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Traditionally known
as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi set amidst an awesome
boulder-strewn landscape, 12 km away from the sleepy town of Hospet,
Now it is is
one of the primary architectural and archaeological sites in India
.This
vast site, containing archaeological as well as functioning temples
and villages is the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, one
of the largest Hindu empires in
India
history.
Set in a strange and beautiful landscape, with the River
Tungabhadra running along its northern edge, Hampi has some superb
ruins scattered over a large area dating from the 14th
to the
16th centuries.
A large number of
royal buildings were raised by Krishnadeva Raya (AD 1509-30), the
greatest ruler of the dynasty. The period witnessed resurgence of
Hindu religion, art, architecture in an unprecedented scale. Extensive
remains of the palaces can be seen within innermost enclosure of the
ancient Vijayanagara.
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The Vitthala temple is
an excellent example of Vijayanagara style. The 56 pillars in
the main hall produce musical notes when struck. To the east of
the hall is the famous Stone Chariot with stone wheels that
actually revolve!
Hampi is full of such surprises.
Like the King's Balance, where ruling kings were weighed against
grain, gold or money which was then distributed to the poor. Or
the Queen's
Bath
, with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus -
shaped fountains. Or even the Lotus Mahal in the 'Zenana'
enclosure. |
Temples
of this city are noted for their large dimensions, florid
ornamentation, bold and delicate carvings, stately pillars,
magnificent pavilions and a great wealth of iconographic and
traditional depictions.
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The
Krishna
temple, Pattabhirama temple, Hazara Ramachandra and Chandrasekhara
temple as also the Jaina temples, are the examples.
Majority of these
temples were provided with widespread bazaars flanked on either side
by storeyed mandapas.The monuments are spread over 26 square kms and
include a citadel area, a temple area, bazaars, fortifications, river
landings and gateways.
Hampi is now
recognized as a world heritage monument by UNESCO who have joined
hands with the archaeological department of
India
for its conservation.
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The best time to visit ;
How To Get
There
| By Air |
The nearest airport at Bangalore |
| By Rail |
The
nearest railhead Hospet (13 kms). |
| Road |
Hampi is also well connected by road to
Bangalore
(350 kms) & other cities |
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Karnataka
