Gandikota Grand Canyon, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this Gandikota Grand Canyon of Gandilkota, Andhra Pradesh, was a part of “Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Heritage walk”, from 25^th to 28^th December 2025, organized by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”.  

 

This Gandikota Fort, on the banks of  Penna River, is enclosed with ancient buildings, stone structures, Hindu Temples, Masjid, Islamic structures, etc., in YSR District (Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy and formerly known as Kadapa District), of Andhra Pradesh.

GRAND CANYON OF INDIA, GANDIKOTA

Gandikota, a small, quaint village on the right bank of the Pennar River in YSR district, Andhra Pradesh, is known as the "Grand Canyon of India". This stunning gorge is formed by the Pennar River cutting through Erramala Hills (western part of Cuddapah (Kadapa) Basin) for a stretch of six kilometres. The litho-units consist of quartzites and slates of the Cambrian Period (541 - 485 million years) interbedded with lavas of a younger age. The landscape features deep valleys, massive boulders and the ~300 feet wide Pennar River flowing over the base of the Peninsular Gneiss. The Gandikota Fort on the right bank of Pennar, an impregnable stronghold of the medieval period, is now represented by its remnants with a temple and a mosque. The name Gandikota is derived from "Gandi" (gorge) and "Kota" (fort) in Telugu. This Geoheritage site offers an unforgettable experience for geo-tourist enthusiasts and other visitors.

GEOLOGICAL SET UP OF THE FAMOUS GANDIKOTA HILL GORGE

The spectacular, scenic Gandikota Gorge is a unique blend of geological, ecological, and cultural significance, attracting tourists, Geologists, and Entusiasts.

Geomorphology:

Location: 14° 47′ 0″ n, 78° 17' 0" e

Altitude: max. 450m at the plateau top, min.150m at the river level above mean sea level (MSL).

Land form: Gandi Kota gorge is a steep and narrow gorge with a 300 m, 100-500 m width and 2-3 km long with vertical to sub-vertical cliffs. It is also called the "Grand Canyon of India" due to its similarities with the Grand Canyon of Arizona, USA.

Role of the River Penna: River Penna began flowing 20 million years which gradually cut in to the quartzite rocks, continuing the erosion even till today, carving the famous Gandikota Gorge.

Significance: River Penna flows through the gorge, creating a V-shaped valley with seasonal waterfalls, rapids and natural springs emerging from quartzite fractures.

Geology: The Gandikota Gorge, located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is a spectacular geological formation carved by the river Penna through the Gandikota quartzite formation.

Geological era: Paleo Proterozoic to Neo Proterozoic

Group: Kadapa super group

Sub Group: Chitravathi

Formation: Gandikota Quarzite

Age: About 1200-1000 million years as per radioactive dating

Lithology: quartzite with intercolations of shale

Thickness: 300m

Structure: Foulded and Faulted

Origin/depositional conditions: Gandikota Quarzites are formed in shallow marine, slow deposition, sedimentary with tidal flat depositional environment conditions. A gorge is formed due to structural upliftment followed by tectonic activity, weathering and erosion, which started a million years ago and continues even till today by the river Penna.

Other information: the Gandikota Quartzite formation was mapped by various Geologists which are Robert Bruce Foote (1860 CE), H.B. Middle Cott (1870 CE), William King (1880 CE) and M.S.Krishnan (1970-80), etc.

HOW TO REACH

Gandikota in YSR District in Andhra Pradesh is 15 km from Jammalamadugu, 62 km from Belum Caves, 88 km from Tadipatri, and 92 km from Kadapa, the capital City of YSR District.

The nearest Railway Station is Jammalamadugu.

LOCATION OF THIS GRAND CANYON OF INDIA: CLICK HERE

A Sunset view from the temple 

A Sunset view from the temple 

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Shri Ranganayakula Swami Temple/ Shri Ranganatha Swamy Temple /విజయనగర కాలం శ్రీ రంగనాథ స్వామీ ఆలయం (గండికోట), Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this Shri Ranganayakula Swami Temple of Gandilkota Fort, Andhra Pradesh, was a part of “Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Heritage walk”, from 25^th to 28^th December 2025, organised by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”.  

