Here's a lowdown
of places you should not give a miss
Vittala Temple:
This temple complex is dedicated to Vittala, a form of the Hindu god
Vishnu is an architectural highlight of Hampi. This temple has many
halls and shrines. The halls are noted for its extraordinary pillars
and a set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars,’ resonates when
tapped. A huge stone chariot complete with wheels carved
out of stone stands in front of the main temple.
Virupaksha Temple:
This temple dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction is located at a
riverbank. Virupaksha temple, dating back to the 7th century is
believed to be one of the oldest active temples in India. This is a
place equally sought-after by the tourists and the pilgrims. The
temple complex consists of the main sanctum, pillared halls and a
series of giant entrance towers. This is one of the fine places to
witness the Hindu religious functions in close proximity.
Royal Enclosure:
Royal enclosure is a sprawling area with the ruins of many
stately structures. For example, the Mahanavami Platform from where
the king used to watch the annual parade of imperial majesty and
military might. The area is packed with numerous palace bases,
underground temple, aquatic structures and the likes.
Riverside trek
Path: This is the path that connects the ancient Hampi Bazaar to
the Vittala temple. Numerous shrines, carved artifacts, ruins of
ancient structures are scattered all around along this path. For
example the 1008 and 1008 Shivalings carved in a matrix like pattern
on a sheet of boulder at the river shore.
Hemakuta
Hill Temples: This hill is basically an expanse of rocky sheets
with interesting undulations. A large number of pre Vijayanagara
temples are located in this hilltop. The highlights are the sets of
triple chambered temples with its pyramid like granite roofs. This is
an important mythological site in the local folklore, which explains
the density of such temples in this hill.
Kadalekalu
Ganesha: A giant statue of the elephant headed Hindu god Ganesha,
this 4.6 kms (14 feet) tall structure is carved in situ on the slopes
of Hemakuta hill. According to Hindu mythology, Ganesha is revered
for removing obstructions! The tall slender granite pillars with many
mythological themes carved decorate the front hall of this shrine.
Kadalekalu means gram seed in local language.
Sasivekalu
Ganesha: Another giant statue of Lord Ganesha, this statue is located
inside an open pavilion. The potbelly of the god is in the shape of
mustard seed and hence the name (Sasivekalu means of mustard seed in
the local language). This four handed god is a fine example of
the Vijayanagara’s artistic skills.
Krishna Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the ten incarnations
of Lord Vishnu. In Hindu mythology, Krishna is known for his romantic
encounters and political shrewdness! This temple was actually
dedicated to the Lord in his infant (crawling) form. The complex
consists of the main shrine, shrines of the goddesses, the
chariot/market street and the temple tank. The main hall spots a
series of pillars carved with mythical rampant creatures
Lakshmi Narasimha:
This giant monolithic statue of the man-lion God is the largest icon
in Hampi. Narasimha which is one of the ten avatars (incarnation) of
Lord Vishnu is depicted in a cross-legged seated position. It’s
believed that the original image contained Goddess Lakshmi sitting on
his lap. This image was destroyed during the enemy invasion.
Currently only a hand of the goddess resting on his waist can be
seen.
Queen’s bath:
This structure belongs to the royal area of the capital. Probably
used by the courtly ladies or the king himself, this looks like an
indoor aquatic complex. A large veranda with protruding balconies all
around face the central pool. This is one of the typical example of
the Indo-Islamic hybrid architecture.
Lotus Mahal: This
ornate structure was probably used by the military chief as his
office or the queens of the palace as a pleasure pavilion. The
pavilion is known for its Islamic architecture style arches and the
roofs and the base is typical of Hindu temples.
Hazara Rama
Temple : This was a private temple of the king. The temple is
known for its exceptionally carved outer walls, an unusual feature in
other Vijayanagara temples. The story of Ramayana (the Hindu epic) is
impressively carved on all around the shrine walls. The inner shrine
contains four polished pillars with detailed carvings of godly
themes.
Elephant Stables:
This was the shelter for the royal elephants. This long structure is
made of a series of chambers with domical roofs. Each chamber is big
enough to accommodate two elephants. The central hall with an
elaborated tower probably was used by the ceremonial band troop.
Pattabhirama
Temple: This is a sprawling temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The
pillared halls are of special note. Tall mythical beats carved in the
shape of a series of pillars.
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