Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Ancient Inscription Reveals 1363 Shrine Consecration at Penukonda
People found an old writing carved into a large rock at a temple on Penukonda hill.
The writing is an inscription, which is a message made long ago.
Historian MyNaa Swamy said it was connected to Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar, a senior official of the Vijayanagara Empire.
It says he helped consecrate a Siva Linga at the hilltop shrine on July 16, 1363.
The ceremony happened during the reign of Emperor Bukka Raya I. The inscription uses an old Kannada-Telugu writing style.
It also says a sacred pond called Nagula Bavi was built near the temple.
Explorers found a sculpture showing eight Naga Kanyas worshipping Lord Shiva.
The discovery gives more information about the history of Penukonda hill.
A stone inscription was found at the Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy temple atop Penukonda hill.
Historian MyNaa Swamy attributed the inscription to Prime Minister Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar of the Vijayanagara court.
The inscription says Anantharasu consecrated the Siva Linga on July 16, 1363 CE, during Bukka Raya I’s reign.
Written in ancient Kannada-Telugu script, the inscription links the ceremony to Naga Panchami.
Researchers also identified the Nagula Bavi pond and a sculpture of eight Naga Kanyas worshipping Lord Shiva.
- Who
- Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad Penukonda chapter found the shrine and inscription; historian MyNaa Swamy interpreted it.
- What
- An ancient stone inscription was discovered and attributed to Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar, who commissioned the consecration of a Siva Linga.
- When
- The inscription records a consecration on Sunday, July 16, 1363 CE; the discovery was reported on Monday.
- Where
- At the Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy temple atop Penukonda hill.
- Why
- The inscription records the consecration of the hilltop Siva Linga and the construction of the nearby Nagula Bavi pond.
- Location
- Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy temple, Penukonda hill
- Recorded date
- July 16, 1363 CE
- Commissioner
- Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar
- Ruler
- Emperor Bukka Raya I
- Script
- Ancient Kannada-Telugu script
- Associated festival
- Naga Panchami
- Other discoveries
- Nagula Bavi pond and a sculpture of eight Naga Kanyas