This Gandikota Fort, on the banks of  Penna River, is enclosed with ancient buildings, stone structures, Hindu Temples, Masjid, Islamic structures, etc., in YSR District (Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy and formerly known as Kadapa District), of Andhra Pradesh.

HISTORY

This place, Gandikota, derives its name from the Telugu word 'Gandi,' which means a “gorge” and 'kota' a fort. This strong fort is built on top of a gorge of the River Pennar in a scenic spot; the place and the fort are known as Gandikota. Legends record that the fort was first built by a Kapa Maharaja in the 12th century CE. Recorded history begins with the Kakatiyas during the 13th Century CE. The fort came under the possession of the Vijayanagara rulers and Bukka I, who strengthened it. The temples within the fort were built by the Vijayanagara Rulers.

The temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple faces east with a mottai Rajagopuram. The kalkaram or the adi tala is simple without images/ sculptures.  The temple consists of sanctum santorum, antarala, ardha mandapam/ Navaranga mandapa, and open mukha mandapam. The ardha mandapam is supported with lathe-turned pillars. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the entrance, and the Gajalashmi bas-relief is on the top of the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum is square in shape on a pada bandha adhistanam with jagathy and kumutam. The bhitti starts with vedikai. There are no pilasters or devea koshtas on the bhitti. The prastaram consists of pattikai. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from adhistanam to the prastaram. The sanctum sanctorum is without vimanam. 

 Architecture Drawing on the floor

The open mukha mandapa pillars are with yazhi riders and intricately carved sculptures of Hindu deities, devotees, flower motifs, etc. There are about 4, four pillar mandapas in the praharam / corridor/ one tala Thiruchutru maligai.  

VISITING HOURS

The temple visiting time will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs. The entry will be closed at 17.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH

Gandikota in YSR District in Andhra Pradesh is 15 km from Jammalamadugu, 62 km from Belum Caves, 88 km from Tadipatri, and 92 km from Kadapa, the capital City of YSR District.

The nearest Railway Station is Jammalamadugu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

 Sunset view from the temple 

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Granary of Gandikota Fort /ధాన్యాగారము, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this Granary of Gandilkota Fort, Andhra Pradesh, was a part of “Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Heritage walk”, from 25^th to 28^th December 2025, organised by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”.  

This Gandikota Fort, on the banks of  Penna River, is enclosed with ancient buildings, stone structures, Hindu Temples, Masjid, Islamic structures, etc., in YSR District (Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy and formerly known as Kadapa District), of Andhra Pradesh.

This place, Gandikota, derives its name from the Telugu word 'Gandi,' which means a “gorge” and 'kota' a fort. This strong fort is built on top of a gorge of the River Pennar in a scenic spot; the place and the fort are known as Gandikota. Legends record that the fort was first built by a Kapa Maharaja in the 12th century CE. Recorded history begins with the Kakatiyas during the 13th Century CE. The fort came under the possession of the Vijayanagara rulers and Bukka I, who strengthened it. The temples within the fort were built by them. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Qutb Shahis of Hyderabad under Mir Jumla captured the fort.

The mosques and other secular structures were built by him. The imposing Jami Masjid is a pleasing building. Early in the 18th century, it passed into the hands of the Cuddapah Nawabs. After a brief holding by Hyder and Tippu, it was ceded to the British by a treaty with the Nizam in 1800 C.E.

The fortifications are extensive, about 8 km in circumference, with impressive bastions and one main entry. Within, there are a few secular and religious buildings. Madavaraya Swamy and Ranganatha Swamy temples were built in the typical Vijayanagara style. Among the secular structures, important are the “Massive granary” and the palaces that were built by Mir Jumla.

The Massive Granary is adjacent to Jamia Masjid. This Granary has the facility of loading the grains from the top, climbing through the steps. Also, there is a provision given to take the grain from the bottom. The Granary measures 20 feet high and has 101 bastions, each over 40 feet high. The quantity of storage may be 120 meter cube. As per the Archaeology Department, the granary is used for storing the grains received from the farmers as Tax. This will be used by the ruler's government to use for the food to the Palace, the Soldiers, and occupants of the fort, till the next harvest. It may be used during draught.

