a reference to it in the book 'Jain Cosmology penned by Kolitti Kailat, who works in New Soobonne Univesity. Konakondla village lies enveloped by glorious Nature amidst Cumbum Narasimhaswamy konds. Rasa Siddula gutta and Karibasappa Gutta. The figure of Konda Kundachartya, poised on a lotus. is sculpted on a rock behind Tirthankaralayam, lying atop Rasasidhula gutta. Nearly one can find the Jambu dweepa chakram, sculpted in a curcular form, on another rock. The life of Konda Kundacharya forms an important phase in the history of Jain religion of the south. Konakonda is identified by the people as Kondakunda Konda Kundacharya was also known as Yelacharya. historieans had confirmed that "Tirukkural", considered as sacred scripture as Vedas by the Tamilians, was written by Konda Kundacharya. it is also believed that the tradition of initiating the kids into education with writing and chanting "Oum Namah Sivaya, Sidham Namah" was conveived by that Acharya alone. They say that he lived for 85 years and passed asay in 44 A.D. It would appear that the "Bharat Varsheeya Digambara Kshetra Committe" of Mumbai has resolved to transform Konakondla into a tourist centre of intenational importance.

Gooty

The ancient Gooty fort has acquired historical prominence. It lies on the Anantapuram-Hyderabad highway, at a distance of 50Km. from Anantapuram. It is believed that it was built by Maratha Chieftain Murari Rao. Its existance spans the period from emperor Asoka to the British rule. The 303 metre high fort was built from the material of the mounds surrounding it on three sides. Its walls are 5 metres high and 2.5 metres wide and it had been built in the shape of a conch in an area with an extent of 25 acres. Its impregnability has been ensured with strong stone walls and circular ramparts. To reach the top part of the fort, one has to pass through fifteen main doors. Horse stables, elephant sheds and gymnasiums and palaces adorn that part of the fort. Water facilities are also provided here and there. From the rock incscription of emperor Asoka at Yeragudi, 10 Km away from Gooty, it can be inferred that the fort was built before 3rd Centure A.D. Some believe that the fort and acquired the name of Gooty from the cluster (Gutti) of mounds which lay around. A choultry built by Munro is also nearby. Recently the Central government allocated funds for repairs and renovation of the fort.

Kalyanadurgam

This lies 56 Km. west of Anantapuram. This historical fort's name Kalyanadurgam had been derived from Kalyanappa Naidu who built a fort in the 18th Century and ruled the area for sometime. Kothi konda, Voora Konda, Akkamma konda and Pakkiruswami konda encircle the fort. The very ancient temple of Seetharamappa, lying inside the fort, had been built during the regime of Vijayanagara rulers. Near by is Puttusila Pattabhirama timeple. Quite close to it is Bhavani Sankara temple. Temples worth - seeing outside the fort are of Sri Subrahmanyeswara Devalayam, Choudeswari, Akkamma, Lord Siva, Sri Kanyaka Parameswari and Shirdi Saibaba.

Lepakshi

This is the headquarters of Lepakshi revenue mandal, 14 Km. away from Hindupuram and has gained fame as one of the famous fourist centres of Andra Pradesh. Veerabhadra temple and the huge rock idol of Nandi (the celestial bull) near by are quite renowned. The architectural and sculptural skills reflected by the temples are equally famous. Veerabhadra temple built by the Vijayanagara rulers is a sculptural treasure indeed. the colours of the temple walls have not faded even after 400 years. the idol of Nandi, carved from a single rock is 20 ft. high and 30 ft. long and is considered to be the largest in India. The picture of Lord Veerabhadra, reckoned the largest in the world pictures of event relating to Rajarshis and Brahmarshis (sages) are painted on the walls of the temple. Some of them date back to the 16th entury. The holy scripture "Skanda Purana" carries a story that Lepakshi 'Kshetra' wipes out one's sins and that it is one of the 108 Siva Kshetram that removes the layer of ignorance convering our eyes and besotows on us the 'gnana drishti' (sight of wisdom). Because 'Jatayuvu' (the great eagle) mentioned in "Ramayanam' breathed his last here and became 'laya pakshi' (the bird that became extinct) the place became 'Laya Pakshi', and later came to be known as lepakshi. That is the popular belief. The apex of the temple looks as if it is dangling in the air. A piece of cloth can be drawn from one end to the other at its base.

