Hampi is a temple town recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Indian state of Karnataka. Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The ruins of Hampi, as it is known today, was once the largest and richest cities in the world. This anicent ruined town of architectural wonder can be considered as a huge open museum of architecture, history and religion on display….(Read in detail)
OverviewVirupaksha Temple is located in Indian state of Karnataka, on the banks of Tungabhadra river. The temple is dedicated to Shiva in the form of Virupaksha. Itis the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Virupaksha temple is still functional from past few centuries. Presently, the main temple consists of a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and an open pillared hall. A pillared cloister, entrance gateways, courtyards, smaller shrines and other structures surround the temple. The temple has three gopuras (entrance towers). Main entrance tower is 160-foot (49 m) high tower which is facing east. Second entrance tower leads to inner temple courtyard and third tower called Kanakgirigopura facing north leads to Tungabhadra river. There is also Pampa Devi-Bhuvaneshwari shrine within the Virupaksha temple complex at Hampi. Brief HistoryWhat happened to be small shrine during 7th century grew to huge temple complex during Chalukyan and Hoyasala periods. Though most of the temples in temple complex is credited to LakkanaDandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire during 7th century AD. The temple was known as Pampavathi temple. In 1565, Deccan sultanates invaded Hampi and most of the wonderful decorative structures and creations were systematically destroyed. InteriorsPresently, the main temple consists of a sanctum, three ante chambers, a pillared hall and an open pillared hall. A pillared cloister, entrance gateways, courtyards, smaller shrines and other structures surround the temple. The nine-tiered eastern gateway, which is the largest at 50 meters, is well-proportioned and incorporates some earlier structures. It has a brick superstructure and a stone base. It gives access to the outer court containing many sub-shrines. How to Reach Virupaksha TempleVirupaksha temple is located right next to the Hampi bus stand. If you are taking a bus/auto/cab from Hospet, you would mostly be getting off at the bus stand near Virupaksha temple. |
 OverviewVittala Templeis a truly splendid example of Indian rich architecture. It is located in the north eastern part of Hampi, near the banks of the Tungabhadra River.The Vittala temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple complex is spread over a huge area that is surrounded by high compound walls and three towering gateways. Carvings at main gate are impressive.Many halls, shrines and pavilions housed inside the temple complex and are worth seeing. Other main attractions of Vittala temple are Stone Chariot, MahaManatapa (Main hall) and the Musical Pillars of the Ranga Mantapa. HistoryVittala Temple was built as an abode for Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form. The temple was built around 15th century during the reign of King Devaraya II (r 1422-46) of Vijayanagara empire. This temple was again expanded by Krishnadevaraya (r 1509-29). In 1565, Deccan sultanates comprising of five dynasties namely, Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar attacked Vijayanagara empire. The Vijayanagara army was winning the war, but suddenly two Muslim generals of the Vijayanagara army switched sides and turned their loyalty to the united Sultanates. They captured Rama Raya and beheaded him on the spot. The treacherous defeat of Vijayanagara empire followed subsequent destruction and looting. Vittala Temple is in a partially ruined. The idol of Lord Vittala is now missing in sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Even the road leading to the temple is in a completely ruined state. The road was once the location of a thriving market place and famous for horse trading. The temple contains the images of foreigners like Portuguese and Persians selling horses. |
OverviewElephant Stable at Hampi is a grand building built for royal elephants during Vijayanagara empire. It is a long building with rectangular shape. This building has a row of 11 huge domed chambers. Each chamber can occupy two elephants. Central doom chambers is largest and most decorated. Yet, the stable stands as one of the most remarkable structures in Hampi and attracts scores of visitors on a daily basis. |
OverviewThe Queen’s Bath is located close to the entrance of the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. The Queen’s Bath is believed to be constructed by Achyuta Raya for the women of the royal family of Vijayanagara. Though named as Queen’s Bath, it should have been private bathing chamber of royal family. This rectangular structure is simple on outside but incredible within. A large pool is constructed at the centre of the structure, which is surrounded by beautiful arched corridors having pillars and projecting ornate balconies with windows. There is a moat surrounding the building to prevent anyone from entering the building while bath is in use. There is a bridge to cross the moat. Queen’s Bath would simply put you in awe of the architectural brilliance of Vijayanagara empire. |
