Vizianagaram Dist- - Tourist places History -Andhrapradesh

HISTORY

The history of Vizianagaram district is connected with hoary past of Kalinga, one of the political divisions of ancient India.


Only in modern times, the upper part of Kalinga was gradually merged into Orissa State and the lower part into Andhra Region.

An important event in the history of the district is the war between the Rajas of Vizianagaram and Bobbili, popularly known as Bobbili Yuddham.


The war was fought between the Rajah of Vizianagaram aided by the French General Bussy and the Rajah of Bobbili on the 24th of January 1757. The bravery and valour of the soldiers of Bobbili displayed in this war is still remembered by the people of the area.



Another important event in the history of the district is the war between the French and the English fought at Chandurthi in 1758 in which the French were defeated and the Northern Circars were made over to the British under a firmana from the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam in 1765 which were placed under the then existing Chief and Council at Vizagapatam.

In 1794, the Chiefs and Councils were abolished and Vizagapatam was arranged into three divisions each under a Collector. Almost the entire area of the present area of Vizianagaram district fell under the second division.

The history of the rebellions against the alien rule goes back to 1830s when the people of the district particularly the tribals, unable to beat the oppression, rose in frequent rebellions(fituris) leading to the establishment of separate administrative system known as "Agency Administration" under the India Act XXIV of 1839.

The rebellion of Korra Malliah, a tribal chief of the Salur area against the British rule in 1900 is another important event in the struggle against the alien rule.

The District Magistrate dispatched Reserve Police to suppress the revolt which was seriously resisted by the people. In the skirmish that followed many were killed. Korra Malliah along with son was arrested and kept in Jail where he died subsequently.

In the freedom struggle the people hailing from the area enthusiastically took part in various phases of the movement like a non-cooperation movement, civil disobedience movement, Quit India Movement etc.

After abolition of the Zamindaris in1948, Visakhapatnam district was found to be unwieldy for administrative purposes. Consequently, Srikakulam district was carved out in 1950, bifurcating it from Visakhapatnam district.

The constitution of Vizianagaram district in 1979, by transferring the taluks of Parvathipuram, Kurupam, Salur, Bobbili, Badangi and Cheepurupalle from Srikakulam district and some taluks of Visakhapatnam forms the latest development in the history of the district.


Bobbili: The founder of House of Bobbili, Pedda Rayudu was the 15th descendant of the Rajas of Venkatagiri. He came to the area as part of the contingent Golconda Fauzdar Sher (Tiger) Mohammad Khan. He founded the town, built a fort and named it Pedda Puli ( Great Tiger) after the name of his patron. With the passage of time, the name was corrupted to pebbuli, Bebbuli and finally Bobbili.


The town was almost wiped out during the war against Vizianagaram, which ended in the traggic massacre.

Because of the valour of the natives of the war, the name Bobbili conjures up an image of valour, self respect and sacrifice in the telugu world even today.

Interestingly, in the parlance of railways and telegraphs department Bobbili is still referred to as "Veera Bobbili" ( Brave Bobbili).


Bobbili is 55 Kilometres from Vizianagaram and is accessible both by rail and road.
It is an important railway junction on the Raipur- Vizianagaram line. The bridge over river Vegavati was designed and constructed by Gannon Drunkerly & Co. Ltd. of Bombay in 1934, to facilitate trade within the region.


Though no remnants exist of the original Bobbili fort, there are numerous places which serve as residence as residence of the royal family.

The Durbar Mahal was built in 1893 as a meeting hall where Raja held his court and recieved royal emissaries. Two stone elephants stand guard on either side of the steps leading to the "Durbar". Today, the first floor houses a museum of various artifacts pertaining to the Bobbili of yore, while the lower floor is used as a office of the political party.

The Rajas of Bobbili laid special emphasis on education of the masses and upliftment of the poorer sections of the society.

The temple of the family deity, Venugopala Swamy had been in existence since Bobbili was founded, but the present temple was built by Chinna Ranga Rao, When he tool over the reins of Bobbili after the ill fated war.


It is located close to the royal residence and is the most revered temple in Bobbili. The Gopuram ( Entrance) was built by Swetha Chalapati Rao in 1851. It is the only temple in the region where the Gopuram is higher than the main temple.

The Vasant Mandapam stands aloof in the placid waters of a lake. The idol from the temple of Lord Venu Gopal Swamy is brought to the lake annually to celebrate the onset of spring. Legend has it that the Lord enjoys a day of solitude with his wife here.

Post Sojourn the idol is installed in Dola Yatra Mandapam on the banks of the lake for a day and then carried to the main temple. The mandapams were constructed by Maharaja Krishna Das Ranaga Rao, in 1825.

