Hampi Documentation by samanata kumar

A weekend gateway

Back to the stone ageS

Hampi

Preface History gives the opportunity to take immense pride or immense sorrow. The structures left behind by our ancestors will always show us something new to discover. Today with new conservation techniques we are able to preserve most of these structures around the country. The study of traditional Indian Architecture has always given us an insight into the design, construction and articulation of the fasinating architectural marvels that have withstood the test of time. India has been the home to Britishers, Sultanates, The Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire and many more who have left behind a rich heritage for us to visit. It is no surprise that history is complex, with empires, states and independent cities often coexisting together in the region. Hampi, the historic capital of the Vijaynagara Empire in the 14th century, is now a city of ruins and a very important Southern India. The ruins of the city are strikingly, unexpectedly, even eerily beautiful. Hampi is known for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around 500 marvellous historic monuments. The tales of the past are spoken by every brick the structures present today.

*ALL THE IN FORMATIONS AND DETAILS ARE TAKEN FROM THE BOOKS RELATED TO HAMPI, IMAGES ARE TAKEN BY OWNER OR GOOGLE IMAGES*

Content 1. Introduction..........................................................................2 2. Timeline of Hampi................................................................4 3 . Architecture of Vijaynagara Empire...................................5 4 . Tungabhadra River..............................................................7 5 . Sri Rangantha Temple ........................................................8 6 . Anegudi- City of Vali - Pampa Sarovar................................9 7 . Hanuman Temple or Ajana Matha Temple........................10 8 . Assembly Hall......................................................................11 9 . Royal Enclosure....................................................................13 10 . Hazara Ramachandra Temple...........................................17 11 . Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple..............................................21 12 . Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple.............................................22 13 . Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bath......................................................................23 14 . Vitthala Temple..................................................................25 15 . Ugra Narasimba and Badavi Linga temple.......................30 16 . Underground Siva Temple.................................................32 17 . Virupaksha Temple............................................................35 18 . Krishna Temple..................................................................39 19 . Zenana Enclosure...............................................................43 20 . Lotus Mahal........................................................................45 21 . Elephant Stables.................................................................47

Hampi - City Lost In Time.... Initially known as the captial city of Vijaynagara Empire, Hampi is now one of the finest historical sites of ancient age in the world. It has served as the capital for more than 200 years, the city is decorated with temples, palaces , market streets and monuments making it one of the famous ancient metropolises in India. According to the hindu mythology, Hampi is also known as Krishkindha, the kingdom of monkeys before Vijaynagara Empire in the pre-ancient age. It is settled between a dramatic landscape o granite boulders and Tungabhadra river. Structures located in Hampi whether it is the forts,, palaces,tanks,canals, are vibrant and speak from themselves.Surrounding of Hampi are filled with stories and myths imbuling it with a very special sacred geography. Apart from being the kingdom of monkeys and capital city of Vijaynagara Empire,Hampi and it’s surroundings are filled with agricultural land. The significance of the Vijayanagara Empire in the words of Dr.A.L.Srivastva “e Vijaynagars Empire served a high historical purpose by acting as a champion of Hindu religion and culture against the aggressions of the Muslims in Southern India” The 16 rulers of the empire were from the four dynasties : The Sangma Dynasty (1336 - 1486), The Saluva Dynasty (1486 - 1509), The Taluva Dynasty (1510 - 1570) and the Arvinda Dynasty. The empire was at it’s highest peaks of success when it was under the rule of King Krishna Deva Raya in 1509. The empire met it’s untimely decline after King Krishna Deva Raya death, the Unity of Deccan Sultanates and defeat in battles of Talikota which ultimately caused destruction in Hampi. 1

