RAAYADURG - DASABHUJA GANAPATHI AALAYAM

The feudal lords, who established suzerainty over Rayadurg after the famous Bhupathiraya's demise patronised arts and architecture to a commendable degree. Among the temples built, there are some, though in ruins, standing in proof of their liberal endowments and enlightened policy persued.  The fort contains many temples reflecting their religiosity. On the way to the fortified hill, there is a Ganapathy temple enshrining a big size icon of Ganesh drawing reverent attention by the theists and scholars. This beautiful icon is a ten-armed Ganapathy Dasabhuja Ganapathy with the image of the female deity sitting on his lap. There lies its uniqueness that rouses curiosity in the art-critics. In the legends and scriptures, Ganapathy is flanked by two Srimurtis called Siddhi and Buddhi, his darling spouses given to him in marriage by Lord Brahma as a mark of his appreciation, soon after his scoring victory over the formidable demons. But here there is only one Srimurti and further seated on the lap. So this riddle has given enough food to the critics, but truth eluded their grip. The temple's architecture adorning tower, pillars and walls is quite exquisite and lifts the eyes of the visitors. Though nityanaimithika worship is not received, this Dasabhuja Ganapathy is blessing the adorers and art-critics munificently even today on their visits and ardent prayers. This is popularly called Siddhi Vinayaka temple.

It ties in Rayadurg town in the Anantapur district of Andhra pradesh. commanding transport facilities.

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