HAMPI

ABOUT HAMPI:

• Historic Hampi set on the banks of river Tungbhadra is world renowned of the ruins of the glorious capital of the Vijayanagar Empire.
• It was described by the Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes as “being as large as Rome” and the “best provided city in the world”.
• Famous capital was founded by the two brothers Hukka (Harihara) and Bukka in 1336.
• It was ruled by 23 kings from four dynasties, over a period of 300 years.
• Under Krishnadevaraya and Achyutaraya, Hampi attained glorious height.
• In 1564, they were finally defeated by the Muslim rulers of North India in the disastrous Battle of Talikota.
• Subsequently, the flourishing capital witnessed mass-scale pillaging.
• Magnificent city finally lapsed into decline and abandonment.
• Its ruins still reflect the glory of the bygone era and features on the list of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
• Today, the ruins of Hampi are spread over an area of 27sq. kms and are a veritable open air museum.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Goa International Airport, Dabolim (GOI), 300 kms away from Hampi city and Bengaluru International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR), 325 kms away from Hampi city.
• Rail: Hospet Railway Station, Hospet, 13 kms away from Hampi city centre.
• Road: Well connected by road.

ATTRACTIONS OF HAMPI

• Vitthala Temple:
  • Magnificent temple complex is undoubtedly the best example of Vijayanagar art and architecture.
  • Construction was started in 1513, by Krishnadevaraya, but was not completed even after the shifting of the capital to Penukonda in 1565.
  • Impressive Kalyana Mantapa and the exquisitely carved stone chariot in the courtyard are the main attractions.
  • Technical conception is so ingenious that the stone wheels of the chariot actually rotate.
  • Equally impressive are the 56 musical pillars in the large Ranga Mantapa.

• Lord Virupaksha Temple:
  • Temple complex is dedicated to Virupaksha, an aspect of Lord Shiva and the guardian deity of the Vijayanagar kings.
  • Its exquisitely carved 50 metre high gateway was renovated in 1510, by Krishnadeva Raya.
  • Within the temple courtyard are many small shrines and pillared halls.

• Lotus Mahal:
  • Graceful structure built in the women’s enclosure resembles to the petals of a flower opening to the sun.
  • Nearby are relics of a watch tower, which was once guarded by eunuchs.
  • Royal ladies also watched the festivities from here.

• Ugra Narasimha:
  • 6.7 metres high splendid sculpture of Ugra Narasimha is seated under a canopy of seven hooded snake, carved out of a single stone.
  • To the left of the statue is a huge linga (Badavi linga) set under running water.

• Mahanavami Dibba or the ‘House of Victory’:
  • It was built by Krishnadevaraya after his victorious expedition to Orissa.
  • The spaces between the rows of the plinth-mouldings are ornately carved.

• Queen’s Bath:
  • Square bath was surrounded by arched corridors, gallery verandahs and projecting filigreed balconies.
  • Lotus headed fountains once sprouted perfumed water in a minor waterfall into the pool.