Hampi
Hampi
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Village in Bellary District, Madras. Site of Vijavanagar.
Laidback glory
India Today December 19, 2008
The ruins of the glorious Vijayanagar Dynasty are now heritage spots and quaint trails. Hemakuta Hill holds breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Hampi is also the backpacker’s delight. The openair restaurant Under the Mango Tree is aptly located under a mango tree. For souvenirs, there’s the quaint but charming town of Anegundi.
The temple town
Hampi, a temple town in northern Karnataka, was once the capital of the historical Vijayanagara Dynasty. This quaint place, lying amidst striking ruins of the past, has been receiving tourists from far off for ages. The magnificence of the ruins of temples and other structures of Vijayanagar, dating back to 1500 AD, is the main attraction of this place. According to some accounts, Hampi used to be the second largest city of the world.
Stone Chariot, Hampi There are innumerable boulders around Hampi that are easy to climb. One can get a stunning view of the ruins spread around Hampi by mounting one of the boulders. Located on the bank of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi has quite a number of tourist attractions like Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple and Nandi Statue. It is best to visit Hampi during the three day long Hampi festival held around October-November every year. Read more about Hampi
Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Hampi – The Abode of Lord Hanuman
June 30, 2018 by madur, Karnataka.com
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple gets its name from the image of Hanuman placed inside an amulet. The position of Hanuman is different from any other image of Lord Hanuman that can be found in Hampi. This temple is the second most important shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Hampi.
Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple. Image courtesy Daniel Hauptstein
Quick Facts Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
Main Deity: Lord Hanuman
Best time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: Morning and evening
Entry Fee: Free
History of the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
According to some legends, this temple is built on the place where Hanuman and Lord Ram met for the first time. Others believe that Sri Vyasaraja used to pray to Lord Hanuman in this place by drawing an image of Lord Hanuman on the rocks.
By the time he finished his prayers, the picture would have disappeared. When this happened for 12 days in a row, he pleaded with Lord Hanuman to appear before him. When the Lord appeared, he asked Sri Vyasaraja to constrain him in a six-sided amulet and build a temple in the area.
The Temple Architecture
The Anjaneya Temple is located on a hill on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The inner sanctum contains an image of Lord Hanuman enclosed within a hexagonal amulet. Hanuman has been pictured in a meditative state. This is a marked deviation from other depictions of Lord Hanuman.
In Hampi, most depictions of Lord Hanuman show him standing with one hand raised and the other on his hip. It is only in this temple that Hanuman appears in a prayer position. In this image, Lord Hanuman’s crown has been formed by his tail.
12 monkeys have been carved around this amulet. They represent the 12 days Sri Vyasaraja prayed to Lord Hanuman. Each monkey holds the tail of the monkey in front of him but is facing backward. Seed syllables have also been carved around the amulet.
Other Things to See
Within the temple is another small temple devoted to Lord Ram. This lends credibility to the legend of Hanuman having met Lord Ram at this place.
Just ahead of the temple is a fig tree. At the foot of this tree are a number of snake-stones which are sued as places of snake worship.
A short climb ahead of the Temple is another small temple dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
How to Reach Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
By Air
Bellary, the closest airport to Hampi is at a distance of 64km. Taxis, buses and hired cars ply regularly between the airport and Hampi
By Rail
Hosapete is the closest railway station to Hampi. This is at a distance of 10 km and can be reached by car, taxi or bus.
By Road
Hampi is well connected by roads. You may drive down in your own car, a hired taxi or by bus.
The Jewel of Hampi- The Stone Chariot
The Jewel of Hampi- The Stone Chariot, July 9, 2017 by madur: Karnataka.com
Every tourist place has that one spot which earns it galore and admiration. For Hampi, the small, dainty temple village set in Karnataka, it’s the iconic stone chariot. It’s the leading man in the army of exquisite beautiful sights that Hampi has to offer and depicts Karnataka tourism an icon itself.