Timeline of Hampi

14th C 1300 - South India (Pre-Vijaynagara) The Hosysalas and Yaavas,Pandyas and Kakatiyas join forces to form a major ruling group in South. 1329 - Most of th eDeccan is conquered by the Delhi Sultanates. 1336 - Vijaynagara and Bahamani Empire are formed from the decline of the Hoysala Kingdom. 16th C 1538 - Due to internal conflicts in Bahamani Empire five different sultanates are formed. 18th C 1701 - Vijayanagara army are defeated by the five sultanates. 1740 - Local chiefs start taking control over the rest of South India while Aurangzeb and Marathas take control over the Deccan. 19th C 1896 -Hampi is declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. 21st C 2002 - After being recognized tourists form within the countries and from foreign countries started visiting. 2010 - Due to the orders issued by Architect’s Supplemental Instruction the demolishment of settlements occurred . 4

Architecture of Vijaynagara Empire

The rulers of Vijaynagara were the inheritors of the rich traditions in art and architecture of the Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Pandyas. The city was surrounded by seven mountains and the spaces between were used for various purposes such as temples, palaces, agriculture etc. The city had its own water system which is spread over 40 kilometres and can be seen near the structures. The palaces are the most impressive buildings which included halls for public and private meetings, temples which were only accessed by royals and bathing areas. The structures were not only painted but were carved with ornate design consisting of sculptures made of stones and wood. The temple architecture of Vijaynagara Empire reached new highs and not only has it astonished the present world but the architecture was also appreciated by the foreign traders who visited Vijaynagara Empire. The important feature of the architecture are the monolithic pillars, ornate brackets decoration on exterior side of the walls. The water tanks were also an important part of the empire as they were also decorated and celebrated throughout the city. The market places were elegant and functionally colonnaded structures. Most of the architectural work was done or renovated during the rule of the illustrious King Krishnadevaraya. 5

Tunganbhadra River

Tungabhadra river in India starts from Karnataka,ultimately joining the Krishna River. The river is formed by the merger of two rivers : Tunga and Bhadra. Next to the river we can see corales boats and local people ďŹ shing. Hampi is located at the south bank of the river. Tungabhadra River is also known as Pampa in the epic Ramayana, named after the daughter of Lord Brahma who later married Lord Shiva. During the Vijaynagara Empire

Sri Ranganatha Temple

Sri Ranganatha Swami Temple is the resting place of Lord Ranganatha an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located in Anegudi. The temple contains simple pillars and elephant balustrade. The temple complex also has areas where pilgrims used to stay but today it is been used as Post ofďŹ ce by the government. The temple has visible elements of the Vijaynagara era The most attractive elements are the 8 black Cuddapah pillars located before the temple. The temple observes an annual festival of Rath Yatra every year.

Anegundi- City of Vali-Pampa Sarovar

As per the geologists, Anegudi is about four billions years old.Situated on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra.Anegudi is also known as the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha.There are forts,palaces,temples and greeen padi fields located alongside the road. Many of the boulders still bear the intact paintings called the Onake Kindi,which belong to the Iron Age. Pampa Sarovar,is one of the five sacred sarovars located in the Koppal District dedicated to Goddess Parvati,who performed self-punishment to show her devotion for Lord Shiva. The pond is rectangular in the shape and is filled with water throughout the year, on special occasions people hold puja in the pond. Located next to it is a whitewashed shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati (Pampa).The shrine has a musical instrument that plays drums,metal plates and couple of bells with the help of a motor.The series of temples also includes a meditation place in which once lived Shabri, the devote of Lord Ram.

Hanuman Temple or Ajana Matha Temple

Anjaneya Hill in Anegudi is believed to be the birth place of Lord Hanuman.The hill itself resembles to a resting monkey. At the top of the hill,a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated, with 575 steps to climb while experiencing pleasant air and beautiful views, it is the second most worshipped shrine of Hanuman. The idol of Hanuman is in mediating position constrained by six sided amulet. The outside of the amulet has 12 monkeys holding the each others tails.

At the starting of the temple, we ﬁnd many stalls that sell holy water, prayer products etc.