VISITING HOURS

The temple visiting time will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs. The entry will be closed at 17.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH

Gandikota in YSR District in Andhra Pradesh is 15 km from Jammalamadugu, 62 km from Belum Caves, 88 km from Tadipatri, and 92 km from Kadapa, the capital City of YSR District.

The nearest Railway Station is Jammalamadugu.

LOCATION OF THE GRANERY: CLICK HERE

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Jamia Masjid/ Jumma Masjid / జుమ్మా మాస్జిద్, Gandikotta, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this Jamia Masjid, Gandilkota Fort, Andhra Pradesh, was a part of “Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Heritage walk”, from 25^th to 28^th December 2025, organised by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”.

This Gandikota Fort, on the banks of  Penna River, is enclosed with ancient buildings, stone structures, Hindu Temples, Masjid, Islamic structures, etc., in YSR District (Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy and formerly known as Kadapa District), of Andhra Pradesh.

After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Qutb Shahis of Hyderabad under Mir Jumla captured the fort. The mosques and other secular structures were built by him. The imposing Jamia Masjid is a pleasing building. Early in the 18th century, it passed into the hands of the Cuddapah Nawabs. After a brief holding by Hyder and Tippu, it was ceded to the British by a treaty with the Nizam in 1800 C.E.

The Jamia Masjid incorporates the decorative elements of the Qutb Shahi style, notably the plasterwork. The two tall minarets are an integral part of the Mihrab. The prayer courtyard surrounds a raised platform with the Mihrab on it. A mihrab is basically a curved alcove in a mosque that indicates the direction in which the prayers have to be held. The back side of the Mihrab is only the extension of the platform.

The dome might seem like a simple design now, but the central floral patterns suggest that its original designs might have been even more elaborate. A pool may be used for water fountain in front of the Mihrab/prayer place. Water for the fountain might have been brought through the aqueducts connecting the River Pennar and the fort.

VISITING HOURS

The temple visiting time will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs. The entry will be closed at 17.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH

Gantikota in YSR District in Andhra Pradesh is 15 km from Jammalamadugu, 62 km from Belum Caves, 88 km from Tadipatri, and 92 km from Kadapa, the capital City of YSR District.

The nearest Railway Station is Jammalamadugu.

LOCATION OF THE JUMMA MASJID: CLICK HERE

Entrance

An abandoned, dilapidated Masjid in front of Jamia Masjid

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Shri Madhavaraya Swamy Temple/ Vijayanagara Style Shri Madhavaraya Swamy Temple/ విజయనగర శైలి శ్రీ మాధవరాయ స్వామీ ఆలయం, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this Shri Madhavaraya Swamy Temple, Gandilkota Fort, Andhra Pradesh, was a part of “Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Heritage walk”, from 25^th to 28^th December 2025, organised by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”.

This Gandikota Fort, on the banks of  Penna River, is enclosed with ancient buildings, stone structures, Hindu Temples, Masjid, Islamic structures, etc., in YSR District (Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy and formerly known as Kadapa District), of Andhra Pradesh.

HISTORY

This place, Gandikota, derives its name from the Telugu word “Gandi,” which means a “Gorge” and “Kota,” a fort. This strong fort is built on top of a gorge of the River Pennar in a scenic spot; the place and the fort are known as Gandikota. Legends record that the fort was first built by a Kapa Maharaja in the 12th century CE. Recorded history begins with the Kakatiyas during the 13th Century CE. The fort came under the possession of the Vijayanagara rulers and Bukka I, who strengthened it. The temples within the fort were built by them. This Shri Madhavaraya Swamy Temple is one of the Vishnu temples built by the Vijayanagara Empire inside the Gandikota Fort.

It is said that one of the inscriptions of the 16th-century Vijayanagara period states that several individuals, including a man named Papa Timmaraju, offered gifts to the god Madhavaraya Swamy ("Lord Krishna") and a garland (tomala). 

This temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram without sigaram and kalasa. The kalkaram or the adi tala has beautiful sculptures, like Venugopala, Surya, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganapati, and Yoga Narasimha. The central pillars on the sides of the passage have with vyyala riders and Ganga and Yamuna kodipenkal. The decorative motifs, including the lotus medallion at the centre, tortoise, fish, and lizards, are on the Rajagopuram passage. The 4 tiers above the adi tala/ kalkaram were built with bricks.

