|
At
Hampi, the past comes alive. Whispering winds, magnificent ruins, races
and scents of a bygone era all linger fresh here. And they virtually
transport you to a world of kings, battles and long forgotten marvels.
Welcome to the world’s largest open-air museum- Hampi, Karnataka.
Hampi
was the capital city of magnificent Vijayanagar Empire. Founded by
Harihar and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the rulers of Northern India in
1565 after the battle of Talikota, and subsequently lapsed into decline
and abandonment.
The
once-proud city of victory is now a city of desolation. However, the
ruins of these historical monuments have stood the ravages of man time
and still evoke memories of regal splendor.
Amidst
an awesome boulder-strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra
River, Hampi was one of the glittering showpieces of India’s might in
the 15th century. There were opulent palaces, marvelous
temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aqua ducts, pavilions
and stables for royal elephants. The city’s merchants traded in
diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses and much more.
Most
of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas, which
are generally referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The
Royal Centre contains structures that seem to have been primarily for
ceremonial use.
What to see
King’s Palace
The
largest enclosure in Hampi, the King’s palace includes two major
platform structures, an underground chamber which must have served as a
treasury or private audience hall, several minor platforms and double
fortification walls, besides other interesting architectural elements.
Virupaksha Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Pampadevi, this is the only
temple here that is still used for worship. Parts of the temple predate
the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple, with its nine-storied gopuram,
towers above the other structures at Hampi. The ceiling of the Ranga
Mantapa is beautifully painted with scenes from the epics and puranas.
Ganesha Images
Two
Ganesha images (Sasuvekalu and Kadalekalu) can be seen on the slopes of
the Hemakuta Hill. One of them is enclosed in a temple with unusually
tall pillars, while the other is in an open hall.
Lakshminarasimha
The
awesome 6.7m high monolith depicting the man-lion form of Vishnu is
seated on a seven-hooded serpent.
Badavilinga
Located next to the Lakshminarasimha statue, the Badavalinga is 3m high
and stands permanently in water that flows through an ancient channel.
Vijaya Vithala Temple
The
Vijaya Vithala Temple is Hampi’s crowning glory, with a magnificent
stone chariot standing in the temple courtyard. Equally impressive is
the large Ranga Mantapa with 56 musical pillars that resound with
musical chimes when struck.
Elephant stables
An
imposing edifice with arched entrances and many domes that once housed
the magnificent state elephants.
Pushkarni
The
stepped water-tank, excavated in the mid 1980s, was originally a part of
the palace complex. Almost lyrical in its beauty, the tank is a tiered
structure crafted from rectangular pieces of granite.
Lotus Mahal
This
visually appealing structure has two levels, with open pavilions at the
bottom and balconies above. Highlighting the fusion of the Hindu and
Muslim styles of architecture, the Mahal derives its name from its
beautiful, geometrically-arranged cusped arches that resembles the
petals of the lotus opening to the sun.
Hazara Rama Temple
The
royal temple reserved for ceremonial use, the Hazara Rama Temple is
embellished with bass relief’s depicting scenes from the epic, Ramayana.
The walls of the enclosure are richly carved with friezes depicting
processions of horses, elephants, dancing girls and soldiers attired in
splendid armor. Inside, four exquisitively sculpted granite pillars add
to the beauty of the Ardha Mantapa.
Mahanavami Dibba
Equally impressive is the massive Mahanavami Dibba, where the kings of
Vijayanagara Empire once sat upon their gem-studded golden throne and
watched processions pass by. The structure is also embellished with
densely carved bands of horses, soldiers and depictions of various
aspects of courtly life.
Queen’s Bath
Though
the exterior may appear simple, the interior is stunningly ornate, with
graceful arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus-shaped
fountains that once spouted perfumed water for the ladies of the court.
Around Hampi
Anegundi (15km)
Just
across the Tungabhadra River is the fortress town of Anegundi,
pre-dating the Vijayanagara Empire and its capital city. More ancient
than Hampi, Anegundi lies in the mythical kingdom of Kishkinda, ruled by
the monkey-king Sugriva of Ramayana fame. Anjanadri Hill, near Anegundi
and its tranquil environs are dotted with forgotten temples and
fortifications. The dilapidated Huchppayana Matha Temple, near the
river, is worth a peek for its black-stone lathe-turned pillars and fine
panels of dancers. The other places of interest are the sacred Pampa
Sarovara, Aramane (a ruined palace) and the Ranganatha Temple.
There
is also a handicrafts centre at Kishkinda, Anegundi where local
womenfolk create works of art with the support of an NGO.
Planning your visit
Travel options
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is well connected to different
parts of the world. Several international airlines operate direct
flights to Bangalore. The city serves as a gateway to various
destinations in Karnataka including Hampi, which is easily accessible
from Bangalore by road and rail.
Airlines operating to Bangalore
Lufthansa German Airlines- 5 times a week from Frankfurt.
Srilankan Airlines- Daily from Colombo.
Malaysian Airlines- Twice a week from Kuala Lumpur.
Singapore Airlines- Thrice a week from Singapore.
Gulf
Air- Twice a week from Bahrain.
Royal
Nepal Airlines- Twice from Kathmandu.
Air
India- Daily- connections from Europe and East Asia.
Indian
Airlines- Regular flights from Singapore, Bangkok and Middle East.
Domestic carriers like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Air
Deccan connect Bangalore to all major cities throughout the day.
Rail
Hampi
Express (daily) Departure from Bangalore- 2215 hours.
Arrival at Hospet- 0750 hours.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS OF HOTELS, SPONSORING AND TOUR PACKAGES CONTACT US AT:
info@mahamasthakabhisheka.com
info@jainheritagecentres.com
travel@mahamasthakabhisheka.com
Information Sources:
WWW.JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM & DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM,
GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA
|