The chariot is actually a shrine dedicated to Garuda, built inside the Vittala Temple Complex. The massive sculpture of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s escort once was seated atop the chariot but it is empty at the present date. The Hampi Chariot has earned its name among the other three famous stone chariots in India- One in Konark, Odissa, and the other in Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu).
Quick Facts about the Stone Chariot
Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on all days of the week
Entry Fee: No entry fee required
Photography: Allowed
Video camera: Allowed
Visit Duration: About 3 hours
Best time to visit: From November to February
History of the Chariot
The chariot was built by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire during the 16th century, who got fascinated with the Konark Sun temple chariot while fighting a battle in Odissa. The chariot is meant to represent the beauty and artistic perfection of the Empire. An interesting folklore emanates from the Hampi chariot as villagers believe that the world would come to a halt when the chariot moves from its place. It has come to have a sacrosanct presence and is internationally recognized as a world heritage site even by the UNESCO.
Architecture
Inspired by the Dravidian style of architecture, the chariot is a colossal structure which shows the skill of the earlier craftsmen and architects. The beauty of the chariot lies in the fact that it looks like one solid structure but in fact, has been built by slabs of granite whose linkages have been cleverly hidden with artistic designs.
The base on which the chariot rests depicts beautiful mythical battle scenes in intricate details. There were sculptures of horses where presently elephants are seated. Visitors can actually spot the hind legs and tails of the horses behind the elephants. There are also the remnants of the ladder in between the two elephants, using which priests used to climb up to the inner sanctum to pay homage to the sculpture of Garuda.
A beautiful illumination of the chariot happens in the evening from the floodlights installed in the Vittala Complex. The spectacular view of the chariot and its detailed designing in the glow of the lights from the complex makes for a mesmerizing experience.
Things to Know for Tourists
The Vittala Temple Complex is open on all days of the week from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
There is no entry fee
The authorities allow for photography and videography within the temple complex.
Tourists normally spend about 3 hours at the complex.
How to Reach Hampi
By Air
Hampi doesn’t have an airport and hence visitors will have to use the Bellary Airport which is roughly 64 km from Hampi and visitor can take a vehicle to cover up the last few miles.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Hosapete which is situated at a distance of 10km from Hampi and has a good connectivity in and around Karnataka.
By Road
Hampi has good road connectivity and people travel usually from big cities like Bangalore and Mysore to Hampi via private or public buses or by hiring cars.
Royal Enclosure – Home of Erstwhile Kings and Queens
JUNE 21, 2017 BY MADUR: Karnataka.com
The stone chariot of the Vittala Temple and the temple’s musical pillars may be the most recognizable architectural structure in Hampi but they are far from being the only ones. On the banks of the River Tungabhadra, Hampi is home to a number of Jain and Hindu temples, aqueducts and the Royal Enclosure spread over 59000 square meters. This was once upon a time, the home of the Vijayanagara King and his Queens. Today the enclosure lies largely in ruins but still speaks loudly of the life it once contained.
The Story of Hampi
Hampi rose into prominence in the early 14th century when the Kampili Kings rose in power. In 1327, the kingdom was attacked by Muhammad-bin-Tughluq who took two brothers, Bukka and Harihara as prisoners along with thousands of other people. These brothers tricked the Sultan into setting them free and returned to Kampili to set up a kingdom of their own with its capital at Vijayanagara. Thus the Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka I of the Sungama dynasty in 1336. The Sungama dynasty was followed by the Saluvas and the Tuluvas each of whom added to this Vijayanagara’s architectural beauty. A number of prominent temples and architectural features of Hampi were built under the patronage of King Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century. After his death, the Vijayanagara kingdom began its decline and the city was rediscovered only in the 1800s as Hampi.
The Royal Enclosure and its Architecture
The royal enclosure in Hampi was the Vijayanagara kingdom’s seat of power. In its prime, it housed as many as 45 buildings including the durbar halls, platform, tanks, underground chambers, and temples. There are three entrances to the Royal Enclosure; two in the north and one in the west.
