Anantapur

» Historical Background

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  District was formed in the year 1882  having been separated from Bellary District. Later on, it was  expanded with  the addition  of Revenue  Mandals  of Kadiri, Mudigubba, Nallamada, N.P.Kunta, Talupula,   Nallacheruvu,  O.D.Cheruvu, Tanakal, Amadagur and Gandlapenta (previous Kadiri  Taluk)  from Cuddapah  District in the year 1910. During the year  1956,  the present   Revenue  Mandals  of Rayadurg, D.Hirehal, Kanekal, Bommanahal  and  Gummagatta  of Bellary District were added  to Anantapur District. The District has been divided into 3 Revenue Divisions  consisting of 63 Revenue Mandals (Anantapur  Division 20, Dharmavaram Division 17 and Penukonda Division 26).

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» Topography

Anantapur  District lies between 13'-40' and  15'-15' Northern Latitude and 76'-50' and 78'-30' Eastern Longitude.  It is  bounded by Bellary, Kurnool District on the North,  Cuddapah and Kolar  Districts  of Karnataka  on South  East  and   North respectively. The  District  is roughly oblong  in shape,  the longer  side running North to South with a portion of  Chitradurg District of Karnataka State intruding into it from west between Kundurpi and Amarapuram Mandals. The  District may be divided into 3 Natural  Divisions. They are 1) Northern Mandal of Rayadurg, Kanekal,  Beluguppa Gooty, Guntakal,  Vajrakarur, Uravakonda, Vidapanakal,  Yadiki, Tadipatri, Putlur and Yellanur containing larger areas of  Black Cotton  soils (2) Kalyandurg, Kambadur, Settur,  Brahmasamudram, Ramagiri, Kanaganapalli, C.K.Palli,  Dharmavaram,  Bathalapalli, Tadimarri, Mudigubba, Anantapur, Kudair, Pamidi and  Peddavadugur in the center which are mainly made up of arid Treeless,  expense of  poor  Red Soils, (3) High Level Land  of Penukonda, Roddam, Somandepalli, Hindupur, Lepakshi, Chilamathur, Madakasira, Rolla, Gudibanda and Agali which connects with Mysore plateau at  higher elevation  of  the rest of the District. This part has  average sandy red soils of normal productivity.

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» Boundaries

It is bounded by Bellary, Kurnool District on the North, Cuddapah and Kolar District of Karnataka on South East and North respectively. The District is roughly OBLONG in shape, the longer side running North to South with a portion of Chitradurg District of Karnataka State intruding into it from west between Kundurpi and Amarapuram Mandals.

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» Rainfall & Climate

The  District of Anantapur has a fairly good  elevation which provides the District with tolerable climate throughout the year.  It has a gradual fall from the South North towards  the valley  of the Pennar in Peddavadugur, Peddapappur and  Tadipatri Mandals. There is a gradual rise in Hindupur, Parigi,  Lepakshi, Chilamathur, Agali, Rolla and Madakasira Mandals in the South  to join  the Karnataka Plateau where the average elevation is  about 2000 feet is above the mean sea level. It is about 1100 feet  at Anantapur and the lowest 900 feet is at Tadipatri. The  Geographical position of the Peninsula render  it, the  driest part of the State and hence,  Agriculture conditions are more often precarious. Monsoons also evades this part due to its unfortunate location. Being far from the East coast, it does not enjoy the full benefits of North East Monsoons and being  cut off  by the high western Ghats, the South West Monsoon  are  also prevented  from  penetrating and punching the  thirst  of  these parched soils. It is therefore seen, the district is deprived of both the monsoons and subjected to droughts due to bad  seasons. The  normal  rainfall of the district is 553.0 MMs. by  which  it secures  least  rainfall when compared to Rayalaseema  and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. The normal rainfall for the South West Monsoon period is 338.0 MMs. which forms about 61.2% of the  total rainfall  for the  year.  The failure  of  the  rains  in  this South West  monsoon period of June to September  will  lead  the District to drought by failure of crops. The rainfall for  North East  monsoon period is 156.0 M.Ms. only, which forms 28.3%  M.Ms. of  the total rainfall for the year (October to  December). The other months are almost dry March, April and May are warm  months when  the normal daily maximum temperature ranges between 29.1 C to 40.3 C. November,  December  and  January  are cooler  months  when the temperature  falls  about  15.7 C,  Hindupur, Parigi,  Lepakshi, Chilamathur,  Agali, Rolla and Madakasira Mandals being  at  High Elevation  are  more cooler than the rest of the Mandals in  the District.