One of the palaces, Pooja Mahal, situated inside Bobbili Fort, was bulit by erstwhile Rani of Bobbili and is in use by the royalty even today.

Prangmahal is one of the best kept heritage buildings in the region. It is situated within the fort compound opposite Pooja Mahal. This residence of the Raja of Bobbili is a visual treat with tapestry, paintings and porcelain collected form different parts of the world.

The Raj Mahal, also known as the Chikkavram Guest house and Bobbili guest house are one of the mahals built by Bobbili Rajas.

Apart from Rajas of Bobbili, their Kith and kin were also prominent personalities, who built opulent homes which survive even today.

The Manohar Vilas Palace was built in 1925 by the Rajas brother , the Zamindar of Kirlampudi, as a guest house and a summer resort. It is a two storied structure surrounded by a splendid garden which has a fountain with a marble statue of a beautiful maiden.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ramatheertam:

Ramathirtham is famous for the 1000 years old sri rama temple situated on the bavikonda hill.

The beautiful koneru lake is in it's vicinity. constructed by the pusapati kings during 1650-1696 A.D.,the unique feature of the temple is that it is built entirely upon a huge rock. Nearby on a hill, known as Gurubukhatakonda are the remains of enoromous buddhist mahasthupa, which is 19 feet high and 65 feet in diameter,a monestery,chaitya, monastic cells, two votive sthupas, a solid stone stupa,an enclosed courtyard and a pillered hall.

In the vicinity are the ruins of a brick shrine with images of Jain Thirtankaras. Furhter up on the hill under a massive hanging rock one can see several jain sculptures Located at 13 Kms from Vizianagaram.

Jami Vruksham:

Legend has it that the Pandavas hid their weapons on a "Jami Tree" before embarking on the final year of their exile (Agnathavasam). During their stay, King Dharmaraj and Kunthi installed the idols of Sri Thirupuranatha Swamy and Sri Janardhan Swamy, at this place.

500 years ago villagers found an idol of Sri Madhava Swamy and established it between the earlier two temples and named it Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple The jami tree at the Tripurtantaka Swamy temple is considered to be holy for its miraculous properties.

The temple is said to be thousands of years old. Falklore says that the local inhabitants tried to shift the temple but they could not uproot the sivalinga. Modern day gelogists estimate that the Shivalinga extends more than 179 feet deep in to the earth. Located in Jammi on the banks of the river Gowthami, 10 Kms from Vizianagaram

Punyagiri:

One of the oldest Shiva temples is situated here.The sanctum has an underground water source which ensures that the Shivalinga is perpetually bathed with water.In the nearby Trimurthi cave,three lingas are installed over which water constantly drops.

Considered to be a very holy spot, a large numbers of devotees flock here during the Mahasivaratri festival.Legend has it that one bathes in the waterfall nearby and then has Darshan of Lord Shiva,he attains Moksha.
Located at 4 Kms from Srungavarapukota and 25 Kms from Vizianagaram

Kumili:

This small village is famous on account of a huge complex of temples built by local devotees over a period of 10 years.

The temples are unique with extremely attractive sculptures, paintings on the walls and idols. The temples within the complex are of Ganapathi, Shiva, Kalika Devi, Navagrahalu, Satyanarayana Swamy, Subramanyeswaraswamy, Seetharamaswamy, Anjaneya Swamy and Venu Gopalaswamy.
 Incidentally, The village was the former seat of the erstwhile Vizianagaram Kingdom and ruins of a mud fort still exist. Located at 20 Kms from Vizianagaram

Govindapuram:

Govindapuram is situated in Pusapatirega Mandal at distance of 30 K.Ms from Vizianagaram Town. The magnificent temple here is renowned for its sculptural beauty and is based on the essence of Bhagawat Gita. Gyana Ratham with Lord Krishnaon the chariot is an impressive image which enthralls the visitors. Located at 20 Kms from Vizianagaram


Vizianagaram:

The imposing fort foxrmed the nucleus around which grew the town of Vizianagaram. Depicting the past glory of the rulers, the quadrangular stone fort is evident of the knowledge and skillfullness of the builders and architects of those days.An ancient temple of Pydithalli Ammavaru is situated in this town. Legend has it that one of the daughters of the Pasupati royal family was the reincarnation of the pressing deity, Pydithallamma.




 The local believe that with the blessings of the Goddess one can lead a happy & prosperous life. The idol of the Goddess was discovered on Vijayadasimi day way back in the year 1752. To mark the occasion, an annual jatra is held on21st and 22nd October which attracts large crowds.

The Moddukovillu temple is unique in that the Shivalinga in the temple has two different colours, symbolizing the male and female aspects of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple was built by an old woman who dreamt about it on her way to the holy city of Kashi ( Banares). Located 60 Kms from Visakhapatnam


Gosthani Sarovar Vihar:

Gosthani Sarovar Vihar is situated at Thatipudi reservoir at a distance of 20 KMs from Vizianagaram town. It is a picnic spot.

