Kadapa formerly
Cuddapah, is a city in the south-central part of
Andhra Pradesh,
India and is the headquarters of
Y.S.R District. The city's name originated from the
Telugu word "Gadapa" meaning threshold or gate. It was spelled "Cuddapah" but was changed to "Kadapa" on 19 August 2005 to reflect the local pronunciation of the name.
Kadapa is famous for great personalities in medieval times like Vemana, Pothuluri Veerabramham, Annamacharya, Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu and other celebrated Telugu lovers like
C.P.Brown,
Bishop Caldwell et cetera
Kadapa is one of the important cities in Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh, and is situated in the south-central part of the Andhra Pradesh State. It is located 412 kilometres (256 mi) south of state capital,
Hyderabad and is situated 8 km south of the Penna River. The city is surrounded on three sides by the Nallamala and Palakonda hills. The city is named "Threshold" because it is the gateway from west to the sacred hill
Tirumala of Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
Kishkindakanda, one of the 7 kandas of the
Ramayanam, is believed to have happened in
Vontimitta, Kadapa.
Vontimitta is 20 kilometres from the city. The Anjaneya Swamy temple in Gandi was also believed to be a part of the Ramayanam; It is believed that the Statue of Anjaneya Swamy in Gandi is made by
Sri Rama on a hill stone with the tip of his arrow to acknowledge His help in finding Sri
Sita Devi
Kadapa city was a part of the Chola Empire between the 11th century and 14th century. It became part of the Vijayanagar Empire in the latter part of 14th century. The region was under the control of Gandikota Nayaks, governors of the Vijayanagara empire for about two centuries. The most illustrious ruler during this time was Pemmasani Thimma Nayudu (1422 CE) (Pemmasani Nayaks) who developed the region and constructed many tanks and temples here. Muslims of Golkonda conquered the region in 1565 CE when Mir Jumla raided Gandikota fort and defeated Chinna Thimma Nayudu by treachery[2]. Later the British took control of Kadapa in 1800 CE. Although the town is an ancient one, it was probably extended by Neknam Khan, the Qutb Shahi commander, who called the extension "Neknamabad". The name "Neknamabad" was used for the town for some time but slowly fell into disuse and the records of the 18th century refer to the rulers not as Nawabs of Nekanamabad but Nawabs of Kadapa. Except for some years in the beginning, Kadapa was the seat of the Mayana Nawabs in the 18th century. With the British occupation of the tract in 1800 CE it became the headquarters of one of the four subordinate collectorates under the principal collector Sir Thomas Munro. Monuments from the rule of the Kadapa Nawabs are still found in the town. Most prominent among these are two towers and the dargahs. The city has plenty of temples in and around the city and also has three churches.[edit]History
Geography
Cuddapah is located at
14.47°N 78.82°E. It has an average elevation of 138 metres (452 ft). The District of Cuddapah has an area of 8723 m². It is in shape an irregular parallelogram, divided into two nearly equal parts by the range of the Eastern Ghats, which intersects it throughout its entire length. The two tracts thus formed possess totally different features. The first, which constitutes the north, east and south-east of the district, is a low-lying plain; while the other, which comprises the southern and southwestern portion, forms a high table-land from 1500 to 2,500 ft (760 m) above sea-level. The chief river is the Penna, which enters the district from Bellary on the west, and flows eastwards into
Nellore. Though a large and broad river, and in the rains containing a great volume of water, in the hot weather months it dwindles down to an inconsiderable stream. Its principal tributaries are the Kundu, Saglair, Cheyair and Papagni rivers.
Kadapa is in the shape of an irregular parallelogram, divided in half by the range of the Eastern ghats. The city lies in the "Bugga" or "Ralla Vanka" in a hollow bordered on the south by the main Palakondas, part of the eastern ghats, and on the east by a strip of the same hills projecting north towards the Lankamalas on the other side of the Penneru. The two tracts thus formed possess different features. The first, a low-lying plain about 400 ft (120 m) to 450 ft (137 m) above sea level constitutes the north, east and south-east of the city, while the other,which comprises the southern and south-western portion, forms a high table-land from 1500 to 2,500 ft (760 m) above sea-level.
Demographics
The population of the district in 1901 was 1,291,267. As of 2001 India
census,
[5] Kadapa had a population of 3,25,725. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Cuddapah has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 76% and, female literacy is 64%. In Kadapa, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The primary languages spoken in the city are
Telugu and
Urdu.
English is used as a medium of education in many of its educational institutions. The city and the district of Kadapa was notorious for factional inter and intra political rivalries. However, things seem to have improved recently. The city has a large non resident citizens spread across the nation and globe. The less educated from the city and district often go to Persian gulf countries such as
Kuwait and
Saudi Arabia for employment. The area of the city is smaller than that of Proddatur town.