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» Forests

The  Forests in the District are thin and scanty.  The Muchukota Hills about 35 KMs. in length, run from North of  Gooty Town  upto extreme Southern  Corner  of Tadipatri  and  Yadiki Mandals. Another line of Hills starts from West of Gooty  Mandal and  run  80  KMs.  called  by name Nagasamudram  Hills. The Mallappakonda Range begins at Dharmavaram and runs into Karnataka State. The   Penukonda   Range  which starts  in  the South  of Dharmavaram through Penukonda and Hindupur proceeds to Karnataka State. In  Madakasira,  the  hills divides  Rolla  and  Agali Mandals into Southern and Northern portions. There  are numerous isolated Peaks and  Rocky  Clusters which are devoid of any vegetation. The height of some of  these Hill Ranges are given below:

Mallappakonda four Miles to North of Bukkapatnam : 3002 feet Penukonda : 3091 feet Kundurpi Durgam : 2996 feet Madakasira : 2936 feet

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» Rivers

Pennar River

The important river in the District is Pennar. It has its origin in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka State where it  is called "UTTARA PINAKINI" and enters this District in the extreme South  of  Hindupur  Mandal and flows  through Parigi,  Roddam, Ramagiri, Kambadur, Kalyandurg, Beluguppa, Uravakonda,Vajrakarur,Pamidi,  Peddavadugur, Peddapappur  and  Tadipatri Mandals  and finally enters Cuddapah District.

Jayamangala

River  which  has  its  origin   in Karnataka   State enters this District in Parigi Mandal and  joins Pennar River at Sangameswarampalli of Parigi Mandal.

Chitravathi River

Another significant river in the District is "CHITRAVATHI". Its origin is in Karnataka State . This river enters the District near Kodikonda village of Chilamathur Mandal and flows North over Rocky and Hilly uplands of Gorantla,Puttaparthi, Bukkapatnam, Kothacheruvu, C.K.Palli, Dharmavaram, Bathalapalli,  Tadimarri  and Yellanur Mandals and  falls  into Pennar River at Gandikota in Cuddapah District. VEDAVATHI or HAGARI RIVER also an important one in the District has its origin in Karnataka State and flows through Gummagatta, Brahmasamudram, Beluguppa, Kanekal and D.Hirehal Mandals   and enters Bellary District of Karnataka State. Bhairavanithippa Project (B.T.Project) constructed on this river. Apart  from  these  streams  like KUSHAVATHI   in Chilamathur Mandal, SWARNAMUKHI  in Agali  Mandal,   MADDILER U  in Nallamada, Kadiri and  Mudigubba Mandals, PANDAMERU in Kanaganipalli,  Raptadu, Anantapur B.K.Samudram and Singanamala Mandals, PAPAGNI in Tanakal Mandal are  important  water  supply sources  to  various  large and medium irrigation  tanks  in  the district.

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» Soils

The  soils in Anantapur District are predominantly  red except Kanekal, Bommanahal, Vidapanakal, Uravakonda,  Vajrakarur, Guntakal, Gooty,  Pamidi, Peddavadugur,   Yadiki,   Tadipatri, Yellanur, Peddapappur and Putlur mandals. In these Mandals  red  and black soils occur almost in equal proportion. Thus  76% red soils, 24% are black soils.

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» Population

There are 929 inhabited villages, out of 964 total Revenue villages of the District. The number of villages in size group of 500 to 1999 forms 36.71% of the total inhabited villages . The size group of 2000 to 4999 forms 38.64% and the size group of 5000 to 9999 forms 12.81% only out of total villages, while 84 villages ( 9.04%) of total inhabited villages are having population less than 500. There are 26 villages with more than 10000 population excluding Towns.

PERIOD TOTAL RURAL URBAN % OF GROWTH RATE 1941 1166225 1019639 146590 -- 1951 1361556 1139998 221558 16.75 1961 1767464 1459837 307627 29.81 1971 2115321 1739531 375790 19.68 1981 2548012 2017095 530917 20.46 1991 3183814 2435761 748053 24.95 2001 3640478 2720915 919563 14.34 2007 3948600 2907791 1040809 8.46 (projected)

There  are 10 Towns in Anantapur District as  per  2001 Census.  The following Table gives the growth of  population  of towns from 1991 to 2001.

