# Uchangidurga Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 14.564354, 76.052669

Uchangidurga is a historically significant village and former fort located in the Harapanahalli Taluk of the Vijayanagara District in Karnataka, India. Situated approximately 30 kilometers from Davangere on State Highway 47, the settlement lies along the Anaji route, where the fort ruins become visible shortly after a specific junction. The area was originally known as Uchchasringi during the ancient Kadamba dynasty era, marking its deep roots in regional history. Over subsequent centuries, it came under the rule of the Madakari Nayakas of Chitradurga, serving as a strategic location that witnessed major military conflicts, including a notable great battle referenced in historical records.

The site is renowned today primarily for the Uchangemma Temple, a sacred destination that draws thousands of devotees from across Karnataka. The temple is especially active during the full moon of every month, with major annual gatherings occurring during the Dasara, Navaratri, and Ugadi festivals. These celebrations highlight the location's enduring status as a holy center alongside its martial past. While the text confirms its identity as a fort and village with a population of nearly 10,000 as of the 2011 census, specific details regarding the original year of construction or distinct architectural styles of the fortifications are not provided in the available records.

Currently, Uchangidurga functions as a vibrant community where historical legacy and religious devotion intersect. The fort stands as a testament to the region's turbulent history under various dynasties, while the village thrives as a hub for cultural and spiritual activities. The continuous influx of visitors for temple worship and festivals ensures that the site remains a living part of local heritage rather than merely an archaeological ruin. Its position on a state highway facilitates access for pilgrims and tourists interested in exploring the remnants of the Nayaka rule and the ancient Kadamba influence in this part of southern India.

![Photo of Uchangidurga Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Uchangidurga_fortress_area-Restoration_in_progress.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uchangidurga (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)