Rayadurg
| Rayadurgam రాయదుర్గ౦ |
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| Town | |
 Rayadurgam
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| Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | |
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Anantapur |
| Area[1] | |
| • Total | 50.00 km2 (19.31 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 543 m (1,781 ft) |
| Population (2011)[2] | |
| • Total | 61,749 |
| • Density | 1,200/km2 (3,200/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Telugu |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 515 865 |
| Telephone code | +91–8495 |
| Website | Rayadurg Municipality |
Rayadurgam is a municipal town and taluk headquarters in Anantapur district of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
History
'Rayadurgam' literally means "King's Hill Fortress". The Rayadurgam 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.
Rayadurgam was originally a stronghold of "Rayadurgam Palegar" who were very turbulent during the Vijayanagara rule. The emperor deputed an officer to drive them out and ruled the 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 Nayaka'. His son 'Venkatapathi Nayaka' 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.
The ruins of the fort can still be seen on the hill at the foot of which the Raidurga town is built. The hill fort is said to have been built by one 'Junga Nayaka'. 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 Venkateswara', 'Venugopala', 'Jambukeswara', 'Veerabhadra', and 'Kanyakaparameswari'.
Another important and a spectacular sight is "Dasabhuja Ganapathi", a statue of Lord Ganesha with ten shoulders. It was carved out from a 4 m high monolithic stone. 'Dasabhuja Ganapathi' statue is witness to the beautiful "Shilpakala" of olden days.
Kalyanadurga fort, Akkamma Konda and Kothi Konda(kota konda) are some of the famous tourist destinations.
Demographics
As of 2011[update] Census of India, the town had a population of 61,749. The total population constitute, 30,911 males, 30,838 females and 7,462 children, in the age group of 0–6 years. The average literacy rate stands at 69.60% with 37,781 literates, significantly lower than the national average of 73.00%.[3]
Martian crater
Rayadurgam is one of the Indian cities which has a Martian crater named after it. The other cities/towns are Amet, Bhor, Broach, Kakori, Poona (Pune), and Sandila.
