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 ---

Shri BalaMurugan Temple / ஶ்ரீ பாலமுருகன் கோயில், Kasipalayam Malaikovil, Kasipalayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu.

Even though the temple is dedicated to Sri Murugan, called as Sri Valli Devasena Kalyana Subramaniar. This temple is also called the Malaysia Murugan temple.

Moolavar: Sri Balamurugan

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

An arch is on the roadside before entering the street. The temple faces east on a small kundru/ rock of about 60 feet high.  Sri Vinayagar sannidhi is on the right side of the entrance to the Malai Koil steps. About 100 steps are constructed to reach the temple from the base. Stucco images of peacocks and Munis doing meditation. Idumban sannidhi is just below the end of the steps.

A dwajasthambam, balipeedam and peacock vahana are in front of the sanctum sanctorum. In the sanctum, Murugan is in a standing posture with two hands. The right hand is in abhaya hastam, andthe left hand is in kadi hastam. Peacock is on the back side of Murugan faces south.

 

In Mandapam Selva Vinayagar, Palliyarai, Brahma, Chandikeswarar, Nagars, Bairavar and Navagrahas. Stucco images of Murugan’s arupadaiveedu is below the beams of the ceiling of the mandapam.

In mandapam Sri Rajalingeswarar sannidhi is on the left, and Ambal Sri Swarnambigai is on the right side of Sri Bala Murugan. This form is claimed as the Somaskandar form.

ARCHITECTURE

It has become a regular feature of installing a tall Murugan statue in the Hill temples. Here also, the image of Murugan is about 36 feet tall. The Murugan is a replica of the Malaysia Pattu Cave Murugan, hence called Malaysia Murugan Temple.

The top temple consists of 3 sannidhis for Murugan, Shiva and Ambal. All the temples are constructed with concrete. The individual sannidhis are within the sanctum sanctorum, only with a common ardha mandapam/maha mandapam. An eka tala vesara vimanam is on the top of the Murugan sanctum sanctorum.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple is believed to be 100 years old, and Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted two times.

LEGENDS

As per Shiva’s one of the 64 Thiruvilaiyadal puranas, Murugan has separated from Shiva and Parvati, stands as Balathandayuthapani on hills to bless his devotees. Here, Murugan is called Bala Murugan, and consorts are not accompanied by him.

It is believed that Sri Bala Murugan is vara prasathi. Devotees pray for a child and a marriage boon.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pournami, Amavasya, Thaipoosam, Kandar Sashti, Maha Shivaratri, pradosham, Kiruthigai, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and from 17.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs. On Tuesdays and festival days, the temple be open without a break.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Archakar S Senthilkumar’s mobile number, +919626308314, may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is about 150 meters from Kasi Palayam High School, 2.7 km from Erode Railway Station, 4.8 km from Erode Bus Stand, and 9.3 km from Tindal Murugan temple.

The nearest Railway Station is Erode.  

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Muneeswarar with Saptakannis

Muneeswarar

Selva Vinayagar Temple at the base

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Vedhachalam Clock Tower / Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar / வேதாசலம் மணிக்கூண்டு, Chengalpattu, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this lesser-known Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar Clock Tower was a part of “Shiva Temples and Heritage sites Visit in Madurantakam and Chengalpattu”, on 16^th January 2026.

Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar with his wife

PC: website

This Clock Tower was built in remembrance of Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar, a great philanthropist and a noble person of Chengalpattu. This monument was established by the Silver Jubilee celebration group and declared open by the Madras Presidency Finance Minister Thiru C Subramaniam on 09^th May 1954. The clock was supplied by Sanic Sons. The Silver Jubilee function was started on 1^st November 1955, by Chennai Minister Thiru Dr. Pu. Krishna Rao. The Clock tower was renovations on 25^th January 2023. The expenses are borne by Federal Banks, Chengalpattu.

BRIEF LIFE HISTORY

Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar, born on 17^th May 1896 and died on 10^th April 1957. He was conferred with the Rao Bahadur title by the British Government in 1943. This full history is not known to the historians and the common Public. Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar served 29 years as the Chairman (President) of the Chengalpattu Municipality. A statue was unveiled, in recognition of the 29^th Year Chairmanship, at the Municipality by Thiru K Kamaraj, then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

PC Website

He is remembered for his significant donation of land (about 470 acres of land), which formed the foundation for the Chengalpattu Medical College and Hospital, Bus Stand (4-5 acres of land), Taluk Office, municipal office, Collector Office, Government Law College, Rajeswari Vedachalam Arts and College, International Yoga and Naturopathy Medical Sciences (50 acres from the 470 acres donated for Govt. Medical College) since 2021 - 2022, a crucial development in the town's history, infrastructure, Chengalpattu District Health care and education.  

Only a Photo of Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar

Even though this Clock Tower was built in remembrance of  Rao Bahadur M. Vedachalam Mudaliar, C N Annadurai’s statue was installed in front of the Clock Tower with a slogan “தமிழ் வாழ்க“, by the DMK Government, which misleads this monument built for the great philanthropist and a noble person.

Ref

A Video on Namma Chengalpattu

LOCATION OF THE MONUMENT: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

1971 War Memorial / 1971 போர் நினைவுச்சின்னம், Chengalpattu, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this lesser-known “1971 War Memorial” at Chengalpattu was a part of “Shiva Temples and Heritage sites Visit in Madurantakam and Chengalpattu”, on 16^th January 2026.