Assembly Hall

A good king is the one who not only rules but also listens to his public. These individual assembly halls, situated in the village areas were meant for the kings and his public, here kings were accompanied by his ministers and the villages members. The assembly hall is in a rectangular shape with a total of 60 granite columns and 8 black stone columns which are beautifully handed carved representing the epic Ramayana. In the centre of the hall, there is a statue of four Nandi,looking in all four directions. Right above the Nandi, the roof is lifted by 16 small columns at a height of 2 metres, so the smoke while performing the rituals can be released directly into the air. Around the hall we can see tall coconut trees while sensing a pleasant breeze.

NANDI

PLAN OF THE ASSEMBLY HALL

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM : 1.BLACK STONE COLUMN DETAILS,2. THE SERIES OF COLUMNS 12 ,3.THE ASSEMBLY HALL

Royal Enclosure

Spreading over 59000 sq.metre in Hampi, the Seats of Kings is ne of the largest structures with structures like Jain temples,Hindu temples,Audience hall,Aquaducts,etc. The Royal Enclosure was the seat of power for the Vijaynagara Empire with almost 45 strictures, today turned into ruins yet being a wonderful attractions for tourists. The Royal Enclosure has 3 main entrances, to the north and one to the west. The architecture of this place also shows the inﬂuence from Mughal Architecture. Most of the palaces face the east or north directions and were built on raised granite platform. The platforms are decorated with carved details of ﬂowers, geese, elephants, militants etc. The ruins of these palaces suggest that the palaces were built using wooden beams and rafters, while the domed structures were built with a stone rubble and mortar mixture. MAHANAVAMI DIBBA The Mahanavami Dibba also known as the House of Victory, is the most impressive structure in the area as the processions for Navarathi festival were held here. The 3 tier structure stands tall at a height of 8 metres with base measuring to 40 sq.m and the topmost platform measuring to 24 sq.m. The staircase hands rails are formed by elephants and Yaali’s trunk while the friezes or the carvings on the exterior showcase the processions, animals and hunting scenes. 13

PLAN OF THE ROYAL ENCLOSURE

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM : 1.MAHANAVAMI DIBBA 2.CARVING ON THE MAHANAVAMI DIBBA BASE 3.DETAIL AT MAHANAVAMI DIBBA 4.ELEPHANTS BALUSTRADE AT THE STAIRCASE

STEPPED WELL Today for preserving precautions the tank might remain empty but The 3 tier step well tank with an area of 22 sq.m and is the most well preserved structures in the Royal Enclosure. The well reminds of the beautiful Modhera Sun Temple Water Tank. A inlet is given in the tank which is connected to an elevated water canal around the Royal Enclosure. KING’S AUDIENCE HALL It is a 100 pillared structure but today only the slots of the pillars remain. These pillars stood in rows of and columns of 10 which were accessible by two staircase from east and west respectively, which led to the ﬁrst ﬂoor. STONE DOORS Not to far away there are two gaint granite doors laid down on the ground.The location is not known but is considered to be the doors of the citadel wall that was built by the Vijayanagara Empire for protection .These doors look similar to the wooden doors with the intricate carvings. These doors are complete with bolts, sockets and knobs. Elephants were used to open or close these doors as they stand tall at a height of almost 4 metres.

STEPPED WELL

VIEW FROM THE MAHANAVAMI DIBBA

STONE DOORS

Hazara Rama Temple

The temple is an attraction for numerous devotees during the Dussera and Ram Navami even though the temple is inactive in terms of religious activity but it remains a major tourist spot in Hampi. The temple is located in the core area of the Royal Enclosure between the residential and ceremonial area. The temple is a ďŹ ne example of compact yet extravagant design in the Dravidian temple architecture.