S.NO NAME OF THE MANDAL CIVIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STATUS IN 2001 CENSUS POPULATION       1961 1971 1981 1 ANANTAPUR MUNICIPALITY 52280 80069 119531 2 GUNTAKAL MUNICIPALITY 48083 66320 84599 3 HINDUPUR MUNICIPALITY 32445 42959 55091 4 KADIRI MUNICIPALITY 24307 33810 52774 5 TADIPATRI MUNICIPALITY 23129 31618 53939 6 DHARMAVARAM MUNICIPALITY 20405 30876 50969 7 RAYADURG MUNICIPALITY 23779 26154 32745 8 GOOTY PANCHAYAT BOARD 19057 21706 29302 9 URAVAKONDA PANCHAYAT BOARD 17926 19753 21754 10 KALYANDURG PANCHAYAT BOARD 10256 13260 17049

S.NO NAME OF THE MANDAL CIVIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STATUS IN 2001 CENSUS POPULATION % OF GROWTH       1991 2001   1 ANANTAPUR MUNICIPALITY 174924 252298 25.09 2 GUNTAKAL MUNICIPALITY 107592 117103 8.84 3 HINDUPUR MUNICIPALITY 104651 125074 19.52 4 KADIRI MUNICIPALITY 63078 76252 20.89 5 TADIPATRI MUNICIPALITY 71068 86843 22.20 6 DHARMAVARAM MUNICIPALITY 78961 103357 30.90 7 RAYADURG MUNICIPALITY 40845 54125 32.51 8 GOOTY PANCHAYAT BOARD 37814 43389 14.74 9 URAVAKONDA PANCHAYAT BOARD 27679 31856 15.09 10 KALYANDURG PANCHAYAT BOARD 23106 29266 26.66

The density of population of the District is  190 per Sq. K.M,  against (277) of the State. The population of Rural  and Urban  to the total population of the District work out to  75% and 25% in 2001 Census as against 76.5% and 23.5% of 1991 Census. There are 958 Females per 1000 Males in 2001 Census. The working force in the total population of District forms  48.83%  as per 2001 census out of which 26% are  in  the Agriculture Sector.

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» Land Utilisation

The total geographical area of the district  is  19.13 lakh Hects. The land utilisation pattern as available  in  the district during the year 2006-2007 is given in the tables. It can be seen from  the  table that the net area sown is 9.23 Lakh Hects., which forms 48.25% of the total area. The total cropped area is 9.75 Lakh Hects. Area sown more than once is 0.52 Lakh Hects. The  cultivated area of the District is  9.75 Lakh  Hects. out  of which 7.95 Lakh Hects. is under Kharif and 1.80 Lakh  Hects., is under Rabi Season during the year 2006-2007.

The District occupies the lowest position in respect of Irrigation facilities with only 14.08% of the gross cropped  area during 2006-2007. Out of the gross irrigated area of 1.37 Lakh Hects.  during 2006-2007 canals accounted  for  17.37%, tanks  1.36%, Tube wells 70.83%, wells 10.02% and other sources 0.42%. All  the principal sources except canals are non-precarious.

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» Natural Resources

Forests The  District is not rich in the  Forest Wealth.  The  name ' Forest'  in  Anantapur District  does  not indicate any dense tree population with thick foliage of variform of pastures.

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» Mineral Resources

Gold At Ramagiri  village  in Ramagiri  mandal, Gold is found to occur in the Cholite Schist's  and physlite  along with western part of Dharwar Schist's Belt in  the district. The place extends over a length of 14 kms Exploratory mining in the area is pruned about 467 meters of ore shoots with an  average width of 100 CMS Tonne. Mining operations are  expected to be conducted by Bharat Gold Mines Limited. Diamonds Diamonds  are know to be available  near  Vajrakarur.  They mainly occur in pipe rocks. Asbestos (Chrysolite variety Cross fibre type) Barytes High Grade Line Stones, Iron ore and steatite are the minerals occurring in the district. There are however no large sized minerals occurring in the district. There are 2 large scale Cement Factories (Ms. L&T Ltd., and Ms. Penna Cement Ltd.,) in Tadipatri Mandal and producing lakhs tonnes of cement in private sector.