Points of interest
- Palakonda Mountains - Palakonda ranges are the naturally formed hills bordering kadapa town, a place of tourist attraction having good waterfalls and high altitudes. Near RIMS there is way to reach the temple of lord Shiva in the name of Sri Palakondarayudu in Palakondalu.
- Ameen Peer Dargah (Asthana-e-Magdoom Ilahi Dargah complex) (Badi Dargah, Pedda Dargah) in Kadapa (Cuddapah) is an example of the communal harmony preached by great saints and sages in ancient days. Come Thursday and Friday, scores of pilgrims cutting across religious faiths, throng the 300-year-old shrine seeking blessings of saints Peerullah Hussaini and Arifullah Hussaini II who lie buried here. Followers of the dargah believe that any wish that one makes at the shrine is always fulfilled. A large number of Hindus, Muslims and people of different faiths are disciples of the shrine. The family’s descendants identify themselves with a saffron dresss and the disciples wear a saffron cap.
- Chakrayapet Gandi Anjaneya - This is the place where God Sri Rama on his way to Ayodhya from Lanka stayed for one night to take rest. For conveying thanks to Sri Hanuman for his help in getting Sri Sitha devi, God Sri Rama made Hanuman statue on a hill stone with the point of his arrow. Which you can still see here. Also in Vempalli there is a hill temple where in you need to cross the river and climb the hill to worship Yedulakonda Rayudu. It is said that Yedulakonda Rayudu has more property than Lord Sri Venkateswara. It is said that there are diamonds in and around the hill. On the bank of the river which you cross to climb the hill temple there is a place called Gavi which translates to "Cave" in archaic Telugu.
- Sri Sri Sri Govinda Swamy mattam is one among those precious institutions in the country to carry out activities of Hindu-Veda-Dharma and this glorious Mattam was established by Sri Sri Sri Yadati Guru Govinda Swamy in 16th Century. Yadati Guru Govinda Swamy has established the mattam at Palugurallapalli Village (erstwhile Swethapashana Puram), Badvel Taluk, Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh State.
Sri Govinda Guru Swamy(Jeeva Samadhi), Paluguralla palli Near Bramhamgari Mattam, Kadapa District. 1650-1750
Palugurallapalli is located between Brahmam Gari Mattam and Siddhayya Mattam in Badvel Taluk. As many of us known Sri Potuluri Veerabrahmam Garu as author of ‘Kaalagnanam’ (predicting future events) that predicts the arrival of Kalki in the form of Sri Veerabhoga Vasantaraya. As per history Sri Govindaswamy, Sri Veerabrahmendra Swami and Sri Siddayya (disciple of Veera Brahmam) are belongs to ‘peer group’ (Contemporaries or samakalikulu) and all of them were lived between 16 – 17 Century To know more about Sri Govidna Swamy please refer to 'Andhrayogulu'(part2) written by Prof B Ramaraju, Hyderabad (Navodaya publishers) and Also 'Kadapa Mandala Charitamu' written by famous telugu writer Janamanchi Sheshadri Sarma in 1929 published by Vavilla publications Chennai in 1930
- Gangamma Jatara - An annual Jatara of the Shrine of Gangamma is an important event in Anantapuram in Lakkireddypalli in Kadapa district. More than 5 to 10 lakhs of people came for this jatara. This is one of the religious Jataras in Kadapa District.
- Fort Masjid - One of the famous masjid in Kadapa city which was built by 400 years ago.
- Alladu Palle - Sri Veera Bhadra Swamy temple at Alladupalle in Chapadu mandal is a holy place for devotees all over the district.Sri Alladupalle Veerabhadra swamy idol is sculpted and prana prathista ritual is done by Jagadguru.Sri.Madvirat. Pothuluri.Veerabrahmendra swamula varu. The temple lies on the Mydukur- Proddatur main road 6 km from Mydukur on the banks of Kundu river. A mass congregation event will take place every year on Mahasivaratri. Devotees visit the temple every day in large numbers.
- Ankalamma Gudur - This is the place where Ankalamma goddess temple is located. It is a holy place for devotees all over the district. The temple lies on the Pulivendula - Simhadripuram main road 14 Km from Pulivendula. The Ankalamma Tirunala will take place every year. Ankalamma devotees visit the temple every Thursday and Sunday in large numbers.
- Navaratna Mandapam: This temple is located in Brahmam Gari Matham.This is one of the rare temple on earth having Pancha brahmas like Manu Brahma(Shiva),Maya Brahma(Vishnu),Twashtar Brahma(Chaturmukha Brahma),Shilpi Brahma (Indra),Viswagna Brahma(Surya) at one temple along with 125 gothra rishi Idols.Patnala sanyasi rao Veda patha shala is also running at this temple premises along with nitya annadana satra, old age home and goshala.