OPEN MANDAPA

Hazara Rama Temple was only accessible by the royal family.The friezes depict the Mahanavami festival by depicting the militants, dancers, animals and processions. On the outside of the compound wall the link between the royal families is shown by relief work. Inscription inside the temple indicate that Devaraya I built it in the early 15th century as a shrine to the god Rama under the name Ramachandra. The dedication to Lord Rama is depicted by the illustrations of the epic Ramayana all over the temple.These relief work are the most extensive of any series to be fund anywhere in Indian Architecture therefore they justify that Vijayanagara Empire had fabulous intricacy for artwork. 17

MAP LOCATING HAZARA RAMA TEMPLE AND SECTIONS OF THE TEMPLE

The main temple has to be approached by an open mandapa which was built in the early 16th century, within which the original entrance porch lies with ďŹ nely carved columns. The mandapa inside the main shrine is built by four cubical pillars made of black Cuddapah stone from Andhra Pradesh. The carvings on these pillars depicts the incarnations of gods like Kali, Ganesh and Mahishasurmaradini. The side porches located on the north and south direction were used by the priest and others members of the temple. An empty pedestal stands within the sanctuary where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three hollow spaces may have secured images of Rama, Lakshman and Sita but today these images have been lost in times. A small shrine, built in within the epic wall carvings stands nearby the temple. Since on the outer walls of the shrine consists cravings of incarnations of Vishnu, perhaps one of the sanctuaries consists of Narasimba. 19

Sasivekalu Ganesha

It is the ďŹ rst monument a tourist sees when they enter Hampi from Hospet.Sasivekalu in Kannada means Mustard Seed. This Ganesh temple is known to be used by the common people of Vijaynagars Empire. The statue of Ganesh is 2.5 metres tall and is seated in an open manadapa with sqaure pillars all around. The statue depicts a story from the Hindu Mythology where Ganesh ate so much that his stomach was about to explode, ďŹ nding no option he tied a snake to his stomach to prevent it from bursting. The deity is seen in half lotus position with four arms.The right and left hand at the upper side holds a goad and broken tusk and the lower arms hold a sweet (modak) and noose.

Kadalekalu Ganesha

Kadalekalu Ganesh means Bengal gram,which is depicted by the chiselling of ganesh belly in a similar way. The temple was built for the kings, ministers and their families. The statue is a made monolith granite stoneat the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta Hill. The statue is 4.5 metres tall. The pillared hall around was made after carving the Ganesh statue. The tall slender cubical granite pillars constructed in typical Vijayanagar Style have sculptures not only from the epic Ramayana but also of the traders who visited the Empire from Portugal, China, Japan, etc.

THE TEMPLE PAVILION DETAIL AT THE TOP OF PAVILION ,THE STATUE OF THE DEITY

The inscription on the pavilion show that this temple was built by the traders of Chandragiri (Andhra Pradesh) dating back to 1500 AD and was erected in the memory of the King Narasimba II. 21

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT : 1 THE MONOLITHIC STATUE 2.THE PILLARS 3.DETAIL OF CARVINGS AT THE PILLARS 4. VIEW FROM THE ENTRANCE 22

Queen’s Bath

The Queen’s Bath is located close to the Royal Enclosure. It was a private bathing area for the kings and queens. The 30 sq.m. building which is in a rectangular shape has plain exteriors and extravagant interiors the building speaks different architectural stories. The interiors of the buildings are in Indo - Saracenic Architecture. The building is made with a veranda around facing a big open to sky pond in the middle. The veranda consists of windows projecting into the pool. As the city was connected by the water canals, the pond also consist of an inlet in the centre of the veranda . The balconies are decorated with tiny windows and supported by lotus bud and tipped brackets. It is believed that the servants sat in the balconies and poured down the perfume which they made by using inbuilt mortar and pestles for grinding natural elements like ﬂowers into the water while the kings and queens took bath. The domes in the building are also individually treated with different designs. The building also has staircase which leads to a passage on the top, it was used by the guards for look-outs. Outside Queen’s Bath there is a long water canal encircling the building as a protective measuring from invaders. To access the building the users had to cross a bridge. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM : 1. EXTERIOR OF THE QUEEN’S BATH 2. INTERIOR OF THE QUEEN’S BATH 3. BALCONIES OF THE BATH 4.CEILING DESIGN OF THE DOMES IN THE VERANDA 23