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» Place of Tourist Importance

Gugudu The village in Narpala Mandal is at a distance  of  29 kms  from Anantapur and is situated among the  Mutchukota  Hills. It is known for its Moharum Festival and Sri Kullai Swamy is  the name  of the much venerated saint. Barren women  are  said  to become  fertile  by paying a visit to the shrine. Fire walking ceremony  is conducted on the night of the 11 th day of  Moharrum. There  is also Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple near by the abode  of Sri Kullai Swamy Chavidi.

Lepakshi The village is situated at a distance of 14 kms  from Hindupur Town in Lepakshi Mandal. This place is a famous  pilgrim center known for its Veerabhadra Temple and the huge stone" NANDI" which  stands nearby.  The place is also associated  with  the travellers of Lord Sri Ram. The Temple is veritable treasure of sculpture  and architecture. Large number of pilgrims visit  the place on "SHIVARATHRI" and other saivite festival days.

Kasapuram The place is about 4 kms north of Guntakal  and  is known  for the temple of Nettikanti Veera Anjaneya  Swamy .  Hindu pilgrims  from  several parts of Anantapur, Kurnool  and   Bellary districts congregate here in large number specially on  Saturdays and worship the deity, besides performing marriages  and  tonsure ceremonies. Even  Muslims of the surrounding  areas  visit the place  and make their offerings to this deity. A huge  procession is  taken  out once in a year on the day next to the  Telugu  New Year Day.

Alurkona This place is at a distance of 5 kms. from  Tadpatri and is known for the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple built on the top of the hill by Yerramaraju, a Chiefttain of Bukkarayalu in  1330.There  is  a waterfall nearby with perennial spring. It  is  not only  a pilgrim center but also a picnic spot on account of the scenic  beauty of the place. Thousands of pilgrims  visit the place  all  round the year and perform marriages  and  religious ceremonies. The annual Brahmostavam Festival is being celebrated on  Chitra  Suddah  Pournima (Usually  in April)  attracts huge congregation.

Pennaahobilam This  place situated at a distance of  35  kms. from Anantapur is an uninhabited village known for its Temple  of "Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy"  popularly  called  as  "Degurla Narasimha Swamy". This place is an important pilgrim center  in the  District and the Car Festival on the fifth day of  the  dark fortnight  in the month of Vaisakam (April-May) will  be  largely attended by devotees even from the neighboring Districts and the Karnataka   State . The temple is constructed on a hillock  of  30 feet height.  The main shrine consists of gigantic foot mark  of 5'x3',  believed to be the foot print of Lord Narasimha. Vows  are fulfilled  and marriages  and tonsure  ceremonies are  performed frequently  at  this shrine. The temple of Lakshmi ,  the lords consort  is situated by the side of the main shrine. There is  a spring channel in the temple known as "Bugga Koneru".

Gutibayalu This place is about 21 kms. South-East of  Kadiri. There  is a Banyan Tree, perhaps the biggest of its kind  in  the South, its branches spreading over nearly 5 acres, locally  called "Thimmamma Marrimanu" after the name of Thimmamma, who is said to have  committed  " Sati" in 1434 A.D at this spot,  where this Banyan Tree sprouted.

Puttapathy This  village is on  the  banks  of  Chitravathi situated  at a distance of about 29 kms. from Penukonda.  It  is the abode  of Puttaparthy Sri Sathya Sai  Baba, drawing  devoted disciples from all over the world. There is  Prasanthi Nilayam (an  Ashram) constructed by the Devotees. The Baba  is  credited with  acute powers. On Sivarathri, on the birth day of the Baba and particularly during Dasara, quite a large number of  devotees visit the palce. A beautiful  mantapa  by  name" Poornachandra"   is constructed  in  which a large number  of  Baba  devotees  would assemble and perform "Bhajana" on festival days.

Penukonda Penukonda is one of the early capitals of the Vijayanagara empire, the fort was impregnable during its time. The two most noteworthy sights in the fort are the "Gagan Mahal" the Summer resort of the kings and "Babayya Darga" a splendid example for communal hormony. Here Kumbakarna garden was spread over 5 acres. It has a Gigantic statue of the sleeping Kumbakarna, measuring 142 feet in length and 32 feet in height into whose cavernos belly one can walk into it. Several asuras are seen trying to wake up the sleeping Gaint.

