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

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Gandikota Fort Jail / గండికోట, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this Jail / Prison 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. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Qutb Shahis of Hyderabad under Mir Jumla captured the fort. 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.  A tower named Charminar and a structure known as “Jail” are also noteworthy.

The Jail is a rectangular stone structure with a main entrance and two small side entrances. The whole stone structure was built with stone. The centre entrance with steps leads to the big hall. Apart from a hall, there are 5 cells, both in upper and lower levels. There is no side air and light ventilation to these cells. It is said that this structure was used as a Jail or prison to lodge the criminals inside the fort. Now this structure has become a refuge for the bats with foul smell.

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 MONUMENT: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Mini Charminar of Gandikota Fort / గండికోట చార్మినార్, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this Mini Charminar, 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.

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 Qutb Shahis of Hyderabad under Mir Jumla captured the fort from the Vijayanagara Empire. The Mosques and Charminar within the fort were built by them. 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 Mini Charminar was built in 3 levels, and the 4 minarets are on the top of the 3^rd level with an ornamental parapet wall like a fort wall with bastions on the 4 corners. The base level is open on all 4 sides. The construction of the Charminar followed the Islamic architecture. 

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 MINI CHARMINAR: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Gandikota Fort, Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The visit to this 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.

As per the legends, 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, and the Vishnu 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. An Anjaneyar temple is immediately after the entrance, which may have been built during the Vijayanagara period. Within, there are a few secular and religious buildings. Shree Madavaraya Swamy and Shree Ranganatha Swamy temples were built in the typical Vijayanagara style.

Among the secular structures, the massive granary and the palaces were built by Mir Jumla. The Jamia Masjid incorporates the decorative elements of the Qutb Shahi style, notably the plasterwork. A tower named Mini Charminar and a structure known as Jail near the Charminar are also noteworthy.

There are series of reservoirs, tanks, and other hydraulic features providing plenty of water supply.

VISITING HOURS

The Gandikota Fort will be 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 FORT: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---