The architectural style of this enclosure is symbolic of the Vijayanagara style of architecture with traces of Mughal influence. As with all the other features constructed by the Vijayanagara kings, the Royal Enclosure makes ample use of granite and soapstone. All the palaces face the east or the north and were built on raised granite platforms. These platforms feature multiple tiers and are decorated with carved details of flowers, geese, demon faces, elephants and human figures. Though the palaces themselves may not stand today, ask recovered from the site suggests that they used wooden beams and rafters. Domed structures were built with a stone rubble and mortar mixture. The watch towers, elephant stables, and Lotus Mahal are examples of the Islamic influence to this style of architecture.
Things You Shouldn’t Miss
The Royal Enclosure of Hampi has often been compared to an open air museum. Apart from giving the visitor a glimpse into what life was like under the Vijayanagara rulers, it also showcases the architectural excellence of the era and the level of destruction the city witnessed after the decline of the Vijayanagara kings. Some of the most impressive structures here are:
The Mahanavami Dibba
This 3 tiered 8 meter high platform is the only structure that still stands as it did centuries ago. It stands in the northeast section of the enclosure and has a flight of stairs leading up on the east, west and southern face. Each tier of the platform features intricately sculpted moldings that depict the everyday life of that time. As the name suggests, the platform was used during the Navami celebrations and remains of pillar bases indicate that a pavilion once stood in the center.
The Aqueduct
Within the royal enclosure the aqueduct networks of stone ‘pipes’ connect over 20 wells and ponds. A large section of the aqueduct has been restored and some sections deliver water even today. Bukka’s Aqueduct towards the north of the river is the most significant amongst them.
Stepped Tank
Discovered in 1985, the stepped tank is considered one of the most well-preserved structures in the Royal Enclosure. This is a 5 tiered tank that covers an area of 22 square meters and has a depth of 7 meters. Two other significant bathing pavilions in the Royal Enclosure are the Octagonal Bath and the Queen’s bath.
Hazara Rama Temple
This is the only temple in the Royal Enclosure. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. Bas relics on the walls of the temple depict the Ramayana and are considered the most extensive relics from all over India.
The Underground Chamber
This chamber lies between the Durbar Hall and the Stepped Tank ad features independent entry and exit routes. It is believed that the Vijayanagara rulers held important discussions with their trusted aides in this chamber.
Durbar Hall
This is also known as the King’s audience hall or the 100 pillared halls. Remnants of a stone staircase suggest that this might have been a two storied structure. It is believed to have been made of wood and destroyed in a fire in 1565 AD.
Present Condition of the Royal Enclosure
Today, only the stone platforms remain to mark where palaces and building once stood. Since many structures were made of wood, this area seems to have been easier to destroy than other parts of Hampi with complete stone structures. Though it may look like an empty area at first glance, a closer look will bring out many interesting relics and details.
How to Reach the Royal Enclosure
One must keep aside plenty of time when visiting the Royal enclosure. Hiring a cycle within the enclosure can save lots of walking time and make the experience more enjoyable. The enclosure is open 7 days of the week from 9am to 5.30 pm. Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable footwear and carry plenty of drinking water.
By Air
At a distance of 64km, Ballari is the closest airport to Hampi. From the airport, taxis, buses and hired cars ply regularly to Hampi.
By Rail
The closest railway station to the Royal enclosure is situated at Hosapete. This is 10 kms for Hampi and can be reached by buses or cars.
By Road
There are a number of buses that operate regularly between Hampi and the other cities across Karnataka. Private taxis are also available on hire from Major cities like Mysore and Bengaluru.
Lotus Mahal in Hampi – Of Grandeur and History
APRIL 25, 2017 BY MADUR: Karnataka.com
A tour to Hampi is incomplete without visiting Lotus Mahal. It is one of the fine architectural designed palaces that are uniquely identified by its lotus look like structure. This glorious building is within the Zenana Enclosure, a segregated area that is used by the royal women of Vijayanagara Dynasty.