Hemavathi Hemavathi is located at a distance of 140kms from Anantapur. It is famous for Doddeswara Swamy temple built during the Pallava Reign. The stone used in making the idols sounds like metal when stuck and is also remarkably polished. A Nandi made of black basalt granite, 8 feet in lenght and 4 feet in height sits at the entrance. There is a 6 feet tall Lingam installed inside the sanctum sanctorum. The temple area houses two other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva called the Siddeswara Swamy temple and Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. There is a Museum in side which has rare idols of historical importance of display.

Rayadurg Fort It is located at a distance of 130kms from Anantapur. The fort was built by the Vijayanagara Kings and has inscriptions indicative of the period, on its walls. Located with in the fort is the RasaSidda Temple. Carved out of a single stone, the temple is embellished with the fine sculptures depicting Jain gurus and their disciples. In the proximity are other sites like Rama Temple, Narasimha Swamy Temple, Neelakanteswara Temple and Jambukeswara Temple.

Gooty Fort Gooty fort is majistically located at a distance of 52kms from Anantapur at a height of 300mts on a hill. It is one of the oldest hill forts in A.P. Built during the Vijayanagara era, the fort is uniquely built in the shape of a shell with 15 main doors and is significant for its water resources available at such a height.

Tadipatri Chintala Venkataramana Temple is located in Tadipatri town which is at a distance of 52 kms from Anantapur. From Tadipatri town at a distance of 1 km., over looking the Penna river, the Bugga Ramalingeswara Temple is remarkable for a Lingam on a pedestal constantly filled with water from a small spring.

Sri Kadiri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Kadiri is the holy shrine where Lord Vishnu set foot and handed over the Utsavamoorthis to Brugu Maharshi for his daily worship. Special Poojas are performed during Dassera and Sakranthi. There are several sacred thirthas connected to the Temple.

Dharmavaram Sri Laxmi Chennakeshwara Temple is renowned for its architectural brilliance and for the perennial waterspout and pillars, which produces seven different musical notes when struck. Dharmavaram is also known for its cotton and silk weaving industry with its silk sarees popular all over the world. This place is also known for its expertise in making leather puppets.

