anantapur

Dharmavaram, famous for cotton and silk saris, is situated 46 kms away from Anantapur. This ancient place attracts tourists from all parts of the world owing to its contribution in the weaving industry. Silk saris weaved in Dharmavaram are exported to various countries including France and Germany. The architectural excellence of the place is evident in Sri Lakshmi Chennakesava Swamy and Rama Lingeswara Temple. Both these temples have perennial water sprout. The sculptures and the pillars are excellently carved. The pillars in Rama Lingeswara Temple produce musical notes when strike them gently.
 

Ravadurg Gooty Fort belonging to the 7th century is a stunning example of the architectural excellence of the past. Shell shaped Gooty fort is one amongst the oldest hill forts in Andhra Pradesh. The fort, located at an altitude of 300 meters houses 15 forts inside and rightly earns the name ‘King of Forts’. Built by Vijayanagar kings, the fort was conquered by Haider Ali and was eventually won over by British when Tipu Sultan was defeated. A pavilion in the fort offers panoramic view of the land beneath. Previously this place was known as Gowthampuri and later renamed as Gooty. As per the inscriptions, the place was called as Gadha meaning Fort while an inscription of Bukkaraya mentions this place as King of Forts. Gooty Fort is one of the oldest hill forts of Andhra Pradesh. It fort was made of granite rocks and the domes were constructed with fine stone, mortar and Lime ensuring the sustainability.
 

Hemavathi is a small town located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Hemavathi was the capital of Pallavas between 8th and 10th century AD. The town was known as Henjeri during the Pallava reign. Pallavas built few fascinating temples at Hemavathi. Ruins of a large fort were excavated near Hemavathi town. There are many temples around this fort which possess wonderful architecture. Some of the famous temples are Siddeswara Temple, Doddeshwara Temple, Virupaksheswara Temple and Malleswara Temple. The temple complex is spread over an area of around 15 acres. Among these temples, Doddeswara Swamy temple is most striking and a well built structure. The stone used in making the idols are polished like metal and also make a sound of metal when struck. There is a 6 feet tall Shivalinga installed inside the sanctum sanctorum. A huge idol of Nandi made of black granite sits at the entrance. The temple boasts some wonderful artwork. The temple adorns the place as a witness of a striking collection of Pallava and Chola architecture.
 

The eternal Heritage Museum is a beautiful museum dedicated to Satya Sai Baba and his eternal quest for realizing the inherent Divinity. Spread across three floors, teachings from various religious books of different religions are depicted here. There is also an exquisite display of miniature replicas of famous temples in India. The eternal message of various Sages and Saints who have talked about the oneness of religion comes across here through models, writings, audio and video displays. The life of Satya Sai Baba is also emphasised in this museum. There is a reading room which stocks a vast collection of books on spirituality in the museum.
 

Prasanthi Nilayam is the holy abode of Satya Sai Baba. The Name Prasanthi Nilayam literally means ‘abode of peace’ and every year thousands of devotees come to the Ashram to seek peace of mind and soul. The ashram was inaugurated in the year 1950. The Ashram has all the modern facilities including educational institutions, stadiums, etc. The visitors have to strictly comply with the rules and regulations of the Ashram. The Ashram has an assembly hall where Baba gives Darshan to his devotees. The ashram is also the headquarters of the Sri Satya Sai Seva Organisation and the Sir Satya Sai Central Trust.
 

The Anjaneya Swami Temple is located on the Gorupuram Road and can be entered through an entrance marked by a Siva Lingam. This Lingam was brought from Kasim by Satya Sai Baba. The temple has a sanctum on which the idol of the deity is installed in such a way that it looks etched on a cavern. At the foot of the deity, there is a pool of water which symbolises Lord Hanuman’s devotion for Lord Rama. It is believed that the pool represents Hanuman’s tears. The legends state that the deity stopped Satya Sai Baba, by saying that it is the god who is to pay respect, when he was about to observe circumambulation at the temple. The image of the temple shows carvings of Hanuman standing inside a cave.