- Devuni Kadapa - This is the place near Kadapa city, which people believe should be the setting off point for those who intend to visit the holy place of Sri Venkateswarlu (i.e. "Seven Hills). Even people say that the name of the Kadapa is derived from this place as Devuni Gadapa means "door frame".
Siddayya Gari Matham - Siddaiah swamula varu, is the chief desiple of Veera brahmendra swamy. There is a saying in telugu, Brahmamgari lanti Guruvu ledu, Siddaih lanti shishyundu ledu. Sri.Siddaiah swamula vari matham, is attracting devotees from all nooks of INDIA, and Brahmam Gari, padukas, yogadandam, and ankuliyakam, and Kalagnnana patras are available in this mutt.
- Gandikota or The Gorge Fort - This is situated about 6 miles (10 km) to the west ofJammalamadugu in Kadapa district. The width within the fort is at its broadest, about five and a half furlongs from west to east, and almost a mile from northwest to southeast.
- Joukupalli - This is the place where Siddaguru Swamy (disciple of Bramham garu) temple is located nearby just 0.25 kilometres. One of the prominent place in Andhra Pradesh, where one can see advanced culture and the inherent beauty of Indian ethics.
- Jyothi - This place is famous by the great saint Kashi Reddy Nayana. The sculptured Mandapam with 32 pillars, the inner chamber and the Sanctum make it a most impressive temple. Everyday free meals is arranged to the pilgrims in the name of Nirathaannadhana.
- Kadapotsava - A large celebration in Kadapa that was initiated in 2003 to expunge the bad reputation of Kadapa that it is a faction district which has too many the cinemas and media rather than the culture and traditions of Kadapa. The celebrations are for 5 days continuously. Celebrities come from all over India at that time. During Kadpostavas there are cultural activities, street stalls and various entertainment programs going on in several places in Kadapa. Some many thousands of people come to Kadapa during Kadapostavas. These celebrations are focussed mainly on the media during Kadapostavalu.
- Ontimitta - This is the place where the Kishkindakanda, one of the 07 kandas of Ramayanam was happened. Kodanda Rama Swami temple is there. French traveler Tavernier who visited in 1652 and described it as one of the most beautiful temples in India and was astonished at the freedom the people there enjoyed. The Sanctum Sanctorum and annex structures were built in a vast area. The temple is very high. The canopy is built with 32 pillars. It is called Madhya Ranga Mandapam. The archaeological department is renovating it.
- Pushpagiri - A place located on the banks of river pennar and this is the oldest temple located near to Kadapa town. where there are few temples that attract tourists. The largest and the best known of them are the Chennakesava Swamy Temple and Kasi Visweswara Swamy Temple. Pushpagiri is called as 'The City of Temples'. The Chennakesava Swamy Temple has a lofty gopuram, sculptures depicting scenes from the epics, floral motifs and elaborately engraved pillars. Now Pushpagiri is under controll of Archeological Department of India.
- Sri Venkateswar Swamy Temple Lakshmi Palem - 3 km from Badvel town on Porumamilla route. This is an ancient temple more than 400 years old built by Matli Anantha Raju, a local feudator of Vijya Nagara Kings. The presiding deity is Venkateswara Swamy and the Utsav idols bear a close resemblance to Tirupati Malayappa idols. The temple celebrates the Brahmotsavams every year in the month of Phalgunam.
- Tallapaka - Tallapaka is a village in Rajampet mandal of Kadapa district. The village has the distinction of being the birthplace of Vaaggeyakara (Means: Lyricist cum Composer) Annamacharya the famous lyricist/composer of devotional songs on Lord Venkateswara who made invaluable contribution to music and literature during the 15th century. Several temples are there in Tallapaka. Dhyana Mandiram was constructed in memory of great Saint Tallapaka Annamacharya, at Tallapaka.
- Yellala Sanjeevaraya Swamy Temple - Currently known as Vellala. This is the place near to Proddatur around 20 km from there and other way is from Chagalamarri, Karnool District one can reach same distance. Sanjeevaraya Swamy called Anjaneya or Hanuman. Its is one of the well developed and famous temple in Kadapa District.
- Karunagiri (Christian pilgrim place, very near to Mydukur), was developed by Rev.Fr.Tom Chitta, which has most beautiful scenic beauties, located not far from Mydukur and under 60 km from district head quarters Kadapa.
- Veyyi Nuthula Kona is a famous Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple. It has 1000 wells in its surrounding hill area. This holy place is located in pendlimarri mandal.
- Balappa Kona Balamalleswara Swamy Kshetram (Lord Shiva Temple) popularly known as Balappakona. Located in Nalla Mala Hills Its also known as Dakshina Bhookailas. It is near to Talla Proddatur from Talla Proddatur 4 km to Balappakona. Karthika Masam is the main attraction of the temple. The Uthsavam is celebrated for 1 Month.Official website of balappakonawww.balappakona.com,maintained by Mitta Amarnath Reddy
- Sri Veerabadhra swami temple (Rayachoty) is one of the famous and rare temples in India which is located 50 km from Kadapa town.
