The name Vikrama Simhapuri derives itself from literature and inscriptions of 12th century AD which mention the place as ‘Vikrama Simhapuri’. This name is linked to an early Pallava ruler, Simha – Vishnu (575 – 600 AD), though the Pallava inscriptions either of Simha – Vishnu or of the latter period did not refer to Simhapuri in spite of the fact that Nellore remained a part of the early Pallava territory of pre- and post- Simha Vishnu period.
Nellore was under the reign of the Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, Kaktiyas, and the Vijayanagara empire. The city was known as Vikrama Simhapuri and was the capital of Manumasiddhi of Nellore Cholas in the thirteen century. The great Telugu poet Tikkanna Somayaji translated 15 parvas of Sanskrit Mahabharata into Telugu in Nellore.
For over two centuries, Nellore used to bring visions of huge tracts of paddy fields comprising mostly the Molagolukulu variety. ‘Nelli’ is a word derived from Tamil that indicates ‘paddy’ in Telugu and the Britishers have spelled the district with Nelli-Uru (paddy village) and it was then transformed as Nellore from its traditional name Simhapuri.
Significance:
Nellore is an important market center for cotton and oilseed products. This is boosted by the fact that a major railway line and a national highway passes through the city, and transfer of commerce and commercial products was never a problem. The city also supports industries like aqua-culture, rice mills, and a battery factory (Nippo). The upcoming port of Krishnapattanam, only 40 km away, has further increased the importance of Nellore.
There are several temples that are worth visiting when in Nellore. The Ranganatha Swamy Temple is located on the southern bank of Penna River, and it is almost 500 years old. The temple is known for its architectural splendor, marked by a 29-meter tall Gopuram and seven gold kalasams
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