Saripalli :

 Saripalli is famous for �Dibbi Lingeswara Swami� temple. The Chanukyas constructed this temple. This is 1000 years old. The sculpture carved on the temple is beautiful.

WARANGAL DISTRICT-HISTORY-TOURIST PLACES-ANDRAPRADESH

Warangal is the most important historic city in the Telangana region.

It was the capital of the Kakatiya rulers who practised Veera Shaivam which led to the constrcution of some magnificient Shiva temples in the area.
The temples at Ramappa and Hanamkonda stand as testament to the artistic and architectural finery of the times. The remains of the fort they built suggest the erstwhile glory of the town.

In recent times, Warangal became an important city in terms of trade and commerce. An important producer or fine rice, red chillies and cotton, Warangal boasts of one of the largest food grain markets in Asia.



Warangal and Hanamkonda as legend goes is linked with the dynasties of Great "Vishnukundins" and even prior to it also of the Buddhist and pre_Buddhist periods of indian History.During Eighth Century A.D. , Warangal with an old name "Orukal" has served as Capital City of Yadava king of the Kakatiyas or Ganapatis making Warangal as Capital City.


The name of Warangal "Orugallu" is said to be correct form of Orukal which is the original designation ,the old town.The words the middle of the Warangal fort.The Kakatiya line seems to have been in existance even earlier to the middle of 7th Century A.D.because the famous Chines Piligrim Hieun-Tsang,mentions the nameof the Kingdom of "Danakakitya" in the South.



The family name Kakatiya is derived from the local appellation of the Goddess Durga(Kakati). After the fall of Bahamani Kingdom,Warangal fell to the "Qutab Shahis" of Golkonda and thereafter it has came under the sway of Nizam's dominitions. Thus the city of Warangal has developed both under the political and historical influences of successive great kings.The Historical events and development occured in Warangal City.

Warangal, once the capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom, is the fifth largest city of Andhra Pradesh. Warangal's History, with beautiful lakes, fine temples, rich fauna & flora have contributed to its importance as a Tourist Centre.

The ancient name of Warangal was known to be Oruguallu or Omtikonda on account of huge boulder like hillock situated near the swayambhu Siva Temple and is also called "EKASILANAGARAM". In course of time, it was called as "Orugallu", and finally known as Warangal.


Warangal the ancient Kakatiya Kingdom has everything to satisfy the thirst of tourist all over the world. It has beautiful Lakes , Forts, Architectural Monuments, Wild Life Sanctuary, Musical Garden , Rock Garden, Vana Vigyana Kendra, Regional Science Centre , a fine blend of new and old. The Capital of Kakatiyas is just 150 KM from Hyderabad , the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

TEMPLES:

SRI BHADRAKALI DEVASTHANAM, WARANGAL TOWN:

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the Giant moyher Goddess, with fierce looking eyes and face. The Diety is believed to be worshipped bt the Historic ruler pulakesin-II of Chalukya Dynasty in the year 625 A.D. after his win over the 'Vengi' region of Andhra Desha. The minister of Kakatiya Ganapathy Deva namely 'Hari' has constructed the tank and road to the temple. Every tourist to Warangal will certainly make a visit to this historical temple to have the blessings of the Mother Goddess.






SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY DEVASTHANAM, KOMURAVELLI:

This temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Mallikarjuna swamy a fierce looking diety along with Kethamma and Medalamma on the both sides of the main diety. The temple is located in a cave on a small hillock at a distance of 110 Kms from warangal. Lakhs of piligrims congregate on the eve of Makara Sankranthi as Brahmotsavam starts. The clay moulded diety of Lord Mallikarjuna swamy is believed to be made 500 years ago. The temple is renovated and mandapamas and choultries etc., are constructed by Endowments Department. The 'pedda patnam' celebrated on Maha Sivaratri day attract pilgrims in lakhs. It is located at a distance of 85 kms from the state capital on Karimnagar - Hyderabad - Highway (Rajiv Rahadari).






SRI MALLIKARJUNA SWAMY DEVASTHANAM, AYINAVOLU:

This temple is believed to be built prior to Kakatiyas around 700 A.D. and developed by Kakatiya rulers. The Unique Keerthi Toranams of Kakatiya style can be seen on the east and southern side of the temple. The presiding diety is Lord Mallikarjuna swamy with fierce looking eyes and sword versel of bood, Dharmarukm and Shulam in his four hands. This temple is located at a distance of 12 kms from warangal city on Warangal Khammam Road. The rock engraved temple with spacious prakaram is a famous tourists spot.