Kadiri

The construction of the temple of Narasimha Swamy is known to have been commenced during the regime of Paschima Chalukyas and completed in the time of Vijayanagar rulers. The sculptural beauty of the ornamented hall (ranga mantapam), the marriage hall and the canopies add to the decorative appeal of the temple.

Anantapuram (Anantapur)

In the haart of the town of Anantapuram is located Padvasri Kalluri Subbarao Archaelogical museum. Several exhibits of the museum hold the mirror to the transition and progress of human civilisation and culture from 2000 BC to the present day. Stone weapons, axes and battle-axes belonging to the ancient stone age, instruments and tools belonging to bygone eras, coins belonging to various royal families and idols are the exhibits of this museum which draw crowds. Pint0sized idols of the Teerthankaras who belonged to the 11th and 12th centuries are also objects of interest. Aretistic wooden sculpture of the 16th and 17th centuries and several weapons belonging to the 18th and 19th centuries adore the museum that is worth-seeing.

Katarupalli

This is the place where yogi Vemana was buried. His tomb at this village, very near to Kadiri, is worth-Visiting as Vemana was not only a yogi (ascetic) but also a popular poet, and his is qwuite a familiar name in Andhra Pradesh.

Gooty Bayalu

This village lies 24 Km. off Kadiri. The branches of the Timmamma Marri Maanu (banyan tree) here spread over an area of six-and-a-half acres. One housewife by name Timmamma Committed 'Sutee' ior concremation at the place where the banyan tree grew and hence the name of Timmamma Marrimanu for the village. It gained a place in the Guinnes Book of Records as the biggest one is Asia. Hence tourists from far and near make it a point to have a look at it.

Alooru Kona

This village is at a distance of 5 Km. from Tadipatri Twon. It is said that Yerramraju, the chief representative of King Bukkaraya, Built Ranganathaswami temple, in 1334 A.D., Atop a hill. One can find a small water falls in an area in the valley, where water is ever-present. The vlley with its natural beauty attracts toursts. Apart from that, thousands of tourists and devotees visit it throughout the year. "Brahmotsavam" of Lord Ranganathaswami is celebrated on Chaitra Sudha Paurnami Day.

Penna Ahobilam

This holy place, Where the famous Sri Lakshmminarasimha Swamy temple is situated is 36Km. From Anantapuram.What are claimed to be footprints of the lord,measuring 5*3ft. are carved on a rock. One finds here more of the jain tradition.

Tadipatri

The sculptural treasure that is the temple of chintarayala Swamy in Tadipatri is really a feast for the eyes. Buggarama lingeswara Swamy temple abuts the bank of the penna river, Where the idol(lingam) is claimed to be self-existent (Swayambhu Lingam).The speciality of the temple is that water streams out,like a spring,from beneath the idol in the sanctum sanctorum. People believe the ruler Proudha Devarayalu undertookthe construction of thease temples.

