Rayagada

Rayagada stands on the Nagavali in the hill country of southern Odisha. Its earthen fort and temples recall the time when it served as a capital of the Nandapur kingdom. The goddess Majhighariani is especially associated with the town, while the river connects the surrounding highlands with the eastern plains.

In the sixteenth century Vishwanath Deo moved his headquarters from Nandapur to Rayagada and built a large mud fort. The town flourished as a centre of trade, and the king endowed temples along the Nagavali. He also founded Vishwanathapur, where images of Gopinath and Harachandi were installed. Vishwanath Deo adopted the title Nauna Gajapati, expressing a claim to rank alongside the Gajapati rulers of Odisha. After his death in 1571 his successor accepted the overlordship of Golconda.