Rayadurg Fort

'Rayadurg' literally means "King's Hill Fortress". The Rayadurg Fort played a very significant role in the history of the Vijayanagar Empire. The fort has many inner forts and is inaccessible for enemies to attack. It is built at a height of 2727 ft. from sea level.

The History

Rayadurg was originally a stronghold of 'Bedars' ('Boya Palegars') who were very turbulent during the Vijayanagar rule. The emperor deputed an officer driving then out and ruled place himself and the hill was thus called "Bhupatirayakonda". After the battle of 'Rakshasa Tangadi', the Bedars regained the place, but were again driven out after some time by 'Koneti Nayak'. His son 'Venkatapathi Nayak' who had differences with the 'Palegar' of Chittaldurg greatly strengthened the fortifications. Tipu captured the fort and made it a part of his Gooty province.

Attractions Within The Fort

The ruins of the fort can still be seen on the hill at the foot of which the Rayadurg town is built. The hill Fort is said to have been built by one 'Junga Nayak'. A portion of the fort wall has crumbled. Down below the slope of the hill are four caves with small stone doors with carvings of 'Siddhas'.

The fort area contains most of the temples of the village including those of 'Narashimhaswamy', Hanuman, and 'Elamma', which are frequently visited by devotees. There are other temples including those of 'Prasanna Venkatesvara', 'Venugopala', 'Jambukeswara', 'Veerabhadra', and 'Kanyakaparameswari'.

Another important and a spectacular sight is "Dasabhuja Ganapathi", statue of Lord Ganesha with ten shoulders. It was carved out from a 4m high monolithic stone. 'Dasabhuja Ganapathi' statue is the witness for beautiful "Shilpakala" of olden days.