# Vizianagaram Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Location Text:** Vizianagaram district

Vizianagaram Fort, also known as Pusapati Fort, is a historic stone fortification located in the city of Vizianagaram within the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Situated approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Visakhapatnam and 18 kilometers from the Bay of Bengal, the structure was commissioned in 1713 by Vijaya Rama Raju, the Maharaja of Vizianagaram. The fort is architecturally distinct for its square shape, measuring roughly 240 feet on each side with walls rising to a height of 20 feet. It features two primary gates, with the main entrance, called the Nagar Khana, showcasing elaborate design elements. Inside the complex, visitors can find several temples, palaces, and a prominent victory tower that reflect the region's traditional building styles.

The historical significance of the fort is deeply rooted in local legend and auspicious timing. The site was reportedly suggested by a Muslim saint named Mahabub Valli, who was performing penance in the forest at the time. The foundation ceremony was deliberately scheduled to align with five specific signs of victory, or vijayas, including the Vijaya Dasami festival, a Tuesday known as Jayavaram, and the Vijaya year on the Hindu calendar. This careful selection of date and location was intended to ensure prosperity and triumph for the ruling Pusapati dynasty, after whom the fort is alternatively named.

Today, the fort remains occupied and stands as a testament to the early 18th-century heritage of the Rajas of Vizianagaram. While specific details regarding its current management or public access hours are not extensively documented in available records, the site continues to be a notable landmark within the city. Its enduring presence offers a glimpse into the strategic and cultural history of northeastern South India, preserving the legacy of Maharaja Ananda Raju I and the unique circumstances surrounding its creation.

![Photo of Vizianagaram Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Viznm_kota.jpg)

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