Chittoor District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Formation of Chittoor District

• Established on April 1, 1911, Chittoor District amalgamated the cultural influences of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• Originally comprised the Taluks of Chittoor, Palamaner, and Chandragiri from the former North Arcot District of Tamil Nadu, along with Madanapalle and Voyalpadu Taluks from Kadapa District.
• Added areas from Punganur, Srikalahasthi, Puttur, and Old Karvetinagar estate.

Evolution of Jurisdiction

• In 1928, Kangundi Taluk was transferred to Palamaner Taluk, excluding 22 villages.
• Received enclaves from Mysore State in 1950.
• 1960 saw significant changes due to the Pataskar Award and linguistic reorganization, with Tiruthani Taluk moving to Chengalpattu district.
• Sathyavedu Taluk was created, incorporating villages from various surrounding areas.

Subsequent Reorganizations

• In 1960, Kuppam and Bangarupalem Sub-Taluks were formed by redistributing villages from existing Taluks.
• In 1985, the district was restructured into 66 Revenue Mandals.
• On April 4, 2022, the district underwent further reorganization, resulting in 31 Mandals and 4 Revenue Divisions.

Topography and Boundaries

• The district gets its name from Chittoor, the main town.
• It is positioned between the Northern Latitudes of 12° 44’ 42” and 13° 39’ 21” and the Eastern Longitudes 78° 2’ 2” and 79° 41’ 52”.
• Chittoor District is bordered on the east by Tirupati District in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, on the west by Annamayya District and Karnataka State, on the north by Annamayya and Tirupati Districts of Andhra Pradesh, and on the south by Tamil Nadu.
• It covers an area of 6859 Square Kilometers, making up 4.21 percent of the state's total area.
• The mountainous region of the district sits at an elevation of 2500 feet above sea level.
• Chittoor Town is approximately 150 Kms from Chennai and 165 Kms from Bangalore.
• The district is known for its thriving business in Mango, Tomato, and other agricultural products.

Boundaries of the District

The district shares boundaries with the following regions and landmarks on all sides:

• East: Tirupati District & Tamil Nadu State
• West: Annamayya District and Karnataka State
• North: Annamayya and Tirupati Districts
• South: Tamil Nadu State

Cultural Tourism

• Chittoor Gangamma Jatara is a significant festival in the district, commemorating the legend of Gangamma slaying a vassal. The festival is celebrated on a grand scale in Chittoor.
  
• During Sankranti, the Kanuma festival is celebrated with great pomp, featuring decorated bulls paraded in the streets and in some areas, bull-chasing events take place.
• Ramzan, Bakrid, and Christmas are widely celebrated festivals in the district, showcasing the unity amidst diverse cultures.
• Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into Makara rashi (Capricorn) and the onset of the six-month Uttarayana period. It falls consistently on January 14th.
• Maha Vishuva Sankranti, also known as Mesha Sankranti and Pana Sankranti, signifies the Oriya New Year and the commencement of the traditional Hindu Solar Calendar. It usually occurs on April 14th or 15th and is celebrated as Vaisakhi in various parts of India, symbolizing new beginnings and also marks the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.
• Dhanu Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Pausha month. In Southern Bhutan and Nepal, it involves the consumption of wild potatoes.
  
• Karka Sankranti, observed on July 16th, marks the Sun's transition into Karka rashi (Cancer), concluding the six-month Uttarayana period and initiating Dakshinayana, which ends at Makar Sankranti.

Eco-Tourism

Kaigal Waterfalls

• The Kaigal Waterfalls, situated 6 kilometers from Baireddipalle and 80 kilometers from Chittoor Town, attract numerous tourists from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Religious Tourism

Kanipakam

• The Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, also known as Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Situated in Kanipakam, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, this temple is located approximately 11 km from Chittoor and 68 km from Tirupati.
• Legend has it that three brothers who were previously mute, deaf, and blind were digging a well to irrigate their field. When their device accidentally hit a hard object in the well, further digging led to the emergence of blood. Miraculously, this event cured the brothers of their disabilities. Subsequently, a statue of Lord Ganesha was discovered in the well, where the deity still resides surrounded by water.

Sri Mogileswara Swamy Temple

• The Mogileeswara Swami Temple, located in Mogili Village, features three Gopurams and is dedicated to Lord Mogileeswara Swami. Apart from the main deity, the temple also houses idols of Dakshina Murthi, Vishnu, and Brahma Deva. During "Pradakshinas," devotees can observe the Trimurthis positioned on three sides of the Garbhalaya. Lord Dakshina Murthi is situated on the right side, Lord Vishnu at the back, and Lord Brahma on the left side.
• Referred to as Dakshina Kailasam, this temple is renowned for its intricate sculpture work. The primary deity, Lord Shiva, was discovered by Mogilliappa and enshrined under a Mogili tree. The temple hosts a prominent festival known as Sivarathri, celebrated over a two-week period falling between February and March. People from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka gather to partake in the festivities.

Ardhagiri

• The name Ardhagiri originates from an incident dating back to the Treta Yuga, a time when Lord Hanuman was carrying the Dronagiri Mountain, which contained life-sustaining herbs. During the night, Bharat, Lord Ram's brother, mistook the mountain for a potential threat and shot an arrow at Hanuman. 
• As a result, half of the mountain fell at this location, giving rise to the name Ardhagiri. In the local language, Ardhagiri translates to "Half Mountain" (Ardhra meaning half and giri meaning mountain). Since then, people have been venerating Hanuman under the name Veera Anjaneya Swamy at this site.Ardhagiri

Vepenjeri

• The Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple in Vepanjeri is an ancient Vaishnavite shrine. In this temple, Goddess Lakshmi is seated on the left thigh of Lord Narayana and faces towards Him. Additionally, a remarkable sight near the temple is a 21-foot-tall statue sculpted from a single stone, depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Maha Vishnu.
• An intriguing feature of this temple complex is the presence of Asta Lakshmi Temples, constructed in a lotus-shaped structure surrounding the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple, along with the Kubera Lakshmi Temple.

Buggaagraharam

• The Sri Kasi Visweshara and Annapurneshwari Temple is situated on the banks of the Kusasthali river at Bugga Agraharam in Nagari Mandal, 56 kilometers from Tirupati.
• The primary deities of the temple are Sri Kasi Visweshara Swamy, along with consorts Sri Annapurna and Sri Kamakshi Devi.
• The source of water in the pit and the channels within the temple remains a mystery till date.
• In addition to the main deity, the temple houses shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Kaalabhairava, Navagrahas, and Naaga Kanyas.

Tourist Places

• Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple Vepanjeri: A historic Vaishnavite shrine where Goddess Lakshmi is depicted sitting on the left thigh.
• Kaigal Waterfalls: Situated 6 kilometers from Baireddipalle and 80 kilometers from Chittoor Town, attracting numerous tourists.
• Ardhagiri: The name originates from a Treta Yuga incident involving Lord Hanuman transporting Dronagiri Mountain.
• Mogileeswara Swami Temple: Located in Mogili Village, featuring three Gopurams and various significant deities.
• Vinayaka Temple (Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple): A Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha, positioned in Kanipakam.