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 ---