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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.
The Ancient Vijaynagar Capital
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 History
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".
Enclosed Attractions
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.
The upper level is capped with an octagonal pyramidal tower. An adjoining
three-storied square tower with projecting balconies overlooks the
approaches from the east. Nearby stands a small, square structure, also
with a pyramidal roof. The Rama Burj, an observation tower standing in the
northwestern corner in Vijayanagar style, dominates the skyline of
Penuconda fort.
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.
Road: Penukonda is 27-km southeast of Puttaparthi and 70-kms from Anantapur by road. Anantapur is well connected by APSRTC buses with most of the cities of the State. So one can easily visit the place. Cycle Rickshaws and autos are also available.
Accomodations are available at the hotels at Anantapur.