Vitthala Temple

MAHA-MANDAPA SHRINE

STONE CHARIOT

KALYANA MANDAPA

PLAN OF THE VITTHALA TEMPLE

Vitthala temple is one of the most splendid structure in Hampi . The ancient monument is well known for its extraordinary architecture and craftsmanship. It is considered one of the largest and most famous structure of Hampi. The temple is located within a mighty complex in the north-eastern part of Hampi, near the bamks of River Tungabhadra. Vitthala Temple was built in the 15th century during the reign of King Devaraya II of the Vijaynagara Empire. Many areas of the temple were added or renovated by King Krishna Devaraya,the illustrious ruler of the Vijaynagara Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala an avatar of Lord Vishnu. An idol of Vitthala was enshrined in the temple but is lost in the ravages of time. The legends believe that the temple was built as a residence to Lord Vitthala but due to the large area the Lord went back to Palampura.

VIEW OF THE VITTHALA BAZAAR

The tourist are drawn to Vitthala Temple for its stone structures like the chariot(rath) and interesting musical pillars. Outside the temple complex to the east south direction is a colonnaded market street almost 1 kilometres long which was famous for horse trading. The walled enclosure covers almost 3.2 acres with the colonnaded verandahs lining the compound walls. In the southeast corner is a kitchen with roof windows. The temple is built in Dravidian Temple Architecture which speaks volumes about the grandeur of the South Indian Temple Architecture with unmatched cravings. The region around the temple was called Vitthalapura. It hosted a Vaishava Matha (monastery) designed as a pilgrimage centre, it was an Alvar tradition. 26

THE ENTRANCE GOPURAM

STONE CHARIOT

After the grand entrance from The mandapa has four sections, two of which are aligned the Gopuram, the stone chariot with the temple sanctum, the south, north and east are is seen in the open campus.The intact but the western hall has collapsed during the chariot has become an idol of battles. The maha mandapa has forty pillars lining the Hampi not only for the tursit facade each having a height of 10 feet. The balustrade but it has also been printed of are decorated with carving elephants. The central area the Indian Currency. Built on a forms a rectangular court with sixteen intricately rectangular platform,the decorated pillars having beautiful sculptures of chariot is dedicated to Garuda, Narasimba and Yaali.The mandapa is linked by an ride of Lord Vishnu. The back enclosed Pradakeshina patha around the sanctum. left wheels of the chariot used Other structures are Amman shrine (meditation hall) to rotate but in other avoid any and the Utsav Mandapa or festival hall. damage to the structure, CARVING AT THE PILLAR government cemented the wheel. In front of the chariot two elephants are kept,as if they are pulling the chariot but these elephants are brought from elsewhere. Earlier there were two horses were present, today the remains of the horses can be noticed behind the elephants. THE REMAINS OF THE WESTERN HALL

The Ranga Mandapa has 56 carved stone pillars of different diameters, shape, length and surface ďŹ nish. These pillars have astounded the traders who would visit the Empire as they produce musical notes when struck. Every pillar supports the ceiling of the mandapa while each pillar also has seven minor pillars which emit different musical notes. According to the local, the hall was used for public celebrations.

FRONT VIEW OF THE RANGA MANDAPA

SCULPTURE AT THE BASE

MYTHICAL CREATURE BALUSTRADE

The Kalyana Mandapa, which was used for wedding ceremonies . It is a hundred columned mandapa.

The complex also has an old tree which is more than 150 years old. There are many interesting carving present in the complex. One of each carving is given below,it depicts a monkey face,a monkey pulling a small monkey, serpent head, a frog and a jumping monkey.