The temple consists of sanctum santorum, antarala, ardha mandapam/ Navaranga mandapa, and open mukha mandapam. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the entrance, and the Gajalashmi bas-relief is on the top of the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum is square in shape on a kapota bandha adhistanam with jagathy, threepatta kumudam, and kapotam. The bhitti starts with vedika. There are no pilasters or deve koshtas on the bhitti. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam, with nasi kudus. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from adhistanam to the prastaram. The sanctum sanctorum is without vimanam. 

Two more sannidhis are on the south and north sides of the Navaranga mandapa. Since the sannidhis are empty without images, for what the sannidhis are built is not known. The mukha mandapa pillars are with yazhi riders and intricately carved sculptures. The uthram / beam of the mandapa has the sculptures of dancers, Vaishnava deities, etc.   

Parivara sannidhis, Kalyana mandapa, and mada palli are built in the praharam Corridor / one tala Thiruchutru maligai. The kalyana mandapa and parivara sannidhis are standing only with pillars without a ceiling.

Kalyana mandapa

Corridor / one tala Thiruchutru maligai

VISITING HOURS

The temple visiting time will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs. The entry will be closed at 17.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH

Gantikota in YSR District in Andhra Pradesh is 15 km from Jammalamadugu, 62 km from Belum Caves, 88 km from Tadipatri, and 92 km from Kadapa, the capital City of YSR District.

The nearest Railway Station is Jammalamadugu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

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Shri Mahalingeswarar Temple, / ஶ்ரீ மகாலிங்கேஸ்வரர் கோயில், சிறுங்காவூர்/ Sirungavoor, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Mahalingeswarar Temple at Sirungavoor, a small village near Red Hill, on 22^nd February 2026, in connection with the 590th week abhishekam organised by the Ancient Shiva Temples, Sivamayam Group.

Moolavar  : Sri Mahalingeswarar

Consort    : Sri Mangalambigai

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with a temple tank on the opposite side of the road. Bala Vinayagar and Bala Murugan are on both sides of the temple before Rishabam and balipeedam. Moolavar is a little tall with a rough surface and on a square avudaiyar. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Durgai.

In praharam Ambal Temple and the Navagrahas.

Ambal is in a separate sannidhi facing south. Balipeedam and Simha vahanam are in front of the sannidhi. Ambal is in a standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

Looks like Vinayagar..? No... Mukha Lingam...?

 Ambal Sri Mangalambigai

ARCHITECTURE

The whole temple was constructed with bricks and concrete. The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum and an open mukha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum with vimanam is of Nagara style. The sanctum sanctorum is on a upapeedam, jagathy, three patta kumudam and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Brahma kantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai, veerakandam and vettu pothyal. The koshtas are of the sala style. The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam, with nasikudus. Eka tala nagara vimanam, with greevam and sigaram, are on the bhumi desam. Shiva with Parvati, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are on the greeva koshtams.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

It is said that the original temple may be 200 to 300 years old. The present structure was constructed, and Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted through Mr S Settu and Mrs S Umarani on 14^th September 2008. The total temple was constructed at Rs 10 lakhs, received through donations.

Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted through Mr S Settu and Mrs S Umarani on 09^th June 2023 at Rs 5 lakhs

LEGENDS

It is believed that worshipping Shiva and Mangalambigai of this temple will get relieved from marriage obstacles, and child boon, etc.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular oru kala poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri days, etc.

Maha Vishnu - Chandikeswarar

Durgai

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since oru kala pooja is conducted during morning hours, the temple will be kept open.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Sivanadiyar Dharma Lingam may be contacted on his mobile number +918098830986 for the dashan and further details.

HOW TO REACH

This place, Sirungavoor, can be reached from Rad Hill through Vilangadupakkam.

The Sirungavoor village is about 8 km from Red Hills, 10.5 km from Minjur, 10 km from Manali, and 12 km from Madhavaram.

The nearest Railway Station is Manali/ Minjur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Shivamayam Team

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