A picturesque village of Anegondi village of Bellary district of Karnataka has a spectacular history behind it. Situated dramatically on the northern bank of the Tungabadhra River opposite to the famous historic site Hampi was originally called Vijayanagara, the capital-city of the Vijayanagara kings who took their name from this town. In fact, when Harihara and Bukka (Hikka and Bukka), the Sangama brothers established their kingdom, it was Anegondi which was their first capital. The most convenient way to reach Anegondi from Hampi is to cross the Tungabadhra by means of the quaint coracles, which are plied by boatmen across the river.
Anegondi is beautifully laced with many ancient monuments of historical and cultural interest, particularly of the Vijayanagara times in various parts of Anegondi, which was once a well-fortified town.One of these is the Huchchappa-matha temple, which is in a ruined state now and located near the river gateway. It has attractive pillars which are lathe-turned and of black stone as opposed to the granite monuments of Hampi. Aramani, a dilapidated palace is also seen here and also a Ranganatha (Vishnu) temple. There is a temple for Hanuman who was widely worshipped during the Vijayanagara days on top of a hill, which overlooks Hampi across the river and offers a spectacular view of that city and all its monuments. Also of historical interest is an old stone bridge, which belongs to the time of the Vijayanagra kings. A good view of some of the monuments in Anegondi can be had from atop the Matanga and Hemakuta hills in Hampi.
According to some scholars, the Sultan of Delhi, Mohammad Tughlaq, defeated the ruler of Anegondi and appointed Malik Nayab, his representative, to administer this place. It was at this time that the brothers Harihara and Bukka, on the advice of their mentor Vidyaranya, captured Anegondi and subsequently made it their capital.