Puttaparti

This is the abode of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and it lies on the bank of the river Chitravati, at a distance of 90Km. from anantapuram and 20Km. from penugonda. He is comsidered the incarnation of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and thousands of devotees and tourists from the four corners of the world visit Puttaparti just to have his 'darshan'. Places of importance here are Prashanti Nilayam, Purnachandra auditorium, Planetarium, Superspeciality hospital,museum and Satya Sai Deemed University. The Deemed University was established 17 years ago, to disseminate knowledge to many and with the commendable onjective of providing education to one and all, transcending the barriers of caste,religion and region. Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher leaning,which is a part of it,seeks to mould every child as the darling of the goddess of learning and has many successes behind it. The education imparted in this institute covers a wide range from the kindergarten stage to the postgraduate stage,including medicine. The Satya Sai colleges established in prasanti Nilayam,and Whitefield and Anantapuram are seats of idealistic learning. This Deemed University Was accepted as a regular member of Association of indian Unicersities in 1986. Boys are admitted into the colleges at prashanti Nilayam and Whitefield while girls join the college at anantapuram,to pursure higher studies .this admission is done on the basis of talent and merit of the student,irrespective of his/her religion,caste and region and their parents income and also, with a view to inculcating the concept of national integration in them. Games and yoga, practised in those institutes tend to improve the health of the seekers of knowledge.they need not pay fees at any stage and social service is a part of their curriculum. Students who join these colleges complete their educational courses in 5 years,and acquire B.A, B.COM, B.SC, M.COM, degrees. many do Ph.d. course too and all facilities of reseach are made available to them. Sri Satya Sai Centre for Computer Science was established in Prashanti Nilayam in 1985. The complex of various other schools and colleges is called Vidyagiri.

In order to quenchthe thirst of the villages in the district, Bhagawan Satya Sai Baba conceived a scheme for supply of drinking water at a cost of crores of rupees. Under this, schemes have been established for 22 community protected water supply plans and 278 independent protected water supply plans. These plans cover 34 mandals in the district and are extended to villages which have flouride-free water. 3 lankhs of residents of 301 villages are the beneficiaries of his laudable plan. The panchayats of the respective villages are entrusted with its implementation. For implementation of these shcemes, pipelines measuring hundres of kilometres have been laid. The Board of Satya Sai Water Supply Plan, established by the State Governemnt, is vested with authority to oversee everything.

Pamidi

Pamidi, the mandal headqwuarters in Anantapuram Division has acquired distinction as second Mumbai in production of readymade garments. 50% of the local population rely for their livelihood on the trade of readymade garment.

Sanjeevapuram

Kati Koteswara Kshetram, located near this village, a part of Battalapalli mandal, is quite famous because devotees believe that Kati Koteswarudu, the local deity, is a striking image of Lord Siva. Rock incriptions reveal that the temple of Koteswara was built nearly 400 years ago.

Peddavaduguru

Panchaloha vigtrahas (idols created from five metals) are being produced, for the last 30 years, in the headquarters of Peddavaduguru mandal in Anantapuram revenue division. The idols are made from the five metals of copper, brass, bronze, silver and gold and hence the name. Their weight ranges from one Kg.to 30 Kgs, and thye idols are very much in demand not only in our state but also in the states of Kaharashtra, Karnataka and Tamilnadu. in 1997 a silver idol of Vinayaka was made in Guntakal and therefore likely to find a place in the guinness Book of Records..

Dharmavaram

It is famous for silk sarees and has a great past. There is historical evidence to prove that it was ruled by Bijayanagar Vidya kings for nearly 500 years from 1075 Satavahana Saka. Dharmavaram tank is one of the large tanks in Anantapur district. Sri Kriyasakhti Wadiyar, who constructed the tank, built a village in memory of his late mother Dharmamba and named it Dharmavaram.

Thousands of families depend on the silk industry, for which Dharmavaram attained fame. there are more than a thousand shops in the town, which sell silk sarees. nearly 30 silk cooperative societies help those enganged in the trade. This silk-were is exported to Germany, France and other countries abroad. Only in Dharmavaram exists a Silk Exchange. Many freedom-fighters belong to this place.

One can reach Dharmavaram by rail or by bus and even by plane, for which transport exist all faciliteis. Because one can travel to Tirupati by Metre Gauge trains and to Mumbai. Delhi and Chennai by Broad Guage Trains, it has become an important railway junction. When the Dharmavaram-Pakala MG line is tranformed into BG line, 80 trains can easily be run to the North and the South, whereby Dharmavaram can be come a great railway junction. Efforts are on to lay a rail line to Puttaparti (This has now become a reality).

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