OverviewMathanga Hill is probably the highest point in Hampi. It is a great place for the photography enthusiasts. According to the Indian mythology, Ramayana, this place was hermitage of Sage Matanga. There are many paths that lead to the top of the hill where the Veerabhadra Temple is located. To the north side of Matanga Hill, Tungabhadra river is located. The eastern side of the hill is the border for Achyuta Raya Temple. To northeastern side Monolithic Bull statue and Hampi Bazar is located. Matanga Hill is a perfect place for photographers and nature travellers. The hilltop is the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi and it’s surroundings. This is also ideal choice to capture sunrise and sunset. |
OverviewMonolith Bull of Hampi is located at the east of the Hampi Bazar. This bull represent Nandi, the ride of Lord Shiva. It is also called as YeduruBasavanna or EduruBasavanna. Though partially ruined, it is major attraction and known for it huge size. It was chiselled out of a single boulder. Nandi is also considered to be gatekeeper of Lord Shiva. You can see almost all Nandi statue is front of Lord Shiva temples. Interestingly, this Monolith bull is also facing Virupaksha Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. |
OverviewZenana enclosure is a unique historic walled compound. The literal meaning of the word zenana is “of the women” or “pertaining to women”. It is said the whole area was the private enclosure for the royal women folks. Presently, here a basement is located at the middle of this area, which is assumed to be once a Queen’s Palace. This has been the largest palace base excavated in the Hampi ruins so far. Palace was destoryed during muslim invasions. Some archeologists believe that as the treasury inside the enclosure, closeness of elephant stables and the guards quarters suggests, this enclosure was never used as the women’s area. Whatever the enclosure had been used for the ruins here is mesmerising. The major attraction in Zenana enclosure is the Lotus Mahal located at the southeast corner. It is supposedly the queen’s recreational mansion. But some believe it to be king’s palace. Lotus Mahala’sremarable design is worth admiring. Opposite to the palace base, across the central path, at the east lie the remains of a water pavilion. This is basically a decorated platform at the center of a shallow pool. This low laying spot is the first you would visit once inside the enclosure. Three watch towers can be seen at the corners of the Zenana enclosure. Two storied towers close to the southeast, northeast and northwest corners. The rectangular enclosed building is located at the northwest corner of the fortified complex. It is believed to be Royal Treasury Building which has entrance from the east and has no windows. |
OverviewBadavilinga is located next to Lakshmi Narasimha statue at Hampi. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Linga in this temple.It stands at a height of 3m amidst water and is carved out of single black stone. Badavilinga is housed inside a chamber which as opening in the front. One interesting thing to note is that this chamber does not have ceiling. Sunlight during daytime enters the opening and lights the Linga. A close look on this icon can reveal three eyes (depicting three eyes of Lord Shiva) carved on it. Legend has it that the Shiva Linga placed inside the temple was commissioned by a poor peasant woman. Hence the temple came to be known as Badavilinga Temple. |
OverviewThe statue at UgraNarasimha Temple is the mind blowingly large sized monolith sculpture of Hampi. UgraNarasimha Temple is renowned for the statue of Lakshmi-Narayanaor UgraNarasimha or Lakshmi Narasimha which is 6.7m tall. The statue is located on the southern side of the Hemakuta group of temples that stand on the Hemakuta Hill, wherein the Virupaksha Temple is also located. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. Narasimha is half-man half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The statue is sits in a cross-legged position on giant seven-headed snake called Adhisesha, which rises from behind with its seven hoods. HistoryUgraNarasimha Temple and this magnificent statue was constructed in the year 1528 AD, during the rule of Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. The gigantic statue was vandalized and mutilated in 1565 A.D. during the raid by the Deccan Sultanates that led to the fall of the VijayanagaraEmpire. Lord Narasimha’s consort Goddess Lakshmi was seated on His left lap which is now missing. Though much of the statue has been damaged, it reflects the rich artistic heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire. |
OverviewHemakuta Hill is located to the south of Virupaksha temple. It is a major attraction in Hampi. It houses many small but beautiful temples, many of them dedicated to Lord Shiva. These cluster of ancient temples are said to have been built between 9th and 14th century, before Vijayanagara empire flourished. The architecture is different from typical Vijayanagara style and has the style of their own. The Shikaras of these temples are stepped pyramidal shape, resembling the shikaras of Jain temples. Hemakuta Hill is not very high hill and easy to climb. It is easily accessible from all parts of Hampi. |
