Place · Pennar river city · India
Nellore
/n̪elːuːru/
Also known as Nelluru, Nellore, Vikrama Simhapuri, Vikramasimhapuri
Nellore, historically known as Vikrama Simhapuri, developed on the Pennar as a major political and cultural centre of southern Andhra. It was the capital of the Nellore Cholas and the home of Telugu poet Tikkana, who translated fifteen parvas of the Mahabharata into Telugu. Today it remains an important agricultural, aquaculture, commercial and industrial city.
- Date
- c. 7th century CE–present
- Periods
- Classical and Puranic Age, Regional Flourishing, Islamic Age and Bhakti Traditions, Early Modern Age, British Colonial Age, Republic and Living Practice
- Function
- Other / mixed
- Confidence
- Established / referenced
- Location
- 14.443, 79.987
Worth knowing
Several theories explain the origin of Nellore. One links the name to a sacred lingam found beneath a nelli (Amla / Indian gooseberry) tree, as described in local Sthala Purana traditions. Another derives it from Tamil nellu, meaning “paddy” or “rice,” reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage. Over time, Nelluru evolved into the modern “Nellore.”
Connections (1)
- Site withinSri Talpagiri Ranganadha Swamy Temple
The Sri Talpagiri Ranganadha Swamy Temple is Nellore’s major Vaishnava landmark, standing on the Pennar and reflecting the city’s long religious and architectural history.
Sources
Government of Andhra Pradesh; Archaeology and Museums Department
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