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 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

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

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---