Read Previous Article: Lalbagh Flower Show 2015Hampi holds the ultimate proof to the vanished civilization of the kingdom of Vijayanagar. The kingdom prospered and the high glorious days under the reign of Krishna Deva Raya who ruled from 1509-30.
Hampi is a classic example of a type of structure which explains prominent historical events, mainly of the flourishing South Indian kingdoms menaced by the Muslim invaders.
Along with the demonstration of pride and pomp of the lifestyle, Hampi also explains the sad parts of the Muslim invasion and destruction of the traditions.
Yet some historical sites in Hampi have stood against the testimony of times and hardships to tell the stories for the generations that followed.
Here are 40 historical sites you should visit and admire at Hampi. They show you what things were back then.
Vitthala Temple
Vittala Temple is a classic example of historic architecture with Hindu mythological stories explained through beautiful stone carvings. There are glorious days of the empire carves on the temple walls too.
The intricately carved pillars and the Stone Chariot stand inside the premises of this temple complex.
Any number of words would fail to do justice to this magnificent monument.
King’s Balance (Tulabhara)
A tall balance that is located near Vittala Temple is regionally called as Tula Bhara. King weighed himself with gold, gems, silver, pearls, and precious stones and finally would distribute the heap amongst priests.
Vitthala Bazar
Vitthala Bazar is the market place near Vitthala Temple. This street was where horse trading took place.
Kuduregombe Mantapa
This structure is on the way to Vitthala Temple. Kuduregomabe Mantapa name says it is associated with the horses. The pillars in front side of the mantapa is carved with horse like structures. It is believed that this architectural structure has religious importance during annual festivals of chariot or boat.
Gejjala Mantapa
There is no much information found inspite of the deep studies as to what purpose did this mantapa serve those days. Gejjala Mantapa which stands near to the Vittala Temple is a square architectural structure which is very ornate.
Krishna Temple
Krishna Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to BalaKrishna, Lord Krishna as an infant. This temple has marvellously carved pillar halls and several small shrines within the complex.
Krishna Bazar
The long market street that is seen in front of Krishna Temple is the Krishna Bazar. Basically this was a car street of the Krishna Temple.
Sasivekalu Ganesha
Sasivekalu is mustard seed; thus Mustard Seed Ganesha is a huge statue of Lord Ganesha is believed to be about 2.4 mts in height. The statue is enclosed in an open pillared pavilion. The belly of Ganesha resembles the shape of mustard seed, hence the name.
Kadalekalu Ganesha
Another giant monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha which is carved out of a single large granite boulder stands near the slopes of the Hemakuta hill. The statue gets the name Kadalekalu Ganesha since the belly resembles the shape of an unsplit Bengal gram.
Monolithic Bull
This huge bull is a structure of Nandi carved out of a single boulder. This giant bull is the most popular statues in Hampi. This impressive statue is believed to be the guard and protector of Hampi those days.
Bhima’s Gateway
Hampi has numerous wall structure and gateways as a part of the military architecture. The gateway gets its name after the legendary strong Bhima of Mahabharatha. An image of Bhima with the Saugandhika flower is carved on the gateway.
Hampi Bazar
Hampi Bazaar is also popularly known as Virupaksha Bazaar which is a market street of about one km long right in front of the Virupaksha Temple. This was once an important and thriving market place where merchants form various foreign lands sold their exotic things like diamonds, precious stones, jewellery, silk and much more.
Virupaksha Temple
One of the oldest temples of Hampi is very famous amongst tourists and pilgrims. The temple complex comprises of beautiful ceiling paintings and carved stone pillars.
Hemakuta Group of Temples
Hemakuta Group of temples is a collection of scattered shrines, archways, pavilions, thus forming a clustered group of monuments on the Hemakuta hill. It is one of the beautiful locations in Hampi and is usually suggested to be visited during sunrise or sunset. The hill is actually a mammoth rock that is relatively easy to climb.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
The largest statue in Hampi is that of Lakshmi Narasimha. Narasimha is seen seated on the coiled seven headed giant snake called Sesha. The original structure also had Goddess Lakshmi sitting on Narasimha’s lap, thus the name Lakshmi Narasimha.
But Lakshmi’s statue has been destroyed during the raid. You can clearly see her hand adorned with armlet that rests on Narasimha in an embracing position.
Badvilinga Temple
Badvilinga is the largest linga structure found in Hampi. This Linga is enclosed in a chamber with front being open. The sanctum of this Lings is always filled with water as there is a water canal made to pass through this place.
Kampa Bhupa Marga
Kampa Bhupa’s path is a trek route of about 2 km from Hampi bazaar which passes along boulder-strewn terrain, bathing ghat Chakrathirtha towards Kodandarama Temple.
Trekking furthermore the path takes you to Achyutha Raya Temple, Courtesan Street also called as Sule Bazar, Varaha Temple, and then riverside ruins of 1008 and 108 lingas on a flat rock surface, monkey king Sugreeva’s cave, King’s Balance and then finally you arrive at Vithala Temple.
Chakratirtha
Chakratirtha is a holy bathing ghat of swirling water. Pilgrims take a holy dip at the river Tungabhadra at this bathing ghat.
Kodandarama Temple
It is a pleasant experience to visit Kodandarama Temple as you have walk for about 2 km along Kampa Bhupa Marga by the riverside. The walking experience fills the pilgrims with faith and devotion. The large statues of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are a beauty in its own form.
