An Elite Empire - Hampi

Illustrations by

Pranati Potaraju

Content https://onthedot.world/ https://www.karnataka.com https://www.talkativeman.com/ https://www.flickr.com/ https://www.tourtravelworld.com/ https://www.tripinvites.com/ https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/

About the Book Recollecting the forgotten kingdom. Hampi was a wealthy, prosperous and grand city near the Tungabhadra river. This booktakes us back to the history of all the famous and forgotten monuments of hampi.

We can briefly undestand about these places and see hampi in a different view.

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About Hampi Virupaksha Temple Vijaya Vittala Temple Lotus Temple Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi Bazaar Queen’s Bath Elephant Stables Badavilinga Temple Zanana Enclosure Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Old Palace ( Gagan Mahal ) Hemakuta Hill Temple Achyutaraya Temple Hazara Rama Temple Prasanna Virupaksha Temple Krishna Temple Kadalekalu Ganesh Sanapur Lake

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20. Stepped Lake 21. Tungabhadra River 22. Pushkarani 23. Sasivekalu Ganesha 24. Royal Enclosure 25. Palace of Vira Harihara 26. Hippie Island 27. Matanga Hill 28. Monolithic Bull 29. Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary 30. Archaelogical Museum 31. Shop at Flea Market

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About Hampi Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century. It is a fortified city. Chronicles left by Persian and European travellers, particularly the Portuguese, say that Hampi was a prosperous, wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River, with numerous temples, farms and trading markets. By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world’s second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India’s richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal. The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates; its capital was conquered, pillaged and destroyed by sultanate armies in 1565, after which Hampi remained in ruins.

Located in Karnataka near the modern-era city of Hosapete, Hampi’s ruins are spread over 4,100 hectares

https://en.wikipedia.

Virupaksha Temple

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https://onthedot.world/

The temple’s history is uninterrupted from about the 7th century.

The Virupaksha-Pampa sanctuary existed well before the Vijayanagara capital was located here. Inscriptions referring to Shiva date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. What started as a small shrine grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. Evidence indicates there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagar period. The huge temple building was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://www.talkativeman.com/

The renowned Vittala Temple dates back to the 15th century. It was built during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 – 1446 A.D.), one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 – 1529 A.D.), the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty. He played a significant role in giving the monument its present look.

The Vittala Temple is also known as Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. An idol of Vitthala-Vishnu was enshrined in the temple. Legend has it that the temple was built as an abode for Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form.

However, the Lord had found the temple to be too grand for his use and had returned to live in his own humble home.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Vijaya Vittala Temple

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Lotus Mahal 6

https://www.flickr.com/

The Lotus Mahal was a part of Zenana enclosure, a place where royal families of Vijayanagara Empire resided. Lotus Mahal designed as a palace for royal ladies of those times to mingle around and enjoy recreational activities. The Mahal also served as a meeting point for the king and his ministers. This place is also referred to as a council chamber in the maps found in It is said that the Queen of Krishna Deva Raya used to spend most of the time seeking pleasure and peace in the palace. The palace also served as a meeting point for the king and his ministers.

Kamal Mahal is also referred to as a council chamber in the maps found in 18th century. Kamal Mahal and Chitrangini Mahal are the other names by which it was known earlier. Several musical concerts and other recreation activities were held at this place. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://www.tourtravelworld.com/

According to some legends, this temple is built on the place where Hanuman and Lord Ram met for the first time. Others believe that Sri Vyasaraja used to pray to Lord Hanuman in this place by drawing an image of Lord Hanuman on the rocks.

By the time he finished his prayers, the picture would have disappeared. When this happened for 12 days in a row, he pleaded with Lord Hanuman to appear before him. When the Lord appeared, he asked Sri Vyasaraja to constrain him in a six-sided amulet and build a temple in the area.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Yantrodharak Hanuman Temple

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Hampi Bazaar 10

https://hospet.online/

The Hampi Bazaar was once the centre of flourishing trade. It was a well-planned market area. The series of pavilions had an organized structure. Some of the pavilions were two stories. It also had the residences of many rich and important people of that era.

It was a market that catered to the demands of the rich people as well as the general masses.

Today what remains at Hampi Bazaar is just a shadow of its glorious past. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com/

The Queen’s Bath is believed to be constructed by Achyuta Raya for the women of the royal family of Vijayanagara. Though named as the Queen’s Bath, it was in all probability used as the private bathing chamber of the king and his queens. It is also believed that the lavish bath was a royal pleasure complex. This belief is due to the location of the bath, which is outside the Royal Enclosure.