A war memorial is a monument or building honouring those who died or served in wars, symbolizing national gratitude, sacrifice, and pride, like India's National War Memorial (honouring post-independence soldiers) or the Victory War Memorial in Chennai (WWI/WWII), often featuring names, murals, eternal flames, and oblique  to ensure remembrance of fallen heroes.

 

In this 1971 war memorial, an oblique with a full-bloomed lotus on the top is erected in the park, at the junction of the Kanchipuram – Chengalpattu Road and Ullavur – Chengalpattu Road. This was erected for the Soldiers who lost their lives in the 1971 war against Pakistan for the liberation of Bangladesh. The foundation stone was laid by the then Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on 07^th January 1972. This was declared open by His Excellency K K Sha on 27^th March 1974. The same was renovated, and a park was created by the Canara banks and declared open by the Collector Mr Santhosh K Mishra, on 21^st Feb 2009. 

This war memorial obelisk stands in the middle of a park with flowering plants. Both side walls have the banners of our Indian army, Air-force and Navy’s action. The names of the Heroes of Chengalpattu District, who lost their lives in the 1971 war, are inscribed, and later war Heroes are also added on the face of the obelisk.

1.   Flight Lieutenant      P S Murali
2.   Sepoy                       Thalaipakatti
3.   Major                       Dulip Singh, SM(P)   1987
4.   Lt.                            Parthipan, KC(P)       2006
5.   Major                       D. Raguraman AC(P) 2007
6.   Major                       Mukund  AC(P)         2014

On one side, an appropriate Thirukural is written. The same reads as…

புரந்தார்கண் நீர்மல்கச் சாகிற்பின் சாக்காடு
இரந்துகோள் தக்கது உடைத்து"

“purandhthaarkan neermalkach saakitrpin saakkaadu
irandhthukoal thakkathu utaiththu”

…….. (Thirukkural 780).

Meaning/விளக்கம்:

If heroes can so die as to fill with tears the eyes of their rulers, such a death is deserved to be obtained even by begging.  

தம்மைக் காத்த தலைவனுடைய கண்கள் நீர் பெருகுமாறு சாகப்பெற்றால், சாவு இரந்தாவது பெற்றுக் கொள்ளத் தக்க  பெருமை உடையதாகும்.

…. மு. வரதராசனார்

Arrangements were made to meet the persons in charge of this memorial from 10.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs, every Saturday.

LOCATION OF THIS WAR MEMORIAL: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Sri Kailasanathar Temple/ ஸ்ரீ கைலாசநாதர் கோயில், பெரிய நத்தம், செங்கல்பட்டு/ Natham, Chengalpattu, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Natham, Chengalpattu, was a part of “Shiva Temples and Heritage sites Visit in Madurantakam and Chengalpattu”, on 16^th January 2026.

Moolavar  : Sri Kailasanathar

Consort    : Sri Kamalambigai

Some of the salient features of this temple are…

The temple faces east with an entrance mandapam. Stucco images of Shiva and Parvati are on the top of the mandapam. Balipeedam and Dwajasthambam are immediately after the entrance. Stucco images of Shiva, Parvati, Vinayagar, and Murugan are on the top of the east and south sides of the parapet wall. The entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is from the south. Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Dwara Nagar, Raja Nagar are at the entrance of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Moolavar is small on a round avudaiyar. Utsavars, Siva Suryan, and Nalvars are in the ardha mandapam.

In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, and Durgai.

In the praharam, Ayyappan, Nagars, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar sannidhi without deities, and Navagrahas.

Ambal Sri Kamalambigai is in a separate sannidhi in the ardha mandapam. Ambal is in a standing posture with abhaya varada hastam.

 Vinayagar - Dakshinamurthy

Maha Vishnu - Brahma

 Durga - Chandikeswarar

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and ardha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a plain upanam and pada bandha adhistanam, with jagathy, threepatta kumudam, and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are of Brahma kantha pilasters. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam with nasi kudus, and vyyalavari. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from upanam to prastaram. The one tala vesara vimanam over the sanctum sanctorum was built with bricks. Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Naha Vishnu, and Brahma are in the tala and greeva koshtams. The tala was built in nagara style, but the sigaram was built with vesara style with maha nasis on the cardinal directions.

Built for Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, not installed and kept empty

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Based on the construction, the temple may belong to the 16^th to 17^th Century, Vijayanagara Nayakas period. The Srivalli Devasena Subramaniar sannidhi was constructed without vimanam at a later date, and images are not installed.

The Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 3^rd June 2022.

LEGENDS

This is one of the Rahu – Ketu parikara sthalam. Special poojas are conducted on Ragu and Ketu peyarchi days.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are celebrated on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Kiruthikai, Sankadahara Chaturthi, Nataraja Abhishekam (Chithirai, Ani, Avani, Puratasi, Markazhi, and Masi, Ashtami Theipirai, etc.).

Thiruvasakam Mutrum Othuthal will be done by the Sivanadiars on every month Punarpoosa Nakshatra day (The Kumbhabhishekam was held on this day)

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 06.30 hrs to 11.00 hrs and from 16.30 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

For further details, the mobile numbers +919597223530, +919790192125, and +918220221912 may be contacted.

HOW TO REACH

This temple is on the Kanchipuram – Chengalpattu Road, about 200 meters from the Chengalpattu bypass bus stop, 1.7 km from the Chengalpattu new bus stand, 1.8 km from Chengalpattu Railway Junction, 33 km from Chennai Tambaram, and 38 km from Kanchipuram Railway Station.

The nearest Railway Junction is Chengalpattu.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---