Jambu Dweepa at Konakondla The Jain Mythical cosmographical diagram of Jambu Dweepa engraved on a stone on the top of the hill Alchemists at Konakondla village in Vajrakarur Mandal which was identified by Sri R.V. Chakravarthy, Head Master, Parishad High School, Konakondla in the year 1966. The pilgrims, especially south Indian Jain pilgrims are mostly attracted by this Jambu Dweepa which is 70 kms from Anantapur or 10 kms from Guntakal Railway Station. Adjacent to this, there are Kambam Narasimha Swamy Hills, Rasasidda hillock and Kari Basappa hillock. There is a Thirthanka Temple with idols of Thirthankaras (high priests) on Rasasidda hillock. This may belong to 13 th Century A.D. » Tourism       Dharmavaram     How to Reach   Dharmavaram is located at a distance of 46 km from Ananthapur and 200 KM from Bangalore . This place is well connected by rail and road. Private transport facility is available from Ananthapur. Significance   Historical Significance : 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.   Temples: Dharmavaram is famous for the temple of Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy . Temple is renowned for its architectural brilliance and for the perennial waterspout and pillars The temple has a multi-storied tower, extensive enclosures and an entrance carved in the Vijayanagar style. The architecturally exquisite Ramalingeswara Temple has a perennial water spout and seven independent pillars which produce seven different musical notes when struck.   Silk Sarees: Dharmavaram is also known for its cotton and silk weaving industry. Dharmavaram silk sarees are well known all over the country. Leather puppets are also made in the vicinity. It is famous for silk sarees and has a great past. 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.     Back to Top^     » Gooty     How to Reach   Gooty is located at a distance of 52 km from Ananthapur on the Kurnool-Bangalore trunk road. It is one of the oldest hill forts of Andhra Pradesh. This place is well connected by rail and road from Ananthapur.   Significance   Gooty fort is situated at a height of 300 mtrs above the plains in Gooty. It is one of the oldest hill forts in Andhra Pradesh. The fort was built by the emperors of the Vijayanagara Kingdom . The Marathas under Murari Rao conquered it. Then it was taken over by Haider Ali in 1773 and eventually fell into the British hands after the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799. The fort was built in the shape of a shell and has 15 forts with 15 main doors (mukahdwarulu) inside the structure. There is a small pavilion made of polished lime stone called Murari Rao's seat. This pavilion is on the edge of a cliff from where one can have a panoramic view of the surroundings. The unique feature of the fort is the availability of water resources at such a height. Back to Top^     » Hemavathi     How to Reach   Hemavathi in Ananthapur district is situated at a distance of 37 km from Madakasiri and 148 km from Ananthapur. Hemavathi is well connected by road with frequent bus and private transport facilities from Madakasiri. The nearest railhead is at Hindupur.   Significance   Hemavathi was once capital of Pallavas during the 9th -10th centuries. It is a repository of a striking collection of Pallava and Chola architecture.Hemavathi assumed considerable importance between the 9th and 10th century AD, under the Nolamba Pallavas when it was known as Henjeri.Nolambas or Nodambas trace their descent from a mythical demon of that name. Trinayana Pallava or Mukkanti was regarded as the founder of this royal line. Nolamba rulers were known for their patronage for arts and religion.Hemavathi is famous for the temple of Doddeswara Swamy . A Nandi made of black basalt granite 8 feet in length and 4 feet in height, sits at the entrance. There is a 6 feet tall Lingam installed inside the sanctum sanctorum.Jain devotees from all over India converge annually on teh Jain temple located in hemavati.   Back to Top^     » Penukonda     How to Reach   Penukonda is 50 km from Ananthapur and is located on the way to Bangalore (on National Highway No. 7). It is well connected by road with frequent buses and private transportation from Ananthapur.   Significance   Penukonda is mentioned as Ghangari in the local inscriptions. The structure of the fort shows the splendid plan and strategic view of the medieval period. There are a good number of temples in the Fort. The Penukonda Fort, constructed with stone by mixing lime and clay, served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire for a short period and remained inaccessible to the enemies. Now, there are two important sights here. One is the "Gagan Mahal" which was used as a summer resort by the Vijayanagar Kings. The Gagan Mahal witnessed the majesty and aristocracy of the Royal times and was built in 1575 AD. The other is "Babayya Darga" which is the symbol of communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims.   Back to Top^     » Lepakshi     How to Reach   It is the most important place in the Anantapur District from the historical and archaeological point of view . Lepakshi is situated at a distance of km from Bangalore and 110 km from Ananthapur. Lepakshi is well connected by road with frequent bus and private transport facilities from Hindupur at the distance of 15 KM. The nearest railhead is at Hindupur. The Skandhapuranam refers to Lepakshi as one of the 108 Saiva temples in India . Sri Virupanna, who worked as a Treasury Officer of Penukonda Fort of Vijayanagara Empire, took up the construction of the Lord Veerabhadhra Temple at Lepakshi in the 16th-century. One can find the late Vijayanagara style of architecture in the vestiges of Lepakshi. The construction of the temple in 1538 A.D. is attributed to Virupanna, a noble man and merchant prince of those times. The natyamandapa or dance hall is supported by 100 pillars finely sculpted with figurines of a dancing Siva, Nandi, Tumbura, Rambha and other celestial beings playing the drum, veena and other instruments in accompaniment. The unfinished Kalyanamandapa on the other side contains sculptures of dikapalakas on the pillar. From the centre of the mantapa emerges a dome, twenty-one feet high, like a great lotus of heaven. In this huge mantapa, the ceiling is divided into different panels by beams that are painted with some of the most exquisite murals of the Deccan.   