Kurnool
(kernool´) , city (1991 pop. 275,360), lies in the west-central part of Andhra Pradesh State, southern banks of the Tungabhadra and Handri rivers. It was the capital of Andhra Pradesh from 1953 until 1956. It is the headquarters of the district.
In 12th century AD, the Odders, who carted stones for the construction of the temple Alampur, used the site on which the town now stands as a halting place before crossing the Tungabhadra and greased their cart wheels with oil locally supplied by some of the oil mongers, and called the place 'Kandanavolu' which in course of time came to be known as Kurnool.
Historical Significance of Kurnool
Of historical interest are the ruins of a royal fort dating back to the medieval kingdom of Vijayanagar, which flourished from the 14th to the 16th century. Several Persian and Arabic inscriptions, which throw light on various aspects of historical interests, are noted at the place.
Prime Attractions of Kurnool
Kurnool does not have much to offer to the tourists there are only few places, which are worth watching. The Kondareddy Buruz protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act. The Tomb of Abdul Wahab on the bank of Hindri, Built in AD 1618. The remains of the palace of Gopal Raju, the last Hindu rulers of Kurnool. Few important temples are of 'Nagareswarasawami', 'Peta Anjaneyaswami', 'Venugoplaswami', 'Iswaraswami', 'Saibab', and 'Birla Mandir' or 'Stayanarayaswami'.
The fort, once a strong hold of the Vijayanagar empire, stands in ruins upon the hills. The Jama Masjid in this town is a classic example of Islamic architecture.
This village has an ancient gateway, which has a striking resemblance to the gateway of India, in Bombay.
Located 80 km away from Kurnool, Srisailam is situated on Rishabgiri Hills. It is situated on the banks of river Krishna. On the south bank of the river, on a 457 metre high hill, is the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple of this town, is one of the most ancient and sacred places in South India. The hydro-electric project across the River Krishna is an engineering marvel here. Srisailam, he presiding deity, Sri Mallikarjunaswamy, is one of the 12 'Jyotirlingams' in India. A massive fort, with walls 6 metre high encloses the temple. A cluster of minor shrines within the temple enclosures include the 'Sahasra Linga' 'Panchapandava Temples' and 'Vata Vriksha'. At Sikharam, the highest of the Srisailam hills, is Sikhareswara Swamy, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sri Ganapati Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
