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'Rayadurg' literally means "King's Hill
Fortress". The Rayadurg Fort played a very significant role in the
history of the Vijayanagar Empire. The fort has many inner forts and is
inaccessible for enemies to attack. It is built at a height of 2727 ft.
from sea level.
The History
Rayadurg was originally a stronghold of 'Bedars' ('Boya Palegars') who
were very turbulent during the Vijayanagar rule. The emperor deputed an
officer driving then out and ruled place himself and the hill was thus
called "Bhupatirayakonda". After the battle of 'Rakshasa
Tangadi', the Bedars regained the place, but were again driven out after
some time by 'Koneti Nayak'. His son 'Venkatapathi Nayak' who had
differences with the 'Palegar' of Chittaldurg greatly strengthened the
fortifications. Tipu captured the fort and made it a part of his Gooty
province.
Attractions Within The Fort
The ruins of the fort can still be seen on the hill at the foot of which
the Rayadurg town is built. The hill Fort is said to have been built by
one 'Junga Nayak'. A portion of the fort wall has crumbled. Down below the
slope of the hill are four caves with small stone doors with carvings of
'Siddhas'.
The fort area contains most of the temples of the village including those
of 'Narashimhaswamy', Hanuman, and 'Elamma', which are frequently visited
by devotees. There are other temples including those of 'Prasanna
Venkatesvara', 'Venugopala', 'Jambukeswara', 'Veerabhadra', and
'Kanyakaparameswari'.
Another important and a spectacular sight is "Dasabhuja Ganapathi",
statue of Lord Ganesha with ten shoulders. It was carved out from a 4m
high monolithic stone. 'Dasabhuja Ganapathi' statue is the witness for
beautiful "Shilpakala" of olden days.
Road: Anantapur is well connected by APSRTC buses with most of the cities of the State. From Anantapur regular bus services are available to Rayadurg. Cycle Rickshaws and autos are also available.
Accommodations are available in hotels at
Anantapur.