Chandragiri Fort - Tirupati Balaji Darshan

Chandragiri Fort

           Chandragiri is famous for the Historical fort, built in the 11th century, and the Raja Mahal (Palace) within it. Chandragiri was under the rule of Yadava Naidus for about three centuries and came into control of Vijayanagar rulers in 1367. It came into prominence during Saluva Narasimha Rayalu,he got the title of Mahamandaleswara and his illustrious Prime minister Chitti Gangarayalu (Ganganamatyudu) was known for his vision, wisdom and rectitude and was revered as a Bhisma Pitamaha in his times, he was the person who identified intellectualism of Timmarasu and taken him into the service of Chandragiri and later promoted to the Prime minister of Vijayanagar Empire. Gangaraya discendents served the Vijayanagara empire as trusted Generals and Governors for several generations, Chandragiri was the 4th capital of Vijayanagar Empire, Rayas shifted their capital to here when Golconda sultans attacked Penukonda. In 1646 the fort was annexed to the Golkonda territory and subsequently came under Mysore rule. It went into oblivion from 1792 onward. The fort encircles eight ruined temples of saivite and vaishnavite pantheons. Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. The greatest of Hindu Emperors, Sri Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagara Empire was brought up at Chandragiri Fort, before his coronation at Penukonda in Anantapur District.

          The Raja Mahal Palace is now an Archeological museum. The palace is three storeyed, is an example of Indo-Sarcen architecture of Vijayanagar period. The crowning towers represents the Hindu architectural elements. The palace was constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and devoid of timber.

           Raja Mahal Palace : One of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture of Vijayanagar period, this imposing three storeyed palace adorned by the crowning towers representing certain Hindu architectural elements, was constructed with stone, brick, lime mortar and is devoid of timber. The central tower that covers durbar hall rises through two storeys. It is said to be the same venue where Sri Rangaraya granted the site of Fort St. George to the British in 1640. The floors are supported by massive pillars while the walls bear fine plaster and stucco decorations.

          Rani Mahal Palace : Similar to the Raja Mahal palace in style and method of execution, this edifice with ground floor looking like a stable and first floor containing quarters adorned with ornamental sikhara has a flat roof. Contrary to the popular belief that this place was meant for the queen or harem, the epigraphical record available from the basement speaks this building being a commander's quarters.

Sound & Light Show Information

1st Show (Telugu) : Nov to Feb: 6.30 pm to 7.15 pm; Mar to Oct: 7.00 pm to 7.45 pm

2nd Show (English): Nov to Feb: 7.30 pm to 8.15pm; Mar to Oct: 8.00pm to 8.45 pm

Ticket Cost : Adult: Rs.20/- Child: Rs.10/