Yantrodharaka Anjaneya Temple
Yantrodharaka Hanumantha Temple is situated behind Kodandarama Temple. Lord Anjaneya worshipped here is very unique. The image of Hanuman is positioned within a Yantra (which means an amulet). Hanuman is seen in a sitting meditative position. This is one of the religiously active shrine in Hampi.
Ranganatha Temple
Ranganatha Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is seen in Anantha Sayana position. The details of Lord Vishnu sleeping on the coil of the seven headed serpent are very well carved. His two consorts, Lakshmi and Bhoodevi are seen at his service. Also Lord Brahma is seen seated on the lotus which has emerged from the naval of Vishnu.
Achyutharaya Temple
Achytharaya Temple is one of the large temples of Vijayanagara. The complex is almost as huge and similar as Vitthala Temple with the absence of Stone Chariot. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Sule Bazar/Courtesan Bazar
Sule Bazar as the name suggests was a market place where dancing girls entertained people. It is also called as Courtesan Street. In present time it is a deserted area situated at the foot of Matunga hill.
Prasanna Virupaksha (Underground Siva) Temple
This temple is one of the oldest temples of Vijayanagara. King Krishnadevaraya donated extensively to this temple. This temple remained buried for nearly 400 years until the archaeological department excavated the temple in 1980’s decade.
HazaraRama Temple
HazaraRama Temple is famous for the wall carvings it holds. The carvings explains many mythological stories from Ramayana. This small beautiful temple was once a private temple of the king and the royal family.
Pan Supari Bazar
Pan Supari Bazar is a ruined market street in front of HazaraRama Temple. This is a street that leads to the royal palace. During the imperial days of Vijayanagara, the street held royal importance.
Royal Enclosure
Royal Enclosure once held about 45 buildings that belonged to the royal family. This fortified area is huge and once a power seat of Vijayanagara. Today only the bases of the buildings are found which explains very little about which was the king’s residence, durbar hall, pooja room.
Mahanavami Dibba
Mahanavami Dibba is a stone platform, a stage like structure of about 12 feet high. It is believed that during those imperial days of the empire, the religious ceremonies and festivals were performed on Mahananami Dibba.
Stepped Tank
A beautiful remain within the royal centre is the Stepped tank pushkarani. The steps made of granite are beautifully structured. This tank was recently discovered within Royal Enclosure during 1981 by a member of ASI and then on restored.
Lotus Mahal
This Indo-Islamic styled architecture is a two-storied structure within the Zenana Enclosure. This mahal needs special mention when you are discussing about Hampi.
Elephant's Stable
Elephant Stable is one of the main tourist attractions in Hampi as it is the least damaged structure of Vijayanagara. This domed structure building was where the royal elephants were sheltered.
The row of domed chambers in a long building makes the site very attractive and brings curiosity among visitors.
Guard's Quarters
Guard's Quarters is a structure that is present next to the Elephant Stable. Both Elephant Stable and Guard’s Quarters share a common large courtyard.
Guard’s Quarters building structure has fine arches, verandas, open courtyard surrounded by pillars.
Queen's Bath
Queen's Bath is a bathing complex used by the king and his wives. This complex is beautiful with a large bathing area at the centre. There are steps that lead to the floor of the bath. The ceiling is open to the sky.
The exterior of this complex is simple and the interiors are ornate.
Pampa Sarovara
Pampa Sarovara is a hindu sacred pond in Anegundi near Hampi. This place has great importance and has been mentioned in the epic Ramayana.
It is believed that this was the place where Lord Rama met the old lady Shabari who suggested seeking help from Hanuman to find Sita who was abducted by Ravana of Lanka.
Gagan Mahal
Gagan Mahal also called as Old Palace is a historical structure standing erect in a little village of Anegundi near Hampi. This small old place might have served as the centre during the kingdom of Anegundi which later on expanded and grew to be Vijayanagara.
Tomb of King Krishnadevaraya Hampi
A 64 pillared mantapa structure on a huge stone at the river Tungabhadra in Anegundi marks the burial ground of the legendary king Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire.
It is believed that he excelled in 64 fields of education and thus the 64 pillared Samadhi.
Navavrindavana
A small holy island in the midst of the river Tungabhadra holds the sacred tomb of the nine madhwa saints. Those who visit Hampi during summer season is able to visit Navavrindavana as the water level is relatively low in the river.
Motor boats parked near Krishnadevaraya’s tomb take the pilgrims to Navavrindavana.
Anjana Parvatha
Anjana Parvatha as seen from Chakratirtha
Anjana Parvatha as seen from Vitthala Temple
This hill is believed to be the birth place of Hanuman. The sacred hill is about 3 km west of Anegundi village. The climb to the hill is about 500 steps. The hill top holds a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and his mother Anjana Devi.
This place and the surroundings are believed to be the kingdom of Kishkinda from Ramayana.
Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum is where the Department of Archaeology maintains and preserves all the idols and sculptures from various locations of ruins. One get to see the assorted antiquities like arms, armoury, figurines, copper plate grants, religious utilities, coins of the dynasty of various denominations made of copper and gold and a lot more.
Tungabhadra River
The serpentine Tungabhadra River is a part of life of the people from time immemorial. The dip in the water, the coracle ride, or the motor boat ride across the river gives varied experiences of the river.
The views also differ with hills, scattered boulders, and historical sites, all by the river.
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