subject: Ross Hill, A Fascinating Historical Site [print this page] Visakhapatnam, a significant city in Indias state of Andhra Pradesh is located on Indias eastern shore in the midst of the Eastern Ghats hills. It is first and foremost an industrial city, and also conducts significant port activity. The citys name is thought to derive from a king named Visakha Varma, who ruled over this area. This name is in turn derived from the god of valour, son of Lord Shiva. (Patnam is the local name for city). The alternative explanation is that the city is named after goddess Visakha, the family divinity of an Andhra king.
Visakhapatnam is undoubtedly a historic city and is mentioned in both the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the great Indian epics. According to legend the brothers Rama and Lakshmana searched for Ramas wife Sita in the Eastern Ghats. In the Mahabharata Bheema slays the demon Bakasura in the vicinity of Visakhapatnam.
The city is a major tourist destination with scenic parks, beaches, a wildlife sanctuary, sites of historical interest and many other attractions.
One of Visakhapatnams most important cultural attractions is the Ross Hill complex. The site consists of three hills, each dedicated to a different faith, thereby symbolizing unity and harmony. Ross Hill is named after a Monsieur Ross who constructed an imposing residence on the hill. This building has been converted into a shrine known as Mother Marys Church. The path which leads to the shrine is adorned with many Catholic images.
Meanwhile the Darga Pahad hill features the tomb of Sayed Ali Medina, a Muslim saint; this site is visited by both Muslim and Hindu pilgrims. A mosque is also present here.
The third hillock, known as Sri Venkateswara Konda is a Hindu shrine devoted to the Lord. The three hillocks provide a magnificent scenic view of the port and shipbuilding yard of Visakhapatnam.