Ugra Narasimba Temple and Badavi Linga

Hindu mythology states Narasimba is the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As per the incarnation the Lord consists of a human body (nara0 and head of a lion (simba). Narasimba is known for his divine anger, so his worship is considered very important and is only done by a lifelong celibate everyday in the morning. The temple has the largest statue of a deity in Hampi with a height of 6.7 metres. The statue has a clearly designed mane of the lion and wonderfully shaped broad chest. The Narasimba is shown in a cross legged Yogic posture on the coil of snake with the seven head of the snake forming a hood about the deityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head called the sesha. The anger can be seen in the eyes of the statue by the protruding eyes and facial expressions. The deity is destroyed so only the left arm is visible and the other is lost. The deity is seated below the Makaratorana which is supported by 2 ornate pillars. The stone mandapa where the deity is placed has no ceiling making it open to sky.

THE ENTRANCE TO UGRA NARASIMBA AND BADAVI LINGA

Next to the Ugra Narasimba is the Badavi Linga,it is the largest monolithic Linga in Hampi and second largest in India. The Shiva linga also has a three eye mark which depicts the three eyes of Lord Shiva. It is made of black stone with a height of 3 metres. Badavi Linga is a combination of two words Badava meaning poor and Linga representation of Shiva. The legend has it that the construction was commissioned by a poverty stricken woman. The linga is placed in a stone chamber but it does not consist ceiling so the sunlight directly falls upon the Linga. There is a large circular pedestal known as the Yone Pitha of the Shiva Linga. It stands in water all 365 days of the year as a water channel ďŹ&#x201A;ows through it.

UGRA NARASIMBA TEMPLE AND BADAVI LINGA

Underground Siva Temple

Also known as Prasanna Virupaksha Temple was built in the 14th century near the Noblemen’s quarters. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by greenery area. The temple was buried under the ground for over 400 years before being discovered in 1980's . The temple is located a few metres below the ground so the roof is at the ground level. A pillared corridor of the temple leads to the main Garbhagriha . The corridor is ﬁlled with water so one has to walk in 2 feet of water to reach the main Shivalinga. The temple is simple yet elegant in design with plain stone ceiling and pillars with carvings like other temples in Hampi. It has the main hall (maha mandapa), courtyard (Ardha Mandapa), inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) and the small hall(Anthrala).

BASE OF THE PILLARS AND MANDAPA WITH A NANDI

PILLAR DETAIL

MANDAPA WITH THE SIMPLE COLUMNS

THE ENTRANCE OF THE UNDER GROUND SIVA TEMPLE 32

PILLAR DETAIL AND MANDAPA WITH A NANDI

Virupaksha Temple

Temple is also known as Pampapati Temple as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the husband of Goddess Pampa. The inscriptions of the temple date back to the 7th century. It started as a small shrine and later developed into a huge complex during the Vijaynagara Rule. There are evidence that show the temple was made during the later years of the Hoysala and Chalukyan era.

VERANDA COMMUNITY HALL

ENTRANCE

MAHA-MANDAPA COMMUNITY HALL

SHRINE

DIPA-STAMBHA,FLAG POST NANDI

KITCHEN VERANDA VERANDA

SHRINES

ENTRANCE GOPURAM OF THE VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

Within the huge boulders of Hampi the large gopuram of the Virupaksha Temple is seen from a distance. Dating back to almost 1300 years, the magniďŹ cent structure consist of a layered by a large group of Hindu deities and symbols. It is one of the oldest functioning temple in India. The temple is faced eastwards, aligning the sanctum of Shiva and Pampa Devi to the sunrise. The gopuram marks the entrance with a height of 160 metres it is repainted during the renovations by the government.

