Unveiling the Beauty of Hampi - India's Ancient Ruins and Breath taking Lands
Hampi's temple complexes, stepped tanks and elephant stables alone are enough to showcase Vijayanagara empire's architectural prowess; yet its natural heritage is equally captivating.
Discover this spectacular world heritage site which showcases India's diverse culture through its beautiful temples, royal palaces, markets, pillared halls and water structures.
1. Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple stands as the entryway into Hampi's numerous monuments, dating back to its construction in the 7th Century. Even then it was grandiose; but with successive rulers adding their unique touch over time it has come into its current state today.
Temples feature exquisite carvings on every pillar, but one stand-out example is the marriage mandapam that depicts different epics and stories.
2. Vittala Temple
The Vittala Temple stands out as an architectural marvel that stands out among Hampi's monuments. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, this structure is famous for its musical pillars.
India is home to numerous astonishing phenomena and events that defy logic and science, such as these temple pillars that emit music when struck. Also, behold the stone chariot which makes an impressive sight!
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3. Hazara Ramachandra Temple
Hazara Ramachandra Temple or "Temple of a Thousand Ramas" is an incredible shrine dedicated to Lord Rama. Renowned for its exquisite carved panels depicting incidents from the epic Ramayana like Dasaratha's sacrifice for sons, birth of Lord Rama, exile into forest with Sita and abduction by Ravana and ultimate struggle between good and evil forces are depicted vividly here.
4. Krishna Temple
The Krishna Temple in Hampi is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Built by the Vijayanagara king to mark his victory over Ulkala Kingdom to the east, its construction became one of the hallmarks of victorious rule over its rival kingdoms.
The Krishna Temple stands as the centerpiece of the Virupaksha Temple Complex. With a vast tank and granary for storage purposes, its pillars depict Prahlada's story with Lord Narasimha.
5. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Hampi is one of its most iconic structures. With a two storey tower that stands out among other structures, this two storey temple is said to grant any sincere devotee visiting with hopes that their wishes may be granted upon entering.
Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu, presides as its primary deity at this temple and devotees from across the state come here for worship services.
6. Dhananayaka’s Enclosure
Hampi is a UNESCO world heritage site and was the austere capital city of the Vijayanagara empire (14th-16th Century CE). Although captured by Deccan Muslim sultanates, its many ancient artifacts remain an invaluable treasure trove.
Virupaksha temple features panels depicting events from dynastic history and Ramayana tales, with paintings showing transitions from Chola style paintings to more rectilinear ones with long eyes and compartmentalized bodies.
7. Mahanavami Dibba
While other structures in Hampi were damaged during the Deccan Muslim confederacy's destruction of Vijayanagara by Deccan Muslim confederacy invaders, Mahanavami Dibba was spared. While its exact cause is unclear, historians speculate that its grandeur and significance might have left an impression filled memory with them.
This massive stone platform displays intricate carvings of everyday life, exotic animals, ritualistic dances and musical processions from India's former rulers - a testament to their artistic brilliance.
8. Lotus Mahal
The Lotus Mahal stands out among Hampi's notable structures with its towering structure resembling lotus petals, symbolizing harmonious combination of various architectural styles during Vijayanagara rule.
Vijayanagara Empire's ability to adapt and incorporate various cultural influences is represented in Zanana enclosure, where this monument stands as a reminder. Built as an amenity for royal women living within this empire, Zanana pavilion was originally intended for leisure time usage by royal ladies within their empire.
9. Elephant Stables
Elephant Stables of Hampi remain one of its few remaining structures and remain one of its top tourist draws. Comprised of eleven chambers arranged around a central dome, visitors flock to this landmark structure.
The building's design pays homage to elephants' significance in Vijayanagara Empire as well as to incorporating both Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, reflecting its vibrant capital city nature. Metal hooks used to tie elephants can be seen on its interior roofs.
10. Queen’s Bath
The Queen's Bath is a magnificent structure once used by royal women of Vijayanagara to bathe. Today it stands as an icon of Hampi's glorious past and serves as an important reminder.
Hampi's ruins cover an expansive area. To maximize your sightseeing experience, it is advisable to hire a taxi, car or rickshaw and head out on an exploration. Don't forget to snap some beautiful shots of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
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