SRI SAMMAKKA SARALAMMA JATHRA, MEDARAM:

It is famous tribal Jathra in the midst of dense forest. Lakhs of pilgrims pour into this spot biennially to have the blessings of mother Goddesses Sri Sammakka and Saralamma who have attained 'Martydom' at this sacred place in the battle held with the forces of Kakatiyas ruler Prathaparudra. Since then the Jathra is being celebrated biennially. The Government of Andhra Pradesh declared this holy jathra as State Festival.











SRI VEERA BHADRA SWAMY DEVASTHANAM, KURAVI:

This temple is believed to be constructed by the famous ruler 'Bheema Raju' of Vengi Chalukya Dynasty and renovated by the Kakatiya ruler 'Betharaju-I. The reference of this temple has also made by the famous traveller 'Marko-Poli' as it stood as the capital of Vengi Chalukya Dynasty. The presiding diety is Lord Veerabhadra swamy is fierce looking Diety with three eyes and ten hands. The annual jathra Brahmotsavams will be celebrated during the mahasivarathri Festival.





SRI SWAYAMBU TEMPLE, FORT WARANGAL:

It is a historic temple in which Lord Swayambhu was worshipped by the famous Kakatiya Ruler 'Prataparudra' every day during his life time. The presiding Diety is Lord Siva called as swayambhu (Lieterally means self incarnated God). The temple is very adjacent to the ruins of Kakatiya Capital at Fort Warangal. There will be flow of pilgrims, tourists during all seasons from all over India and abroad to witness the ruins of Kakatiya Dynasty.









SRI RUDRESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, HANAMKONDA:

The temple decorated with one thousand pillers temple, and popularity known as Thousand pillars temple. The Kakatiya ruler 'Rudra Deva' built this historic monument in the year 1163 A.D. and named after him as 'Sri Rudreswara swamy temple 'Trikootalaya", The presiding diety is Rudreswara. The remaining two "Sanctum sanctorums" are dedicated to 'Lord Durya' and 'Lord Vishnu'. The gains 'Nandi' as in Lepakshi in front of the temple is unique in sculptural beauty. It is under control and maintenance of the Archaeological Department.





RAMAPPA TEMPLE, PALAMPET:

The temple is built in the year 1213 A.D. by 'Recherla Rudraiah'. This historical temple attracts tourist from India and abroad as it is known for its architectural and sculptural beauty. The sculptures were encraved according to the postures mentioned by Jayapa Senani in his famous work 'Nruthya Ratnavali'. The postures pertaining to Bharata Natya, Shrunga, Bharunga, Rathi, Perini Nritya etc., are encraved on the pillars and top-beams of 'Mukha Mandapam', The mythological episodes such as 'Gopika Vastrapaharanam, Tripura samharm, Daksha Samharam, Ksheera Sagara Madhanam, Girija Kalyanam etc., stand for the highest standards of Kakatiya Sculpture.



The 'Nagini' and other eleven devanarthakis are arranged as supporting beams on both sides of each entrance. The aesthetic sense which scaledinnumerable heights in Kakatiya sculpture is clearly evident in these twelve postures of deva narthakis.



The Mudras and Bhangimas have highly inspired the dance master Dr.Natraja Ramakrishna in giving shape to the historical classical dance 'Perini Siva Thandavam'. The Ramappa lake adjacent to the temple covering natural plant and zoo fauna will certainly become a feast to the eyes of every tourist.


SRI SOMESWARA LAXMINASASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE, PALAKURTHY:

 It is located at a distance of 50 Kms from Warangal on a hillock in the out skirts of Palakurthy Mandal head quarters. It is also the birth place of famous poet palakurthy Somanadha Kavi of 12 the century.

His samadhi can be seen here. This historic temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and Vishnu who incarnated in two adjacent caves at a height of 120 meters on the hillock. The 'Pradakshina Path' encircling the two caves is quite natural.

There is a dillapidated 'Surya' Temple and Koneru can also be witnessed at this place. This place once flourished which the adherents of 'Veera Saiva' sect of Hiduism has lost prominence in cource of time presently it is a famous pilgrimage centre in warangal district.

Pilgrims mostly from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Mainly the Veera Saivas will certainly make a visit once in year to have the blessings of presiding deities and Somanadhakan.

SRI RAMACHANDRA SWAMY TEMLE, JEEDICAL:

It is located at distance of 10 kms from Jangoan. The temple is an ancient one and believed that, Lord Sri Rama visited this temple on his way to 'Lanka' (Sri Lanka) after separation from Sita Devi. People also believe that, Rama has killed the 'Maricha' who was in the guise of 'Maya Ledi' or the Magis deer. A boulder namely 'Ledi Banda' can be seen here. "Jeedigundam" and "Palagundam" are the two pushkarinis for the holy dip of the pilgrims.