A Family History of Venkatagiri Rajas/15th Generation
Fifteenth Generation.
Nirvana Rayappa Naidu
(alias Pedda Rayadu.)
Nirvana Rayappa Naidu (15).
Singama Naidu.
Rangappa Naidu.
Abba Naidu.
Thimma Naidu.
Kumara Thimma Naidu (16).
Rangappa Naidu.
Pedda Kondappa. Naidu.
Gopala Naidu.
Thirupathi Naidu.
Thimma Naidu. Gani Naidu?
Pinna Kondappa Naidu (17).
Thimma Naidu.
Nayanappa Naidu?
Yerra Thimma Naidu.
Narasingappa Naidu.
Guravappa Naidu.
Chennappa Naidu.
Six sons.
Thimma Naidu? =Lingama.
Three sons.
Nirvana Rayappa Naidu surnamed Pedda Rayudu, is an important member, for he was the founder of the place and the Dynasty known as Velugodu. He was a contemporary of the great Carnatic Ruler Krishna Deva Rai living in the sixteenth century and was in the earlier part of his life-time a subject Prince and Commander-in-Chief of Krishna Rai. Velugodu which then belonged to Krishna Deva Rai was once attacked by a Muhammadan chief, and Nirvana Rayappa Naidu, who was then very powerful and resided at Devarakonda, marched against him on his own accord, and defeated and killed him. He then returned with a white umbrella as the token of success, and was allowed to use it for himself by the king of Carnatic. From that moment he came to be known as the Lord of White Umbrella. He was also granted the free enjoyment of the taluk of Velugodu which he so ably defended. Thus he acquired the family name of Velugodu which means Veli-Godugu, the White Umbrella, and the same name exists as Velugoti to this day. He soon changed his capital from Devarakonda to Velugodu, which was considerably improved. This event is recorded in a book called the "Victories of Krishna Deva Rai" and other historical texts. The Kurnool Manual also refers to this, though with a difference in date.
A short description of Velugodu is not out of place here. Velugodu belongs to Nandi-kotkur taluk of modern Kurnool district and is situated forty miles east of Kurnool, fifteen miles north of Nandyal and forty miles south of Srisailam. The fort itself is three-fourth in ruins.
The once Siva's temple has been changed to Kesava's, and a throne is preserved in it. The throne is made of Kuruvinda Mani (a precious stone) and is 6 by 4 by 3 feet. It has thirty-two pictures artistically arranged around it. Four lions are carved on its sides and in the centre of it is a peculiar hollow which can be filled with water to make the seat cool in summer. In form, it is like Delhi throne or that at Hyderabad. A river flows close by, and the place commands very fine weather. It now contains a Forest Office and a Post Office.
Near Velugodu were built two tanks, one in his own name, and the second in the name of his daughter Mallamma. When he died, a poet called Mallanna wrote in his name a poem called "Vaikuntarohanam" or ascent to heaven.