When we hear the name Hampi, the image of a single temple comes to mind. But this Hampi located in Karnataka is not limited to just one temple. Its entire empire is worth seeing, understanding and enjoying. Be it its exquisite examples of architecture, the sound of melodious music coming from its pillars, or a hall in the tower of the temple where every shadow is seen upside down.
Or the architecture of Hampi, the artifacts of war, some such carved figures which are difficult to solve even today. All these things show the grandeur of the culture. You will be surprised to know that in 2024, when foreign tourists visited historical places in India, Hampi's place was ranked first. Then comes the Taj Mahal of Agra.
Historically, the Vijayanagara Empire (present-day Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka I, sons of Sangam, a chieftain of South India. Hampi is named after Pampa, the goddess of the Tungabhadra River. Hampi was a pilgrimage site before the Sangama brothers founded the kingdom. The Sangama brothers used the natural environment, river and granite stones to protect their kingdom from invaders, inspiring the Vijayanagara builders to develop a unique style of architecture.
Hampi's rugged terrain was not conducive to traditional construction, but later kings added new structures and these amazing structures made Hampi one of the most unusual archaeological sites in India. Today, the Hala Maa temple complex and other structures are spread over 26 km (16 mi).
To travel around Hampi, the best places are Vitthal Temple from the north and Virupaksha Temple from the south. Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is one of the oldest and most important temples in Hampi. And Vitthal Temple is famous for its stone chariots and musical pillars.
The entire empire of Hampi ends at the Malayavanta Raghunath Temple. From the construction of the Sangama brothers to the last king "Raja Rama Raya", the figures of all things are carved on the stone. So we can know its exact history.
The starting point of Hampi is Vitthal Temple. The construction of which was started by King Krishnadeva Raya in 1513 and was completed in time by his descendant Achyuta Raya. Which is also called the entrance gate of Hampi. This entrance gate like a cow's horn shows that the cow is sacred to Hindus.
Then, going ahead, we come to Matanga Hill, which is the highest point of Hampi. And is located in the center. So that the entire Hampi can be seen from its top. Then comes the Hampi market,
Then, going ahead, we come to the temples of Ganesha, which are known as Sasivekalu Ganesh and Kadalekalu Ganesh Temple. Sasive and Kadale are both Kannada words. Which means like a pot. Which is said to be related to the stomach of Ganesha. The Sasivekalu temple has an 8.5 feet high idol while the Kadalekalu temple has a 15 feet high idol.
sdd.jpeg "Hampi Temple")
The belly of this idol is big and a snake is seen curled up in it. Such an idol of Ganesha is not seen anywhere else. Then comes the most important and spectacular Virupaksha Temple. Where the Virupaksha form of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Where the only Trimuksha Nandi is seen and the Shivling of the sanctum is seen leaning towards the south. And this temple is also called Pampapati Temple.
After that, going further, the water-immersed Shivalingam comes. Where the Shivling is 10 feet high. It is also called Badaviling Temple. No one can enter this temple because only the upper part of the Shivling remains open. And the water of the Tungabhadra river flows below. The secret is that the Tungabhadra river is a little far from this temple.
Yet the water from there comes into this semi-lit room. Rest of the time, no water is seen in the entire premises. Then we go further to Narasimha Monolith, Krishna Temple, Mahanvami Dibba, Hazara Rama Temple (which is dedicated to Vishnu and his seventh avatar Rama, where some scenes from Ramayana are seen on the walls of Hazara Rama. Such as the battle fought by the brothers Vali and Sugriva.)
Then from Lotus Palace, Elephant Stable to Bhima Gate and Malyavanta Raghunath Temple, Hampi is complete. This article is written in short as giving detailed information about all the places would make it too long.
Hampi and its surrounding areas are considered holy land due to the temples dedicated to the gods Shiva and Vishnu. However, some areas are also considered to be part of Kishkindha, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its amazing ruins, rich history and attractive landscapes.
It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century and is filled with ancient temples, stone carvings and unique rock-strewn landscapes. The best time to visit Hampi is from October to March.
~Bhautik Thummar.
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