HAMPI
Famous For : Vithala Temple Complex, Ugra Narasimha
Main Languages : Kannada, Hindi, English
Hampi,
the land of surprises was founded in the middle of 14th Century by two
local princes, Hakka & Bukka. The Vijayanagar Empire came to be
celebrated for its might and wealth and as a show piece of imperial
magnificence.
Vijayanagara is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place
like it... " So eulogized Abdul Razaq, a Muslim envoy who visited
Hampi.
The city was sacked pillaged and burnt in 1565 AD, after the combined
attack of armies of Muslim Sultanates of the Deccan defeated the
Vijayanagar Military Commander and the King fled the Capital. Rocky hills
and the mighty Tungabhadra River, which flows through this rugged
landscape, dominate the terrain.
One can still glimpse the splendour of Vijayanagara - one of the largest
empires in the history of India - in its ruins. The Vijayanagar Kings were
great patrons of Art & Architecture as evident by the vast ruins of
Hampi.
In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been
involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins, which
are spread over an area of 26 sq kms.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Virupaksha Temple:
The Virupaksha Temple at the western end is one of the earliest structures
in the city. The main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord
Vishnu.
Overlooking Virupaksha temple to the South, Hemakuta hill has a
scattering of early ruins including Jain temples and a monolithic
structure of Narasimha.
Ugra
Narasimha:
Nearby is the 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha. The gigantic image is
situated in the south of the Hemkuta group of temples that includes the
Virupaksha Temple.
The Narasimha is a seated four-armed figure under a canopy of a
seven-hooded snake.
Vithala Temple:
To the east of Hampi Bazaar is the Vithala temple, about 2 kms away. The
ruins of the temple is a World Heritage monument.
It is in a relatively good state of preservation. The temples incredible
sculptural work is a pinnacle of Vijayanagar Art.
The outer pillars are known as the 'Musical Pillars' as they reverberate
when tapped, although this practice is now discouraged to avoid further
damage.
The temple also features an ornate stone chariot in the temple courtyard
containing an image of Garuda.
Shivalinga:
The gigantic Shivalinga is located next to the Narasimha figure. It is 3 m
high and stands permanently in water that comes through an ancient
channel.
Lotus Mahal:
This graceful two-storeyed pavilion is located in the 'zenana' enclosure.
The palace is delightful synthesis of the Hindu and Islamic styles of
architecture.
Virupaksha Bazaar:
32 m wide and 728 m long, this street that runs between the Virupaksha
Temple and the foot of the Matanga Hill is the longest street laid out by
the Vijaynagara kings.
Queen's Bath:
Situated in the citadel area, south of the Hazaara Rama Temple the Queen's
Bath is a large square structure, remarkable for the contrast between its
plain exterior and the very ornate interior.
The bath is 15-m square and 1.8 m deep and is surrounded by delicately
decorated arched corridors and projecting balconies.
Singaradu Hebbagilu:
Located behind the elephant stables, this is one of the oldest and most
massive of the gateways in the capital city.
The gate called 'Singara Hebbagilu' or the beautiful door according to an
inscription that has been discovered near it, was the main entrance to the
city.
Hazara Rama Temple:
The temple built within rectangular complex lies at the heart of the royal
centre. Dating from the early 15th century, the hall of the Hazara Rama
Temple has finely carved basalt pillars depicting the incarnations of Shri
Vishnu.
Around the exterior walls of the hall are three rows of sculptures
illustrating the main events from the Ramayana.
Achuta Raya Temple:
The Tirvengalanatha temple, which was built during reign of Achuta Deva
Raya, is better known by the name of ruler.
The temple within are in ruins, but some erotic sculptures can be seen in
the columns inside the open halls near the main gateway.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Bellary (74 kms.) Other convenient
airports are a Belgaum (190 kms) and
Bangalore,
Bijapur, Hubli and Guntakal.
Rail: The nearest train junction is at
Hospet.
Road: Hampi is 350 kms from Bangalore. KSRTC Buses ply regularly
from Hospet.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Mayura Vijayanagar, Tungabadhra Dam, Hospet.
Hotel Priyadarshani, Station Road, Hospet.
Hotel Malligi, Hospet - Bellary Road.
Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneswari, Kamalapur, Hampi.
KSTDC Cottages.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Local Festival: Vijayanagar Festival, organized by the Government
of Karnataka in December.
Population: 930.
STD Code: 08394.
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