Name: Vizianagaram
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Bobbili, Vizianagaram Overview

Found during the 17th century by Pedda Rayudu, Bobbili is a town which lies in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. Initially, the town was named "Pedda-Puli" which means the big tiger after Sher Muhammad Khan, the Nawab of Srikakulam. He had granted it as a present to Maharaja of Venkatgiri for his services in his southern campaign. Over the period of time, the town came to be known as "Pebbuli", then "Bebbuli" and finally, "Bobbili".

The Battle of Bobbili fought in 1757 by the Vizianagaram Kings with the help of French General Marquis de Bussy, is one of the most significant events in the history of Andhra Pradesh. This battle is responsible for giving Bobbili the glamour of eternal bravery. Apart from this battle, the town is also famous for the Fort of Bobbili and the Venugopala Swami Temple. The town is popular for manufacturing Veena and the unique style to play it which was developed over three centuries and is known as Bobbili Veena Sampradayam.

Battle of Bobbili

The Battle of Bobbili commenced between the Raja of Bobbili, Pedda Rayadu on one side and the Zamindar of Vizianagaram and the French on the other. When the Raja of Vizianagaram, Pedda Viziarama Raju with the assistance Zamindar of Bobbili killed the entire family of Pedda Rayadu, he, in turn, killed Pedda Viziarama Raju. At the same time, Pedda Rayadu's sister committed suicide. Bobbili was almost wiped out during this war. However, the war also bought Bobbili fame, name and honour. The town is still referred to as Veera Bobbili or Brave Bobbili in some the government records.

Fort of Bobbili

Although, a major part of the fort of Bobbili is in ruins, there are few places inside the fort which one can marvel at. They include the Durbar Mahal, where the Raja held his court, the two stone elephants on either side of the stairway leading to the Durbar Hall, the Pooja Mahal built by the Queens, the Raj Mahal, which is also known as Chikkavram Guest House, built by Bobbili Kings.

The Prang Mahal opposite to the Raj Mahal is still maintained as a heritage building. Apart from this fort, there are several houses built by the cousins of Bobbili King, most of which are turned into heritage buildings. The remaining are still under the name of the members of the royal family.

Venugopala Swami Temple

The Venugopala Swami Temple has been in existence since the discovery of Bobbili itself. The temple is located very close to the Fort of Bobbili. At the entrance of the temple is a Gopuram built in 1851 by Swetha Chalapati Rao, which is higher than the main temple- a unique characteristic amongst the other temples in this region.

Of all the mandapams built by Maharaja Krishna Das, the Vasant Mandapam stands aloof in the still water of a lake, where the Lord Venugopala Swami's idol is brought annually to celebrate the beginning of spring. According to legends, here the Lord enjoys a day in solitude with his wife. The idol is then installed in Dola Yatra Mandapam, which lies on the banks of a lake and finally, it is carried back to the main temple.

How To Reach Bobbili

At a distance of 2 km from Bobbili lies the Bobbili Railway station, which is the closest to the town. Nearest Airport is Visakhapatnam at a distance of 115 km from Bobbili. Frequent APSRTC buses from Vizianagaram are available to reach Bobbili.