The Lotus Mahal is otherwise called the Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal. It’s remarkable and unmistakable design is the main highlight of the palace. It is one of only a handful few astonishing building in Hampi that had not been damaged or destroyed amid the attack on the city.
Quick Facts about Lotus Mahal
Timing: Open on all days of the week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee for adults: INR. 10 for Indians and INR 250 for foreign tourists
Entry fee for children: Entry is free for children under 15 years
Photography: Allowed (no extra charges levied)
Visit duration: 2 hours approximately
Best time to visit: From November to February
Architecture of the Lotus Mahal, Hampi
As the name given to the palace is because of the shape it resembles. The balcony and the passages covered with a dome that looks like an opened lotus bud. The central dome is also carved as a lotus bud. The curves of the palace are given an Islamic touch while the multi-layered roof design is moreover related to Indo style of buildings. The style and designs is an inquisitive blend of Islamic and Indian way of architecture.
The palace is a two-storied building, well-structured symmetrically. It is surrounded by a rectangular wall and four towers. These towers are also in pyramidal shape giving a lotus-like structure visual. Around 24 pillars are present to support the arched windows and balcony of the palace. The walls and pillars are carved beautifully with patterns like sea creatures and birds.
The surrounding area of the palace is covered with many shady trees providing a cool ambiance to the palace. At the point when the Lotus Mahal is lit up during the evening, visitors witness a fantastic view. It is a standout venue in entire Hampi to take photographs. Lotus Mahal should be a sure set destination in the list while visiting Hampi. It will stun you to perceive how best in class, Indian architecture and workers were ages back.
History of Lotus Mahal, Hampi
The Lotus Mahal was a part of Zenana enclosure, a place where royal families of Vijayanagara Empire resided. Lotus Mahal designed as a palace for royal ladies of those times to mingle around and enjoy recreational activities. The Mahal also served as a meeting point for the king and his ministers. This place is also referred to as a council chamber in the maps found.
It is said that the Queen of Krishna Deva Raya used to spend her most of the time seeking pleasure and peace in the palace. The palace also served as a meeting point for the king and his ministers. Kaml Mahl is also referred to as a council chamber in the maps found in 18th century. Kamal Mahal and Chitrangini Mahal are the other names by which it was known earlier. Several musical concerts and other recreation activities were held at this place.
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple in Hampi
APRIL 24, 2017 BY MADUR: Karnataka.com
Hampi, a UNESCO world heritage site, is known for its magnificent temples and one such fine specimen is Sasivekalu Ganesha temple. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple is a huge statue of Lord Ganesha, carved out of a single block of rock. It is one of the major landmarks in Hampi. Sasivekalu Ganesha is about 8 feet (2.5 metres) tall.
History of Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is known for his love for food. Once Ganesha consumed a lot of food, due to which his stomach was on the verge of bursting. Finding no other option to stop his stomach from exploding, Ganesha caught hold of a snake and tied it around his stomach in order to prevent it from bursting open. This is the mythological incidence behind the existence of the snake tied around the Ganesha’s stomach, which is visible on the statue.
The inscription on the statue is as old as 1500 AD and says that this statue was erected in memory of the king Narasimha II, of the Vijayanagar Empire. This temple and the statue is indeed one of the finest specimens of Indian sculptures.
Architecture of Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
The Ganesha is seen in a half-lotus position with four arms. The right and left hand at the upper side holds a goad and a broken tusk. The top right hand of the statue holds a sweet (modak) the left hand is portrayed with a noose. A large mandapa is covering the statue at the top with a rough wall covering pillars around it. The archaeology department has installed a huge sitemap consisting of whereabouts of the place and history of the statue.