Back to Top^     » Tadipatri   How to reach   Tadipatri is Located at a distance of 90kms, from Ananthapur.   Chintala Venkataramana Temple     Tadipatri has many religious monuments of interest located in and around the town. In the heart of the town is the Chintala Venkataramana Temple with its lofty gopura. At a distance of 1km, from the town, overlooking the Pennar river is the Bugga Ramalingeshwara Temple, remarkable for a lingam on a pedestal, constantly filled with water from a small spring.   Aluru 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.   Back to Top^     » Penna Ahobilam     How to Reach   Located at a distance of 12kms, from Uravakonda and 36kms, from Anantapur, it is well-linked by road with frequent bus service.   Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple   This Temple is located amidst lush greenery, on the banks of a rivulet of Pennar. Myth has it that this temple was built on the footprint of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy measuring 5 feet 3 inches . And it is said that another footprint of the Lord is at the Ahobilam temple in Kurnool district. According to the sources available, Most of the people visit this place to perform marriage ceremonies of their children and relatives. A grand car festival is conducted in the month of April.   Back to Top^     » Thimmamma Marrimanu (Banayan Tree)     How to Reach   Located about 35 kms from Kadiri, and 100 kms from Anantapur.   Significance   it is famous as it has a banyan tree, which is locally called as "Thimmamma Marrimanu''. It is regarded as the biggest of its kind in South India. It's branches spreads over nearly 5 acres. It is named after 'Thimmamma' who was considered to be the representative of the Almighty. To the pride of India, the "Marrimanu" was recorded as the biggest tree in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989. A small temple dedicated to Thimmamma lies under the tree. An account of this lady in Telugu kept at the shrine reveals that she was the daughter of a Setti Balija couple Sennakka Venkatappa and Mangamma, born in AD 1394. She was married to a Bala Veerayya who died in 1434, and Thimmamma committed 'Sati'. The banyan tree is believed to have sprouted at the place where she ascended the funeral pyre. The people of this area strongly believe that if a childless couple worship "Thimmamma" they will have a child the very next year. A big 'Jatara' is conducted here on the day of "Shivaratri" when thousands and thousands of people flock here to worship 'Thimmamma' on this occasion.   Back to Top^     » Kadiri     Sri Lakshmi Narashimha Swami Temple   is located to the west of the town and is a popular place of pilgrimage attracting devotees even from neighbouring districts. The epics say that 'Narashimha Swami' is one of the ten avataras of Lord Vishnu. This Vishnu temple appears to have been constructed by one 'Ranganayudu', a Palegar of Patharlapattanam. Several scenes from 'Ramayana' are painted on the ceiling of the 'Rangamantapa' and several frescos on that of the Lakshmi mantapa depicting scenes from the 'Bhagavata'. Unfortunately the murals have lost their freshness and are fading. Many inscriptions on the temple mostly mention the gifts given by kings to the temple. The legendary significance of this sacred shrine dates back to Trethayuga, and according to local version, the presiding deity - Narasimhaswami in His terrific aspect - 'Vugrarupa' chose to settle down here after killing Hiranyakasipu.   Back to Top^     » Puttaparthi     Puttaparthi, now popularly known as Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of Supreme Peace, is the home town of Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba and it is about 40 km away from Dharmavaram, 80 km from Anantapur and 200 km from Bangalore . World renowned and worshipped by His devotees all over the globe as God Incarnate, Sri Sathya Sai Baba has shown humanity a new way of life and through His simple teachings transformed millions of His devotees' lives. It indeed needs a divine intervention for anyone to achieve the accomplishments of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of supreme peace, is a place every human being should visit in his lifetime to experience for oneself what selfless and pure love can achieve. 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 Anantapur. 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 community protected water supply plans and 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.   http://www.sathyasai.org/   Back to Top^     » Yogi Vemana Samadhi     Famous for the Yogi Vemana Samadhi, Kattarupally attracts a lot of pilgrims. Situated 25 kms. from Kadiri enroute Thimmamamarimanu, the journey offers spectacular views of rock formations of various shapes. Yogi Vemana is widely known as peoples' poet. His simple and colloquial Telugu poems, which narrates truths of day to day life and social evils, are more popular among the literates and illiterate ruralites.   Back to Top^     » GUGUDU     The village in Narpala Mandal is at a distance  of  29 kms  from Anantapur and is situated among the  Mutchukota  Hills. It is known for its Moharum Festival and Sri Kullai Swamy is  the name  of  the much venerated saint. Barren women  are  said  to become  fertile  by paying a visit to the shrine.  Fire walking ceremony  is conducted on the night of the 11 th day of  Moharrum. There  is also Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple near by the abode  of Sri Kullai Swamy Chavidi.   Back to Top^     » Yadiki Caves     Yadiki is midway between Gooty and Tadipatri. The cave system is in the picturesque village of Konapulappadu which is 18 kms. From Yadiki. The magnificent view of the hillocks, gorges, spring, paddy fields, lake and winding roads enthralls every visitor. Geemanugavi cave is 5kms. In length and one can go up to 2kms. Inside. The intricate designs of stalactite and stalagmite formations takes shape of chandeliers, bridges, globes, snakes etc. The sight of some, which glitters like diamonds is amazing. Uudamanugavi, another cave can accommodate 100 people . Kona Ramalingeswara temple adjacent to the spring adds to the beauty. For those who are young in mind and body there is scope for trekking and rock climbing.