From the Heart of 'Hampi'

Visiting Hampi is dream come true for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of India’s glorious past. Hampi is a temple town and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, listed as the ‘Group of monuments at Hampi’ in Northern Karnataka.

Situated at the banks of Tungabhadra river, it was one of the most culturally and economically rich capitals of the Vijayanagara empire in ancient India.

Hampi derives its name from the river ‘Pampa’ the old name of Tungabhadra River. The name Hampi is an anglicized version of Kannada word ‘Hampe’ – derived from Pampa. The ruins of Hampi are significant historically and architecturally as they are hand carved by skilled artisans. And whether you ride a bike or hire an auto to travel to each of the monuments there, we assure that you will be wonderstruck at the magnanimity of it all. It’s a different world of big boulder landscapes and larger than life statues and structures.

Ganapati Temples & the Hampi Bazaar

As we enter this ancient town, we are greeted by huge statues of Ganapati carved out of big monolithic blocks, named as Sasivekalu and Kadalekalu. The story goes that a merchant from a faraway place had got these statues constructed after he sold all his goods in the Hampi Bazaar and made profit.

Walking further we reach the famous Hampi Bazaar. It is lively and colorful to see small vendor carts along narrow lanes selling artifacts, jewelry, clothes & food items on the way. You can also see some yoga studios and banners for cookery classes on the way.

Virupaksha Temple

At the heart of Hampi Bazaar is Virupaksha temple. It is dedicated to deity Virupaksha, an incarnation of Shiva and His consort Parvati. It was built in 7^th century and has exquisitely carved halls and gateways and 50 m high entrance structure called ‘Gopuram’ that has colorfully carved statues of Gods, Goddesses, yakshas and demons adorning it.

Vitthala temple

Another major attraction of Hampi is Vitthala temple where Sage Purandaradasa once lived and composed the various songs in melodious Carnatic music. A battery operated shuttle service runs to Vijaya Vitthala temple and Kallina Rath (stone chariot) between 7 AM to 5:30 PM. One may see ruins of market on either sides of the road as we go towards the Vitthala temple.

The stone chariot also called ‘Kallina Rath’ stands at the entrance. It is a stunning representation of processional wooden chariot in earlier days. The stone chariot is a symbol of festivity, victory and celebration.

The temple was constructed by King Krishnadevaraya in the 16^th century and is one of the biggest temples of Vijayanagara. It also has artistically carved musical pillars in its huge courtyard which produces different musical notes upon striking. Such was the brilliance of architecture in those days. The temple is built on a sculptured ornate plinth. Outside the temple is a huge bazaar on the east, leading to a sacred tank called ‘Lokapavani.’ On the north is the stepped bathing ghat (embankment).

Sule Bazaar and Achyutaraya temple

Halfway along the path from Hampi Bazaar to Vitthala Temple, a track to the right leads over the rocks to deserted Sule Bazaar, one of ancient Hampi’s principal centers of commerce. At the southern end of this area is the beautiful 16^th century Achyutaraya Temple.

The towers, pillars, and walls have exquisite carvings and ornamentation. Although it is in ruins, the temple does not fail in grandiosity and its magnificence even today. Built by Achyutadevaraya, this stunning and heavenly temple is devoted to Lord Tiruvengalanatha; he is another form of Lord Vishnu. 

Elephant Stables

These huge structures were used as shelter for royal elephants of Vijayanagara. Built in 15^th century, it displays amazing craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.

Lakshmi Narasimha statue

Along the road to Virupaksha temple, there is a giant monolithic statue of Lakshmi Narasimhan sitting in a cross-legged lotus pose with a hood of seven snakes over their head.

Nandi Statue

This used to be the main location for Vijaya Utsav, the Hampi Arts Festival, located at the end of the Hampi bazaar.

Queen’s Bath

Located at the entrance of royal enclosure of Hampi, this magnificent bath is yet another example of the architectural excellence prevalent during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is believed to be constructed by Achyutaraya for the women of the royal family of Vijayanagara.

Krishna Temple

The main idol installed in the temple was the figure of Balakrishna (Lord Krishna as infant). It  was built by the king Krishnadevaraya in 15^th century  to celebrate the conquest of the eastern kingdom of Udayagiri or Utkala (in the present day Orissa State).  The carvings are spectacular with the Yalis (the mythical lion) on the pillars and the entrances to the temple, hall flanged with impressive carvings of elephants. Small shrines and pillared halls adorn the campus.

 Hazaara Rama Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama with walls adorned with scenes from his life story; Ramayana. It was once the private temple of the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara. The term ‘Hazaara Rama’ literally means a thousand Rama which can be seen sculptured on all the walls and pillars. It was built in early 15^th century by King Devaraya II of Vijayanagara Empire.

A walk in the lanes of Hampi will transport you to the era where India was called 
‘The Golden Bird’ and will leave your imagination bewildered at the magnanimity 
and opulence that India once had.

(Pic courtesy Wikimedia Commons)