Yadgiri

Yadgiri is popularly known as “Yadavagiri” by the locals. The famous dynasties of the south, the Yadavas, Satavahans, the Chalukyas of Badami, the Rashrakutas, Barid Shahis, the Adil Shahis, the Nizams have ruled over the district.

Yadgiri is one of the smallest districts of Karnataka and it is located in the northeastern part of the state. It is surrounded by Kalaburgi in the north, Raichur in the south, Vijayapura in the west and Telangana state in the east. The major crops include Jowar, Paddy, Cotton, Sunflower, Groundnut and Sugarcane. The area is also renowned for its vast stretch of fertile black soil which is the main reason for bumper harvests especially of red gram, hence the district is also referred to as the “Daal Bowl” of the state. Yadgiri also has a cluster of cement industries and a distinct stone popularly known as “Malakheda Stone”. The district is blessed with two rivers namely the Krishna and the Bhima.

For further information, visit the official district website click here!

Districts

Heritage Sites

Yadagiri Fort:Yadgir Fort is one of the largest hill forts in Karnataka which offers a commanding view of the surrounding plains. It is belived to be originally built by Kalyana Chalukyas and later strengthened by Yadava rulers and expanded under Muslim rulers. In terms of size and strength, Yadgiri fort can be compared to other hill forts like Chitradurga and Ballari as these forts are built over rocky hills and have multiple levels.
Shorapur Fort:The Nayaks of Shorapur, who ruled Shorapur from around 1639 to 1857 have left an indelible mark on the history of the region. They built Shorapur city and a fort which was ruined by the attack of Mughals. However, it is believed Nayaks forces defeated Mughal forces and repossessed the fort. The fort walls are spread over several steep faced hills surrounding the town. It is also known for its old hilltop bungalow called Taylor Manzil built by Philip Meadows Taylor, a British officer who was commissioned to look after the Shorapur Principality.
Vanadurga Fort: Vanadurga Fort It is said that this fort was surrounded by thick forest in olden times; hence the name Vanadurga (Vana means forest and Durg means fort). On both sides of entrance gate, one finds a stone tablet with Sanskrit inscriptions of five lines in Devanagari script. The entrance is protected by a security complex with a curved path created by crescent shaped walls which was designed to confuse enemy soldiers entering the fort. Inside the fort the remains of the rooms of the guards and of the officers can be seen.
Taylor Manzil: Taylor Manzil is a T-shaped, around 180-year-old bungalow built in 1840 by British officer Philip Meadows Taylor. This bungalow, built to resemble the letter ‘T’, has at least one door on every outer wall. There are four rooms and as many as 27 doors. Taylor had constructed the building with safety on his mind as he had come to Shorapur at a very difficult time with issues regarding the local Principality. It was designed to have escape routes in all directions. When every door is closed and when any door is shaken, all the other doors begin to shake - this has been done as a warning system in case of an attack. A very good example of architectural design based on acoustic construction and science.
Rajavenkatappa Nayaka Kote and Palace: Located in Shorapura town, 52 kms from Yadgiri, Raja Venkatappa Fort & Palace was the stronghold of the last prominent ruler of Nayaka dynasty.

