Ancient inscription discovered on Penukonda hill
In Short
Historian MyNaa Swamy deciphers a newly discovered ancient inscription on Penukonda hill, revealing that Vijayanagara Prime Minister Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar consecrated a Shiva temple there on July 16, 1363 CE.
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Ancient inscription discovered on Penukonda hill
Penukonda: An ancient stone inscription discovered at the Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy temple atop Penukonda hill—historically celebrated as the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire—was commissioned by Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar, the Prime Minister of the Vijayanagara court, according to historian MyNaa Swamy.
Addressing the media on Monday, the historian stated that members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Penukonda chapter discovered the dilapidated ancient shrine while ascending the hill via its rugged northern and western approaches. Upon finding the inscription carved into a large boulder, they sent photographs for decipherment.
MyNaa Swamy explained that the epigraph reveals Prime Minister Anantharasu, serving under Emperor Bukka Raya I (1356–77 CE), consecrated the Siva Linga at the hilltop shrine on Sunday, July 16, 1363 CE. Composed in ancient Kannada-Telugu script, the inscription opens with traditional blessings and notes that the consecration coincided with Naga Panchami.
Alongside the temple, a sacred pond locally known as Nagula Bavi was constructed. The exploration team also identified an intricate sculpture inside depicting eight Naga Kanyas worshipping Lord Shiva.