The Queen’s Bath is an elaborate structure with a simple exterior and an ornate interior. Built in the Indo-Is 4lamic style of architecture, this striking enclosed space is designed to be unique than any other private or public bath in Hampi.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Queen’s Bath 13

Elephant Stable 14

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The elephant stable was constructed in the 15th century, during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. As the name indicates, the stable was constructed to house the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The elaborate structure indicates the importance attached to the royal elephants during those days. It also suggests towards the amazing craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.

https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://discoverindiasite.wordpress.com/

The huge Shiva Linga of the Badavilinga Temple is situated inside a small stone chamber. There is a single opening in front of the chamber through which devotees can get in. An interesting thing to note about the design of the stone chamber is that it has no ceiling.

During the day time, sunlight enters through the opening in the ceiling and floods the Shiva Linga with light.

The Shiva Linga has a large pedestal that is circular in shape. It is the yone pitha of the Shiva Linga. This circular pedestal draws into an outlet, also known as pranala. The pedestal of the Shiva Linga stands on a bed of water. This is due to the fact that the shrine always remains filled with water as a water channel flows through it.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Badavilinga Temple 17

Zanana Enclosure

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https://hampi.in/

The Zenana Enclosure was a fortified and secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Zenana Enclosure is located in the area approaching the Royal Enclosure and near the Ranga Temple. The enclosure is a sprawling compound that had tall walls surrounding it on all sides and watch towers to keep guard against any trespassers. It was constructed during the days of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The highlight of the Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal or Kamal Mahal, one of the most remarkable structures in Hampi. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://hospet.online/

The Lakshmi Narasimha statue and the temple housing the statue were built in the year 1528 A.D. It was constructed during the rule of Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi. As such, the temple is known as the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

The original sculpture had a small figure of Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Narasimha, sitting on his lap. The gigantic statue was vandalized and mutilated in 1565 A.D. during the raid by the Mughals that led to the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.

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Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

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Old Palace ( Gagan Mahal) 22

http://tourmet.com/

Gagan Mahal is also known as the Old Palace. The palace is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was once a gorgeous palace that served as the dwelling place for the members of the Vijayanagara royal family.

However, during the downfall of the empire in 1565 A.D. due to the attack by the Mughals, this palace was also ruined like most other structures in Hampi. This 500 year old palace is one of the many palaces that added to the beauty of the kingdom during the peak of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is said that the palace was once the Queen’s quarters. https://www.karnataka.com/

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The Hemakuta hill is sprinkled with ancient temples that belong to both, pre-Vijayanagara as well as Vijayanagara periods. A large number of these temples dates back to 9th to 14th century and hence, belong to the era before the Vijayanagara Empire was founded.

The Hemakuta Hill can be described as a canvas of stones. In the ancient times the whole hill was fortified with tall stone walls. Traces of the ruined fortification can be seen even today. The top of the hill is a stretch of rocky sheet that is almost flat.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Hemakuta Hill Temple

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Achyutaraya Temple

https://commons.wikimedia.org/

The Achyuta Raya temple got built during the rule of Achyuta Deva Raya, who was one of the emperors of the Vijayanagara Empire.

He came to power by succeeding his elder brother Krishna Deva Raya in the year 1529.

The stunning and heavenly temple is devoted to Lord Tiruvengalanatha; he is a configuration of Lord Vishnu. Thus, 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. Hence, it became widely known as the Achyuta Raya temple.

https://www.karnataka.com/

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Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi is an important shrine in Hampi.

This small but beautiful temple is located at the center of the royal area. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, a hindu deity.

It was once the private temple of the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara. The temple is famous for the lovely bas relics and panels depicting the story of the epic Ramayana.

Hazara Rama Temple was built in the early part of the 15th century by the then king of Vijayanagara, Devaraya II. It was originally built as a simple structure. It consisted of only a sanctum, a pillared hall and an ardha mantapa. Later the temple structure was renovated to add an open porch and beautiful pillars.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Hazara Rama Temple

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Prasanna Virupaksha Temple 30

https://www.flickr.com

The Prasanna Virupaksha temple dates back to the 14th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple stands amidst a beautiful lawn covered in green.

