Vizianagaram Fort
Vizianagaram Fort is in Vizianagaram city of Andhra Pradesh in India.Vijayarama Raju-I laid the foundation of Vizianagaram fort in 1713 AD on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashmi.
It has a temple of Lord Hanuman on one side and Goddess Lakshmi on the other. The Goddess is also known as 'Kota Shakti' or the guardian of the fort. The Raja of Vizianagaram would seek blessings of the Goddess before embarking on any military expedition.
The main entrance to the fort is through the East Gate. Nagaar Khana is situated atop this gate. 'Nagaara' is an Indian percussion instrument. A literal translation of 'Nagaar Khana' would mean 'Drum Room'. It was used for drawing attention of the people for announcing royal edicts or other important occasions such as arrival of royal guests.
The West Gate is the rear entrance to the Vizianagaram fort. This gateway is built in Rajasthani style and has a viewing pavilion on top. It connects the fort to the Pedda Cheruvu and to the royal tombs. As per Hindu customs and traditions, the deceased should be taken for cremation only from the rear door of the household.
The fort was surrounded by a moat. The area between the west wall and the moat has been converted into a splendid park with well laid out gardens and lush green lawns.
The imposing fort formed the nucleus around which grew the town of Vizianagaram.
An ancient temple of Pydithalli Ammavaru is situated in this town. Legend has it that one of the daughters of the Pasupati royal family was the reincarnation of the pressing deity, Pydithallamma.
The idol of the Goddess was discovered on Vijayadasimi day way back in the year 1752. To mark the occasion, an annual jatra is held on 21st and 22nd October which attracts large crowds.
The Moddukovillu temple is unique in that the Shivalinga in the temple has two different colours, symbolizing the male and female aspects of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple was built by an old woman who dreamt about it on her way to the holy city of Kashi (Banares).