PLAN OF THE TEMPLE

The Hampi Bazaar earlier known as the Virupaksha Bazaar is a series of old pavilions on both sides almost covering 750 metres. It was once the centre for trading. It was a well organised market with some pavilions containing two ďŹ&#x201A;oors. It also had residences of many rich and important people. 36

The gopuram leads into a rectangular court which consists of modern water tanks, kitchen and community hall which is a 100 column hall to the south side consisting of all for sides of pillar carved with Hindu relief work and a smaller gopuram dating to 1510 CE. A narrow water channel from the Tungabhadra River which ďŹ&#x201A;ows along the terrace of the temple and gradually descending to the temple kitchen(Pakasala).

After entering the 1st gopuram, on the left is a statue of 3 headed nandi and map of Hampi. The gopuram gives entrance to the temple ,on the entrance dipa-stambha (lamp pillar) and nandi are present. The court leads to the main mandapa of Shiva Temple which consists of the original square mandapa and a rectangular extension composed of two fused squares and 16 piers built by Krishnadevaraya.

100 COLUMN OF COMMUNITY HALL

The naive craft art and culture was popular during the 14th century, but these works have been lost time after the Muslim invaders. Though the actives in the temples have never come to an holt since the 7th century but extensive renovations had been done in the 19th century which included the towers and ceilings. The temple consists of three ante-chambers,a sanctum, a pillared hall and an open pillared hall. 36

In the open hall the ceiling is painted showing the marriage of Shiva and Paravati, the legend of Rama- Sita of the Vaishnavism tradition. These were painted in the 19th century while the renovations. The mandapa has 5 aisles with 38 pillars which have carving of Yaalis, mythical animals containing horse, lions, elephant and an armed warrior. This mandapa was used for wedding ceremonies including other temple rituals. The central pillared hall is the most ornate structure in the temple complex, known as the Ranga Mandapa, it was added in 1510 AD by Krishnadevaraya. To the west is a sanctum of Lord Virupaksha. Two 4 armed guards,about 8 feet tall, stand on either side og the entrance. These shrines are older then the other structures. The short circular pillars, the doorways and ceilings are richly carved. Behind the main sanctum is the rear exit which also has one of the interesting facts of the temple. There is a small hall that has a small slit,from which an inverted projection of the main gopuram is seen on the wall. The structure is a mixture of different architectural design, the base is Hosayala architecture, pillars and hall are in Chalukyan architecture and the roof in Japanese Pagoda style.

TEMPLE PLINTH AND DETAIL AT THE TOP OF MAIN MANDAPA

THE COLUMNS AND COLUMN DETAIL

BALUSTRADE DETAIL

PAINTING AT THE CEILING

GOPURAM

VIEW OF THE MANDAPA

Krishna Temple

The temple was built by the King Krishnadevaraya in 1513 adlocatly with a bazaar and sacred Lokapavam tank to celebrate the conquest of Udayagiri (Odisha). As per the inscription present in the temple, a Bal Krishna idol was brought from Udaygiri and was enshrined in the mandapa here.

The entrance is provided with a lofty gopuram at the east. After entering the eastern gopuram,the attention is drawn to the single standing stone carvings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu on the entrance. On the ceiling of the entrance gopura praveshadvara, two serpents on either sides of the moon are depicted and this relief sculpture is regarded as the representation of lunar eclipse. In Hindu tradition the moon is swallowed by Rahu and Ketu which are a form of snakes and when swallowed, the eclipse occurs. The temple has garbhagriha, antarala, ardha mandapa and maha mandapa. The temple compound is layered into mandapas, including an outer and an inner enclosure. There is an open mandapa consisting of 5 x5 rows of pillars which leads to the 3 x 3 rows of enclosed mandapa.

A huge stone slab in the temple states the story of the temple and the conquest of Udaygiri. This structure is made in Islamic-Architectural style was the granary of the temple complex.

The temple has a large open pankama with high walls containing the towered main sanctuary. The vimana has three talas with a circular sikhara. The pillars are carved on Yaaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and the entrance to the temple hall are ďŹ&#x201A;anged with impressive carvings of elephants and mythical lion balustrades. There are different shrines, which are were decapitated during the fall of Hampi and some are under renovation.