The temple has remained buried for over four hundred years before it was discovered in the 1980’s decade. It is believed that Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya had donated extensively to this temple.

The location of the temple and its proximity to the Noblemen’s quarters indicates that the temple might have been used by the members of the Royal family of Vijayanagara for their private ceremonies. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.

The Krishna temple at Hampi was built by Krishnadevaraya to commemorate the success of his Orissa campaign. It is believed that he brought back with him, an idol of Bala Krishna―Krishna, the child―which was enshrined in this temple. The idol is no more, but the gopuram over the entrance casts light on the idol, as well as the Orissa campaign. The warriors on the gopuram, as well as the Krishna who stands above them, are a lasting reminder of the victory. The temple is a beautiful one, with every wall and pillar decorated with sculptures and carvings of Krishna, or Lord Vishnu, in his various forms. There are representations of the Dashavatar―the ten incarnations of Vishnu, as well as scenes from the Ramayana and the Krishna Leela. An impressive sight here is the huge stone hundi (or collection box) which has survived intact through the years.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Krishna Temple 33

Kadalekalu Ganesh 34

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Kadalekalu Ganesha is one of the largest statues of Lord Ganesha that exists in the southern part of India. The shrine housing the statue of Kadalekalu Ganesha is situated on the slope of the Hemakuta Hill in Hampi. It is a remarkable monolithic statue and one of the most popular tourist sites in Hampi.

The towering statue of Kadalekalu Ganesha has a height of 4.6 metres (15 feet). The giant statue was carved out of a single huge boulder. The belly of Ganesha has been chiselled in such a manner that it resembles a Bengal gram (known as Kadalekalu in the local language). Hence, the statue has been given the name of Kadalekalu Ganesha. It is one of the largest statues that exist in Hampi. https://www.karnataka.com/

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Sanapur Lake formed by an irrigation reservoir is a great excursion point from Hampi.

The natural lake with stunning boulder hills all around makes the theme of this locale.

The road you’ll take to reach Sanapur Lake will wind through paddy and banana plantations , before it wiggle around massive boulders precariously overhanging onto the road. Drive to Sanapur Lake and the ambient around the lake has character, you’ll savour.

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Sanapur Lake 37

Stepped Lake 38

https://karnatakatravel.blogspot.com

Earlier, temples in India had a water reservoir near by which was used for cleaning purposes like washing down the temple. Some temples even had large stepped tanks and ponds for the devotees to shower their devotion. These water reservoirs were called from different names like tirtha, kalyani, pushkarni, pukhuri, talab, etc. in different languages and regions of India. Some of these tanks are said to be magical and cured diseases once taken a dip.

There are a few remains of this kind of which is the Great Bath of Mohanjedaro of the Indian Civilization.

www.hampionline.in

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https://www.flickr.com

Tungabhadra is a major river in the south Indian peninsula. Hampi is located on the south bank somewhere in the middle of this river’s path. In this area the river takes a number of twists and turns owing to the rocky terrain. The river has immense significance in forming the political & religious history of Hampi. The river along with along with the boulder-strewn hills formed the northern barrier of the capital. It was not easy for an invading army cross the river without the fate of a sure defeat.

Tungabhadra is in fact formed by the union of two rivers Tunga and Bhadra and hence the name. Both Tunga & Bhadra Rivers are originated on the eastern slops of the Western Ghats.

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Tungabhadra River 41

Pushkarini

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https://en.wikipedia.org

The pushkaranis in Hampi are a part of the ancient town’s planning and architecture. Many of the pushkaranis were built during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire. The water tanks related to the temples were used to serve the ritualistic purposes of those temples.

There are some water tanks that are not related to the temples.

Some of the water tanks are situated within the Royal Enclosure and they were built for the use of the members of the royal family of Vijayanagara. There were a few large public water tanks as well that were for use of the general people. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://www.karnataka.com/

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is known for his love for food. Once Ganesha consumed a lot of food, due to which his stomach was on the verge of bursting. Finding no other option to stop his stomach from exploding, Ganesha caught hold of a snake and tied it around his stomach in order to prevent it from bursting open. This is the mythological incidence behind the existence of the snake tied around the Ganesha’s stomach, which is visible on the statue.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Sasivekalu Ganesh 45

