Valikilla Fort - Anegundi

The hill located on the western side of Anegundi village is known as Validurg or Valikilla. It is also called Myagote and Ghattikote. According to legends, this hill was the residence of Vali, the king of Kishkindha. The fort walls on top of the hill were built between the 13th and 17th centuries. The fort has three entrance gates and there is a Durga Devi temple on the outer side. This goddess was the family deity of the Anegundi kings. During the earlier Vijayadashami festival, the celebration used to include animal sacrifices. Even today, on Vijayadashami, the idol of the goddess is placed on an elephant and taken in a grand procession. Daily worship and special rituals on Amavasya (new moon day) attract hundreds of devotees, with food arrangements provided for them. The inner fort’s entrance is striking. Inside, one can find the tombs of the Anegundi kings, the Kanneramma well and cave temples. The Kanneramma well is said to be named after the ritualistic baths taken by temple maidens. To the north of Validurg, near the road, lies the Valibhandara cave, believed to be the treasure vault of Vali. On one side of the cave, a bas-relief sculpture depicts a group of monkeys celebrating after Hanuman, Angada, Jambavantha, and others found Sita and returned, symbolizing their joyous feast in Vali’s Madhuvana. The inner fort is also called Ghattikote. Just before reaching Valibhandara, there is the Gaviranganatha Temple located midway up the hill. The Sanctum is anatural cave, though the deity’s idol is no longer present. The temple has an entrance Mantapa and a Vijayanagara-era tower above it. On the outer walls, one can find Jain Nishadi inscriptions and sculptures.