Penukonda Fort

Penukonda Fort

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The Penukonda Fort, located 70-kms from Anantapur on the Kurnool-Bangalore road is one of the major tourist attractions of Andhra Pradesh. Penukonda means a big hill. Historical records state that Penukonda, known as "Ghanagiri" or "Ghanadri", was the second capital to the Vijayanagar kings. It is evident from ancient inscriptions that the Penukonda Fort was built during the reign of Vira Virupanna Udaiyar, the son of king-Bukka I of Vijayanagar. The fort's architectural style and sculptures is a standing testimony to the skilled workmanship present during the Vijayanagar rule. A huge idol of Lord Hanuman, which is about 11 feet high, can be seen at the 'Yerramanchi' gate which is the main entrance of the fort. The most important mosque is the 'Sher Khan Mosque'; a Telugu inscription of 'Sadashiva' dated 1564 is found on the pavement of its courtyard. Yet another mosque in the fort at the entrance has a large porch built in Hindu style.