Royal Enclosure 46

https://www.trawell.in/karnataka/

Hampi rose into prominence in the early 14th century when the Kampili Kings rose in power. In 1327, the kingdom was attacked

by Muhammad-bin-Tughluq who took two brothers, Bukka and Harihara as prisoners along with thousands of other people. These brothers tricked the Sultan into setting them free and returned to Kampili to set up a kingdom of their own with its capital at Vijayanagara. Thus the Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka I of the Sungama dynasty in 1336. The Sungama dynasty was followed by the Saluvas and the Tuluvas each of whom added to this Vijayanagara’s architectural beauty.

www.hampionline.in

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https://vijayanagara.live/

The Palace of Vira Harihara is an ancient structure that dates back to the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is believed that the palace belonged to Harihara Raya II (1377-1404 CE), the third king of the Vijayanagara Empire who belonged from the Sangama Dynasty. Harihararaya II was also known as Vira Harihara II and he ruled over the kingdom in the later part of the 14th century.

The Palace of Vira Harihara is said to have been constructed in the 14th century. It’s presence within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi signifies its importance as a structure meant for the personal use of the King of Vijayanagara.

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Palace of Vira Harihara 49

Hippie Island 50

https://www.happymindtravels.

The hippie island in Hampi or the settlement of Virupapura Gaddi, is a river island tucked between boulders, hills and river streams flowing around it. It falls on the opposite riverbank of Hampi on the other side of the river Tungabhadra, near the village of Anegundi.

The region came to be known as ‘Hippie Island’ because of the atmosphere and vibe over here! There were multiple shacks offering views of the river, rice paddies, rooms at economic rates for backpackers, camping grounds by the riverbank, undisturbed hills with beautiful sunsets and huge boulders hiding the place from any outside disturbances! https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://www.tripadvisor.com

According to mythology, Matanga Hill is one of the holy places described in the epic Ramayana as the base of Saint Matanga. It is also the place where Sugriva benefited from the magical protection of the sage Matanga who had placed a curse of death on Vali, if he dared enter the area of Matanga Hill.

Being the highest peak in Hampi, the hill is a trekker’s delight and offers pleasing views of the entire town below. There are many trekking paths that lead to the top of the hilltop where the Veerabhadra Temple is located.

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Matangi Hill

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Monolithic Bull

https://www.hampionline.in/

Belived that one of the famous rulers of the Vijayanagara Kingdom had constructed this impressive sculpture. According to the Hindu mythology, the Monolithic bull or Nandi was bonn as a result of sheer devotion and penance shown by saga Shilada, towards Lord Indra. Sage Shilade wanted an immortal child and other that Lord Shiva could grant him that wish.

So seeing this Lord Indra had advised him to worsjip Lord Shiva.

So as he started worshipping Lord Shiva his worship continued for centuries and Shilada did not mve an inch and his condition worsened to an extent that territes started eating up his body. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://www.karnatakatourism.org/

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the first Sloth Bear Sanctuary in India and Asia, declared exclusively for the protection and conservation of the Sloth Bear. Daroji Bear Sanctuary is spread over 82.7 square km. Sightings from machans are normally organized in the evenings as these bears are mostly nocturnal. Home to a large number of free-ranging bears, the sanctuary also has hyenas, wild boars, pangolins, porcupines, jackals, and leopards. Other denizens include star tortoise, monitor lizard, and rock agama. A drive through the scrub jungle also provides opportunities to sight endemic species of birds such as the painted spurfowl, yellowthroated bulbul, sand grouse, stone curlew, and peafowl.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary 57

Archaelogical Museum 58

https://hampi.tourismindia.co.in/

The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura is dedicated to the ruins of Hampi and the Vijayanagara Empire. Kamalapura is a small town in the Bellary district in Karnataka. It is situated within the ruins of the old city of Vijayanagara and just outside the ‘Royal Centre’ of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura is a small but significant museum that preserves the relics and artefacts related to the Vijayanagara Empire and its ruins.

The museum started functioning in 1972 and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It captures the beauty of the bygone days of Hampi in a wonderful manner. https://www.karnataka.com/

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https://www.tripinvites.com/

The Hampi Bazaar was once the centre of flourishing trade. It was a well-planned market area. The series of pavilions had an organized structure. Some of the pavilions were two stories. It also had the residences of many rich and important people of that era.

It was a market that catered to the demands of the rich people as well as the general masses.

Today what remains at Hampi Bazaar is just a shadow of its glorious past.

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https://www.karnataka.com/

Shop at Flea Market

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