Anantapur a glory of Andrapradesh

Anantapur, Anantapuram is the headquarters of Anantapur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Anantapuram is not a metropolitan city. Nor is it a village. It is one of those cities of transition, at the confluence of the past and the future. Ananthapuram resonates with the glorious history of India and the radiance of India's true ethnic traditions and values.

Interestingly, Anantapur receives the second lowest rainfall in India. The word Gooty (locally pronounced "gutti") is derived from the city's original name, Gautampuri. It is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

Places to visit in Anantapur

Anantapur has seen the rule of several kingdoms, but the Vijayanagara Empire has had a greater influence on it. It is said that the name of this place is derived from 'Anatasagaram', a large tank, which translates to 'Endless Ocean'. The Vijayanagara king, Chikkavodaya, the minister of Bukka-I, built the city of Anathasagaram and Bukkarayasamudram.

Ahobilam is a small village which is famous for Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple. Ahobilam Temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The temple complex houses the Adi Lakshmi Devi Temple and the Chenchu ​​Lakshmi Devi Temple.

The holy Ahobilam temple was built on the footsteps of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy measuring 5 feet 3 inches. It is believed that the marriage ceremony performed here leads to a happy and thriving marriage. Lord Narasimha is the half man, half lion form of Lord Vishnu when he came to save his devotee Prahlad from his father.

Anantapur, Iskcon Temple

Like all other ISKCON temples built across the world, the one in Anantapur is equally beautiful. The temple is in the shape of a chariot drawn by a horse, with the statues of four huge horses at the entrance. This temple is known as Radha Parthasarathy Temple and was inaugurated in February 2008. 

The stunning ISKCON temple is located in the village of Somladoddi, on the outskirts of the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and focuses on spreading the beliefs of 'Krishna Consciousness', the belief that Lord Krishna is the supreme power, over all others. There is also a restaurant attached to the temple. This beautiful temple shines even more at night when its walls are illuminated. The most cherished festival is Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna.

Penukonda Fort is one of the main attractions of Anantapur. Located at a distance of about 70 km from Anantapur, the name of the fort is derived from the word Penukonda, which literally means big hill. This historical fort was once the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. 

Located in Penukonda, this fort was earlier known as Ghanagiri. After studying the ancient inscriptions that the Penukonda fort, archaeologists have concluded that the fort was built under the rule of Veera Virupanna Udayyar, the son of Bukka I, the Vijayanagara king. A huge idol of Lord Hanuman is installed inside the fort. There are several mosques inside the 11 feet high Penukonda Fort, the most important of which is the Sher Khan Mosque. A palace inside the fort, Gagan Mahal, was built in the 16th century. Another palace, 'Babaya Darga' was constructed as a symbol of harmony between Hindus and Muslims.

Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, Anantapur

Another famous temple in the area is the Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also known as Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple. 

This temple is very different due to the occurrence of a natural underground spring from where the water comes into the sanctum sanctorum. Where the Shivling is installed, the water automatically falls. It is believed that Saint Parashurama lived here and did intense penance here. The entire Shiva Purana is written on the walls of the temple.

Anantapur is one of the driest districts of the country. It rains once every few years. As a result, summers are hot and dry and there is no real monsoon season. Hence, the winter time falling between the months of November and January serves as the best time to visit and the most pleasant season to explore.

Veera Bhadra Temple

The Virbhadra temple is located in Lepakshi village, 15 km east of Hindupur in Anantapur district. Dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra, this temple was constructed in the 16th century.

The temple has hand-carved paintings, sculptors and pillars. The main attraction of the temple is the Nandi bull statue, which is carved out of a single granite stone.

Gooty Fort

Situated 300 meters above the ground level, Gooty Fort is one of the oldest hill forts in the state and country, which has seen various rulers, kingdoms and regimes over the centuries. The name Gooty is derived from the city's previous original name, Gautampuri.

After being designated as a monument of national importance, Gooty Fort is now a famous attraction attracting visitors due to its enchanting environment filled with historical ruins and serene scenery.

The magnificent Gooty Fort has been a stronghold of the Chalukyas, Mughals, Marathas, East India Company and Vijayanagara Empire before the Qutb Shahi dynasty came to power. According to various historical inscriptions found here, it has been mentioned as the 'King of Forts'.

The huge Gooty Hill covers a vast area which is surrounded by the city on three sides and the westernmost point is the citadel of the fort. The ruins of the fort are dotted with many different buildings and places such as granaries, citadels, gunpowder magazines, ramparts, store rooms and temples.

Hanuman Statue

A recent addition to the range of tourist places offered by Anantapur is the Hanuman statue, which is the idol of Lord Hanuman. This statue, built several feet high, is grand and can be seen from several kilometers away. There is a temple there for those who wish to pray.

The 37 feet tall Hanuman statue is made of a single stone and is located on the outskirts of the city. The construction of the temple was completed in the year 2010, in which a total budget of 40 lakhs was spent for the Maunagiri Hanuman statue.

Anantapur, the largest district of the state of Andhra Pradesh, has many historical monuments to highlight its significant past. It still plays an important role today as it is famous for the silk trade and contributes to the development of the economy.

Ancient temples with relics from centuries ago await you at the temples of Tadipatri. Built during the golden years of the Vijayanagara Empire, this retreat on the western edge of Andhra Pradesh is guaranteed to enchant any visitor.

If you are interested in history or are interested in architecture, then Tadipatri must be the holiday destination for you. Here, you can get a chance to see sculptures and artifacts dating all the way back to the Vijayanagara Empire. The temples here are bound to attract a large number of pilgrims, yet even nonbelievers can have a memorable visitation experience.

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