VIZIANAGARAM

GANTA STHAMBAM

Vizianagaram is the main city of the Vizianagaram District of north-eastern Andhra Pradesh . Vizianagaram district was formed on 1 June 1979, with some parts carved from the neighbouring districts of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam.It is, at present, the largest municipality of Andhra Pradesh, in terms of population. It is located about 18 km inland from the Bay of Bengal, and 52 km northeast of Visakhapatnam. The literal meaning of Vizianagaram is the city of victory, it is also sometimes referred to as the city of education. It is an important business and educational center for north coastal Andhra and the adjoining state of Orissa. Vizianagaram is located at 18.12°N 83.42°E. It has an average elevation of 74 metres (242 feet).

History :- This area was ruled by different Hindu emperors of Kalinga (ancient Orissa) up to the mediaeval period. After the fall of the centralized Gajapati empire of Orissa, the region was governed by the Golkonda rulers. The ancestors of the Maharajas of Vizianagaram is stated to be descended from the Ranas of Udaipur, the Sisodia branch of the Guhilot tribe and Vasishta gotra.

Rulers of this princely state belong to the Pusapati family. The village Pooshpadu in Nandigama Taluq was built by Amala Raju. The village later came to be known as Pusapadu. Therefore, the Kshatriyas living there came to be known as Pusapatis.

Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru Temple :- The origin of the Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru temple is associated with the royal family of Vizianagaram. According to local folklore, the goddess (Grama Devata) of the temple is a sister of the Maharaja of Vizianagaram. Sirimanu Panduga Sirimanuis is an important event that is celebrated here in the month of October. The story starts in 1750, when French leader Bussy was staying with his battalion near Hyderabad. In addition to financial problems, many of his soldiers were dying due to a disease (Masuchi). Vijya Rama Raju of Vizianagaram helped him overcome the financial crisis and rebuild his battalion. In 1756, Bussy visited Rajamundry, where Vijaya Rama Raju gave him a warm welcome. The Bobbili Rajas and the Vizianagaram Maharajas were in constant conflict regarding control over the region. Using his good relations with the French, Vijaya Rama Raju set out to gain supremacy over the Northern Circars, leading to the Bobbili battle on January 23, 1757. During the battle, the entire Bobbili fort was destroyed, and many Bobbili soldiers died in the battle.

PYDITALLI AMMAVARU

The wife of Vijaya Rama Raju, as well as his sister Sri Pydimamba, unsuccessfully tried to stop the battle. Sri Pydimamba was suffering from Masuchi as well. While she was performing a puja, she came to know that Vijaya Rama Raju was in trouble, and wanted to convey a message to him through their soldiers, but everyone was in battle. She was able to find one soldier named Patiwada Appala Naidu, but by then, she received news that Vijaya Rama Raju had died in the hands of Tandra Papa Rayudu. She then fell unconscious with grief. Patiwada Appla Naidu sprinkled water over her face, and when she regained consciousness, she told Appala Naidu that she could not live anymore. She is thought to have become one with the Goddess after she died, as after completion of the Bobbili battle and after the Vijayadasimi, on the next Tuesday, an idol was found in the west side of Pedda Charuvu of Vizianagaram. It is known as "Pyidimamaba", the village goddess of Vizianagaram. It is thought that the incident took place in the place in the present-day Railway station, opposite where the temple is constructed. Her statue can be found on the west side of Pedda Cheruvu.

VIZIANAGARAM KOTA