- Rameswaram (shiva temple) is the temple known as shivalingam (idol od shiva) built by lord rama by his hand on his journey from lanka to ayodhya, located at proddatur.
Writers&Poets
The neighbourhood of Kadapa was the birthplace of several ancient and contemporary poets. The great Annamacharya (Andhra Pada Kavitha Pitamaha) well known as
Annamayya was from Rajampet which is an hour and half away from Kadapa. He wrote over 30,000 songs and slokas on
Venkateswara in the 15th century. Andhra Kavitha Pitamaha 'Allasani Peddana', the most prominet poet among 'Ashta Diggajams' hails from Kokatam village in Kamalapuram Mandal. Sree Krishna Deva Raya gifted 'Peddana Padu' village in Yerraguntla Mandal to Allasani Peddana. Great Poet Bammera Pothana who wrote Andhra Maha Bhagavatham lived in Ontimitta. Vemana (Pedakomati Vema Reddy) who wrote the famous Vemana Sathakam also lived in this district. Vemana Sathakam is the first Telugu Literacy work which got printed and translated into Frencha and English languages. Baddena who wrote Sumati Satakam also hails from Badvel area of Kadapa district. Nachana Somana (tudimela dinne near
Khajipet) "molla Ramayanam" Fame Kavaitri Molla (gopavaram near badvel), Tallapaka Thimmakka, (Tallapaka) Kavi Choudappa (hailed in pullur near Khajipet),
Janamanchi Seshadri Sarma, Durbhaka Rajasekhra Sathavadhani, Puttaparty Narayana Charyulu and Gadiyaram Venkata Sesha Sastry Proddatur which is 50 km distant from Kadapa were the poets of the olden days. The late Rachamallu Ramachandra Reddy, the late Y.C.V. Reddy, the late Sodum Jayaram,
Dr.Kethu Viswanatha Reddy, Dr.Mallemala Venugopal Reddy,Dadahayat,
Tavva Obul Reddy, Sannapu Reddy and Viswa prasad are the well known writers of the district. A collection of 47 short stories each one by the writers of kadapa district by name "kadapa katha" released by the chief minister Dr. Y.S. Raja Sekhar Reddy in the sabhabhavan of Kadapa collectorate. "Kadapa Katha" edited by Tavva Obul Reddy and published by Nandalur Kathaanilayam. The stories represents the life of Kadapa people. The stories were published earlier in various Telugu magazines and daily news papers, in the span of 50 years from 1956 to 2006.Kumaragiri Vema Reddy popularly known as Vemana (Telugu: వేమన) was a 14th century Telugu poet. His poems were written in the popular vernacular of Telugu, and are known for their use of simple language and native idioms. His poems discuss the subjects of Yoga, wisdom and morality. He is popularly called Yogi Vemana, in recognition of his success in the path of Yoga.
[edit]Urdu literature in Kadapa
Kadapa has been the hub of Urdu literature from hundreds of years. It has produced several
Urdu poets and writers in the past.Urdu language has flourished a lot in Kadapa due to the efforts of these Urdu patriots. Zaki kadapavi, Hilaal, Naeem Siddiqui,Barq Kadapavi, Dawood Nishat, Khayal, Haider Ali Haider, Dr.Rahi Fidai, Dr. Saagar Jayyadi, Aqeel Jamid, Iqbal Qusro, Mahmood Shahid, Prof Anwarulla Anwar and Saeed Nazar are recognized as Prominent Poets in the Urdu world. Mahmood Shahid is also a fiction Writer. His book by title "DHANCHA"is published in 1994. This is the first book of fiction in the Urdu literature of Kadapa. Yousuf Safi has done work on the Urdu Stage and Drama. His prominent works include Kal Ki Dhup, Majnu Shah and 1857-Inquilab. Rahi Fidayee along with Aqeel Jamid and others stand tall in the race of great poets of the city. Aqeel Jamid has written many poems and books and is a very practical and interesting poet. He also served as a Deputy Tahsidar. Barq Kadapavi an eminent poet, who represented Kadapa internationally for the first time in International Poets Meet. Munshi Hazrath who was the fluent Urdu munshi in Boys High School. Ifteqar Jamal, Taabish Rabbaani and Shakeel Ahmed Shakeel are carrying the flag of Urdu poetry in Kadapa.A fortnightly by title "WASEELA" is being published in Urdu. Mahmood Shahid is the editor of "WASEELA".A quarterly magazine by title "DABISTAN" is being published and it's editor is Iqbaal Khusro and others.