How to Reach Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple is situated in the town of Hampi. Any local transport in the city can be used to reach the temple. You can reach Hampi by any of the following conveyance.
By Air
Hampi does not have an airport but can be reached through the nearby airports. Bellary is the nearest airport, about 615 kms from Hampi. There are a number of buses and taxis available from Bellary to Hampi. Apart from Bellary, Bangalore airport can also be accessed to reach Hampi; it is 353km from Hampi. One can hire a cab or taxi from the airport to reach the beautiful Hampi village.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is located at Hospet which is about 13km from Hampi. Hampi does not have a railway station but can be reached via Hospet rail route. There are many buses and taxis which connect Hampi and Hospet, either of the ways can be opted to reach Hampi.
By Road
Hampi is well connected with major cities and towns of Karnataka by bus service. A number of private and tourist buses run regularly from neighbouring cities to Hampi. Road route is the best one. A direct drive to Hampi through NH 13 route from Bangalore (345 km) and Hubli (165 km) is the other option out of the lot.
Achyuta Raya Temple, Hampi
APRIL 24, 2017 BY MADUR: Karnataka.com
The Achyuta Raya Temple is in Hampi. It was built in 1534 AD. It is one of the major, splendid and awe-inspiring temples of Hampi located between the Matanga hills and Gandhamadana. This magnificent temple depicts Vijayanagara architecture style of temples in its best and most improved form. This was among the last dazzling temples that were constructed in the celebrated city of Hampi prior to the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Quick Facts About Achyuta Raya Temple, Hampi
Timing: From 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM and from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM on all days of the week
Entry Fee: No entry fee required
Photography: Allowed
Visit Duration: About 2 hours
Unfortunately, this elegant and striking temple is in ruins as a consequence of the attacks by the monarchs of the Bahamani kingdom. It is greatly affected by the forces of nature over several centuries.
The location of the temple is secluded and off the more travelled path, the temple is much less crowded as compared to many other tourist attractions in Hampi. It is good news for the people who like quite tours because this place is off location and its hidden nature makes it less crowded. The best time to visit the temple is from November to February.
The main idol worshiped in the Achyuta Raya Temple is Lord Tiruvengalanatha which is another form of Vishnu.
The towers, pillars, and walls have exquisite carvings and ornamentation. Major parts of the temple are in a damaged condition. Although it is in ruins, the temple does not fail in grandiosity and its magnificence even today.
History of Achyuta Raya Temple, Hampi
The Achyuta Raya temple got built during the rule of Achyuta Deva Raya, who was one of the emperors of the Vijayanagara Empire. He came to power by succeeding his elder brother Krishna Deva Raya in the year 1529.
The stunning and heavenly temple is devoted to Lord Tiruvengalanatha; he is a configuration of Lord Vishnu. Thus, this temple was initially known as Tiruvengalanatha Temple. However, later on, it came to be called after the king in whose reign it was built. Hence, it became widely known as the Achyuta Raya temple.
Architecture of Achyuta Raya Temple
The principal shrine of the temple is located in the centre of a pair of rectangular concentric enclosures. There are pillared verandas on the interior flanks of the two courtyard walls. The outer walkways are in a state of decay, collapse, and disintegration. The temple is distinctly visible from the top of the Matanga Hill. It is at the end of the abandoned Courtesan Street.
On entering the inner court one can spot a chamber that is facing the porch leading to the central hall. There is a small shrine chamber which once sanctified an image of Garuda.
The accessible hall has few extremely lauded sculpted pillars in Hampi. The carvings are done on monolithic blocks of rocks. The statues and sculptures on the pillars reveal themes like lord Vishnu blessing an elephant, lord Krishna practising his flute while the calves are watching this scene with interest and infant Krishna dancing with a snake and holding it by the tail.
There is a Mandapa which is a marriage hall of the Gods and the Goddesses for the yearly nuptials.