OverviewAchyutraya Temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is located at southern end of courtesan’s street (Sule Bazaar) at Hampi. As compared to other temples at Hampi, Achyutraya temple has modern architecture. The temple was built in 1534 AD during the rule of Achyuta Deva Raya of Vijayanagaraempire. This temple was initially known as Tiruvengalanatha Temple. However, later on, it came to be called after the king in whose reign it was built. The main shrine is located between two rectangular concentric enclosures. The statues and sculptures on the pillars are awe-inpsiring. Though during muslim invasion, the temple was heavily damaged, this temple does not fail in grandiosity even today. |
OverviewMahanavmiDibba is located to the northeast of the Royal enclosure in Hampi. This pyramidal three tiered stone platform rises to 8 mts in height. Each tier of the platform has intricate carvings. The terraced platform is nearly 35 sq.mts. This magnificent structure was built in 16th century AD. This platform was used by royal family for important festivals like Mahanavami, religious ceremonies and processions. |
OverviewArchaeological Museum is located at Kamalapur in Hampi. The collection of sculptures and artifacts during excavations of Vijayanagara empire ruins are displayed here.Archaeological Museum was established in 1972 by Archaeological Survey of India This government museum displays a number of artifacts, sculptures of Gods and goddess, antiquities like arms and armoury, copper plate grants, metal objects of religious utility and brass plates. Archaeological Museum is also located near Elephant stable at Hampi. Open-Air Museum is situated at north-east of Hazara Rama Temple. Treasury : Treasury, but now a history museum, which displays all the old stones, rocks, weapons and idols from the King Krishnadevaraya’s era. It is located inside Zanana Enclosure. |
OverviewHazara Rama Temple is 15th-century Hindu temple with intricate carvings depicting animals, deities & people. It is located at the middle of the Royal Centre in Hampi Hazara Rama Temple is smaller compared to other temples of Hampi, but it is noted for its thousands of carvings and inscriptions around the temple which tell the tales of Ramayana. |
OverviewKrishna Temple Complex is located southeast of Hemakuta Hill in Hampi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This large and ornate east-facing temple, consecrated with an icon of Balakrishna, brought from Udayagiri (Odissa), by Krishnadevaraya, after his successful campaign against the Gajapatis of Udayagiri, as indicated in an inscription dated 1513 AD. The temple complex built in Panchayatana style with two enclosures, has the main shrine and many sub-shrines. In addition there is a kitchen, a vestibule, pillared pavilions and halls, a Devi shrine and many sub-shrines. The temple walls are carved with depictions of the Bhagavata, the Puranic story of Lord Krishna, and the life of the times. The pillars of the Mahamandapa has sculpted depictions of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The main entrance leads out of a 500mts. Street bazaar and a sacred tank thereafter, to the east. The temple is not functional. |
OverviewPrasanna Virupaksha Temple of Hampi is popularly known as the “Underground Shiva temple” simply because the roof of the temple is with the present ground level and the temple is in a low lying area. The temple is stylistically datable to 14th century. An inscription referring to this temple states that Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara dynasty donated Nagalapura and other villages for worship and offering to the God for the merit of his parents NarsaNayaka and Nagajidevi. Some parts of the temple are accessible during dry season, but the inner sanctum remains flooded throughout the year. Due to the rise in water level, most parts of the temple are inaccessible during monsoon. |
OverviewPushkarinis are located near almost every temple in Hampi. They are said to be scred water tanks that were used for various rituals and functional aspects of the temples and the people surrounding the temples. The Pushkarani within the Royal Enclosure is known as the Stepped Tank and is a sight to behold. Some of the other prominent Pushkaranis are near Virupaksha temple, vittalatemple, Sri Krishna temple, Pattabhirama temple (a bit off from the main tourist trail) and Achyuta Raya temple. Some of the water tanks are dry and runied condition today. Only a few pushkarinis can be seen in a functional state. These pushkarinis are part of the ruins of Hampi that attracts visitors from all over the world. |
OverviewDaroji Bear Sanctuary is located at around 20kms from Hampi. It is spread over 82.72 sq.km. The sanctuary was created exclusively for the preservation of the sloth bear. Established in 1994, this sanctuary was converted from a large area of barren hillock to a lush green area, filled with local flora by Karnataka Forest Department. Now this sanctuary is inhabitatedby Sloth Bears, leopards, jackals, monitor lizards, mongoose, pangolins, peacocks, wild boars, star tortoises etc. |