Religious Places

Chaya Bhagavati Temple: Located on the banks of the River Krishna and around 3 km from Narayanapur, is a temple dedicated to Goddess Chaya Devi, who is the wife of Surya Deva (Sun God). It’s actually a small shrine at the base of a huge boulder. During specific days of the year, the Sun's rays fall directly on the deity.
Mailarlingeshwar Temple, Mailapur: It is home to the famous temple of Sri Mailapur Mailarlingeshwar dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple attracts thousands of devotees during ‘Makara Sankramana” festival from all over the State.
Kodekal Basavanna Temple: A small village Kodekal in Yadgiri district is home to Kodekal Basavanna Temple, the shrine dedicated to Saint Kodekal Basawanna. The Saint was a follower of the 12-century Shaivite philosopher Saint Basavanna. He is credited with writing the Kala Gnana (Divine Knowledge of Time).
Vishwaradhya Temple, Abbetumkur: Abbetumkur village is located around 10 km from Yadgiri and is well known for Sri Vishwaradhya Temple and Sidda Samsthana Matha. Here, you will get to know Saint Vishwaradhaya and his preaching’s. The temple attracts thousands of devotees in the annual jatre held during Shivarathri time in February-March.
Siddalingeshwar Temple: It is a panchakuta temple with four garbagrihas (sanctum sanctorum), an intricate architecture model which is arranged in four directions. The ceiling of the navaranga are attractive and the pillars carry beautiful carvings.
Venugopalaswamy Temple, Surapur: This temple is dedicated to Sri Venugopalaswamy and this temple consists of a garbhagriha, antarala and an open sabhamandapa. It was constructed by Raja Pitambar Bahari Pidda Nayaka in 1705. It has a beautiful and attractive stucco sculptures. The annual fair takes place during the festival of Gokulashtami.
Chanda Hussain Dargah: Located in Gogi, 47 kms from Yadgiri city, Chanda Hussain Dargah is a popular religious and community centre in Yadgiri.

Sofi Sarmast durga: The famous Sofi Sarmast Dargah is in Shahapur taluka village called Sagar. The durga attracts thousands of people in the urs of Sofi Sarmast.
Bheemarayan Gudi (B.Gudi): A famous temple of Bhalabhima Sena, Sankramana In January is a major celebration.
Thithini Mouneshwar Temple: This temple dedicated to Saint Mouneshwara and is located around 20 km south to Shorapur. It is also believed that it used to an Agrahara (Education Center) during the period of Vikramiditya VI's reign. Even though it is a temple, the architecture also displays the features of a mosque. The building is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Saint Mouneshwara is believed to be a very holy saint who could work miracles and it were seen across these regions including Vijayapura, Bagalakote, Haveri etc. Since Saint Mouneshwara had both Hindu and Muslim devotees, it is possible the latter called him by the name of Moinuddin. Thus, the temple attracts both Hindu and Muslim devotees. An excellent example of communal harmony.
Shirval Village: Shirval is a small village and a place of historical importance situated about 15 km from Shahapur with the River Bhima nearby. There are around twenty temples in the village. Among them, the temple complex of Nagayya and Nannayya is the oldest and are considered as fabulous architectural works of the Rashtrakuta Empire..

Wildlife

Bonal Bird Sanctuary: Located in Bonal village in Shorapur is the Bonal Lake and this is the second largest bird sanctuary after Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka. The lake is believed to be built by Surpur King Raja Pam Naik in the 17th century. Many species of birds visit this lake including migratory birds which is surrounded by rocky hillocks. The birds which frequent the sanctuary included purple heron, white-necked stork, white ibis, black ibis, bar-headed goose, snake bird, purple moorhen, Indian moorhen, large egret, pond heron, and cattle egret.

Others

Sleeping Buddha Hill: Located near Shahpur at Shahpur- Kalburgi Road is the Sleeping Buddha Hill. A set of around 4 hills when viewed horizontally over a distance create a silhouette of a sleeping figure projecting a sharp nose, curly hair tied like a bun and hands placed on the chest resembling Lord Buddha; hence the name Sleeping Buddha. Though the hill resembles sleeping Buddha any time of the day, the best time see would be at sunrise and sunset.
Lumbini Park: Lake and recreational facility in Yadgiri town.
Sannakere: Sanna Kere is a tank and recreational area located right inside Yadgiri town
Narayanpur Dam (Basava Sagar Dam): Narayanpur Dam is built across Krishna River and the then Prime Minister Sri. Lal Bahadur Shastri laid the foundation stone in 1962. The Dam was initially a single purpose project and was meant for irrigation but drinking water and electricity generation are some of the other functions of this dam.