How to Reach Achyuta Raya Temple
The temple is situated between the Gandhamadana and Matanga hills. There are two main routes to reach the temple. One is from Kodandarama Temple passing through the Courtesan Street and leading to the principal minarets of the Achyuta Raya Temple.
The other course to the temple is by climbing the stairs near the Nandi or Monolithic Bull situated at the eastern corner of Hampi Bazaar. The second one is the easier and the more convenient one.
By Air
Hampi does not have any airport of its own. The nearest one is the Bellary airport. Tourists can take a flight to Bellary and then can use local means of transport like cabs to reach Hampi. The total distance between Bellary and Hampi is 64km.
By Rail
Hampi does not have any railway station of its own. The one from Hampi is Hospet which is at a distance of about 13 km. Tourists can hire a taxi to Hampi from Hospet. The distance from Bangalore to Hampi is 288kms.
By Road
Hampi has a good road network. There are numerous buses that connect Hampi to a number of major and important towns in Karnataka. The tourists also have the option of hiring private cars or cabs. Travellers can reach Hampi by bus. AC and Volvo buses are available.
Dasara Dibba – A Wonderful Stone Platform
PRIL 24, 2017 BY MADUR: Karnataka.com
Dasara Dibba or the Mahanavami Dibba is a beautiful stone platform located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. It was built during the Vijayanagara period by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over Udaygiri. It was here where the King of Vijayanagar used to celebrate the festival of Dasara (Dussehra).
However, The Dasara Dibba is in a ruined state now with damaged carvings on the side of the platform. UNESCO and the Government have taken proper steps in preserving the heritage for future generations.
History and Legends
King Krishnadevaraya constructed this in 1513 AD in commemoration on the victory over Udaygiri (now in Orissa). According to historians, the Sagamas were the first ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara kingdom in the 14th century.
However, Hampi reached its zenith of glory under Krishandeva Raya under whom, Hampi, the city of Victory came into full power. Hampi was destroyed in 1565 by the Deccan Sultanates.
The king watched the army march-pasts, bow and arrow competitions, war games such as sword fighting competition, wrestling, aquatic sports, musical performances of the royal animals and the hugely significant Navaratri celebrations from the raised structure of the grand platform of the Dasara Dibba.
Navaratri was celebrated for consecutive nine days according to the tradition and the tenth-day celebration was known as “Vijaya Dasami”.
Dasara Dibba – Architecture and Sculpture
The 12 meters high Dasara Dibba consist of a massive square granite faced base in three diminishing tiers, the lowest being 40 metre square and the topmost 24 metre square. The structure faces north. The stone stairs are little tough for climbing for elderly persons and kids as it is quite high to ascend.
The top can be reached by a couple of cases having carvings of elephants, horses, and others on the front while the back portion has twin staircase. This unique monument is one of the highest spots within this zone. The entry point for King to this point is different from that of the commoners. The walls are covered with auspicious carvings of horses, elephants, warriors, caravans, hunting games scenes, dancers, musicians and many other royal cultural scenes of the by-gone culture.
On the east side of the platform, is a chamber filled with animal and clown carvings narrating the stories of when the Chinese embassy used to visit the King Krishnadevaraya for business purpose and the Arab emirates came for horses and exotic animals trading.
The entry point for King to this point is different from that of the commoners. The walls are covered with auspicious carvings of horses, elephants, warriors, caravans, hunting games scenes, dancers, musicians and many other royal cultural scenes of the by-gone culture.
On the east side of the platform, is a chamber filled with animal and clown carvings narrating the stories of when the Chinese embassy used to visit the King Krishnadevaraya for business purpose and the Arab emirates came for horses and exotic animals trading.
On the east side of the platform, is a chamber filled with animal and clown carvings narrating the stories of when the Chinese embassy used to visit the King Krishnadevaraya for business purpose and the Arab emirates came for horses and exotic animals trading.
Entry to the Dasara Dibba is free and can be visited any time from sunrise to sunset, preferably during mornings or evenings as there is no shade.