In front of the temple, there are series colonnaded pavilions. This market comes under the district of Krishnapura and was known trading for general The complex of the temple consists of kitchen in the south-west of the main groceries. Today, the market stands on empty grounds infront of the large shrine. There is a six domed structure, it is dark inside with a hole in the centre boulders. of each dome from when the sunlight enters.

Zenana Enclosure

Northeast of the Royal Enclosure within the walled ladies quarters is the Zenana Enclosure. The enclosure is a sprawling compound that had tall walls surrounding it on all sides and watch towers were built so the guards could stop any trespassers. The fortiﬁed area has two entrances. The enclosure had 4 towers but today only 3 remain. The legends believe to protect and offer privacy to the royal women eunuchs guarded the enclosures. They were ordered to only let the kings inside the complex. The structures of the zenana enclosures are designed in Indo-Islamic architectural style. The design is not similar to the other structures present in Hampi from the Vijaynagara Era. The Zenana Enclosure houses the Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Palace, Elephants Stables, Water Pavilions and Watch Towers but only the Lotus Mahal is the best preserved structure in the complex. The Queen’s Palace basement is a ruined structure measuring an area of 49 x 29 metres. It remains the largest palace base to be excavated in Hmapi ruuins. The base is three tiered ornate structure which suggests that the palace was grand. Opposite to the palace is a water pavilion with decorated plateform situated in the centre of a shallow pool. The Royal Treasury building is also located within the enclosure. It is a rectangular building with no windows which was only accessed by the kings. The three watch towers can be seen at the corners of the enclosed wall. 43

They were built in Indo-Islamic architectural style and were accessed by the eunuchs, who were the guards for the royal women of Vijaynagara Empire.

WATCH TOWERS AT THE ENCLOSURE

Lotus Mahal

The Lotus Mahal is also known as the Kamal Mahal or Chitragini Mahal as per the old maps found during the discovery of Hampi. It is located within the Zenana Enclosure. The structure is surrounded by many shady trees and lawns. The palace was specially designed for the royal women of Vijaynagara Empire for recreational activities. It was also used by th kings and ministers for meetings. The building structure resembles to a lotus. The domes which cover the passages and balcony are similar to opened lotus bud. The central dome is carved as a lotus bud. The curves of the palace are given Islamic touch while the multi- layered roof design is related to Indian style architecture. This is a two storey pavilion which has massive pillars with arches having exquisite stucco moulding. There are 24 pillars which made the structure of the building. The interesting fact about the pillars is they can be ďŹ lled with water which helps the keeping the place cool in the summers. This is process has been given the name water cooling in modern architecture.

PLAN AND SECTION OF THE LOTUS MAHAL

LOTUS MAHAL

ARCHES OF THE LOTUS MAHAL

Elephant Stables

The elephant stables are the best preserved and largest standing structure of the Royal Enclosure. It was the residence of royal elephants and their trainers. During the Vijaynagara Empire they had 10,000 elephants out of which 11 were chosen to be in the royal service. The building looks symmetrical with respect to the central hall. The stable comprises of long line of eleven chambers with arched doorways and different domes styles. The domes are made in Indo-Islamic Architectural style. The central chamber has a ﬂat roof since above it is an open gallery where the musicians and drummers sat. The roof has collapsed throughout the years but the domes remain which are plain or ﬂuted in design. The doomed chambers are inter connected through small arch doors.

THE TRAINER’S STAY AREA

INTERIOR OF THE CHAMBER

The inside of each domes are different. The metal hooks which were used to tie elephants can still be seen on the roof of the chambers. The rear of each chamber have a small doors for the trainers to enter. The area in front of the stables was a parade ground for the elephants and troops. The area also consists of a second building to the left of the stables where the trainers and guards.

PLAN AND SECTION OF THE ELEPHANT STABLES

THE ELEPHANT STABLES

CENTRAL DOME

THE ARCH OF STAY BUILDING