Hampi, a sweet little village located in the Bellary district of Karnataka in India, boasts stunning glimpses of ruins depicting the glory of its ancient kings. Hampi is a part of the once-upon-a-time prosperous Vijayanagra ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire. The magnificent marvels in Hampi were counted as the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the year 1986.
Architecture highlights of Hampi
Hampi is an ideal example to treat your eyes with the years-old unique Hindu architecture as it portrays the grandeur of the Vijayanagra Empire. This place is dotted with vistas ingrained with aesthetically-designed temple complexes, royal palaces, riverside structures, monuments and memorials and a lot more. The most renowned temples in Hampi are as follows:
Krishna Temple
Krishna Temple Complex is inspired from Islamic style of architecture. It has a Sacred Tank called “Kalyani” and boasts sculptures of the 10 reincarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Vittala Temple
Vittala Temple Complex has pillars that resemble musical instruments. When these pillars are struck, they produce melodious music representing that musical instrument.
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is an important temple dedicated to deity Shiva. This nine-storied tower is adorned with beautiful stone work on the first two levels and cow-horn like projections at the top. It houses images of various deities and interesting stucco figures.
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Laxmi Narsimha Temple known for its phenomenal stone statue of Narasimha (one of the reincarnations of Lord Vishnu). This is an ideal example depicting the creative skills and destructive abilities of the human mind at the same time.
Hazara Ram Temple
Hazara Ram temple that was believed to be the private temple of kings and royal families staying here. It is popular for its bas relief on its outside walls and a multitude of panels carved with stories of the epic Ramayana.
Achyutaraya Temple
Achyutaraya temple inscribed with numerous carvings and figures with legendary significance. It is an off-location site that makes it less crowded. It also houses statues of lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna along with a marriage hall called “Mandapa” for yearly weddings of the Gods and the Goddess.
Hanuman Temple
Hanuman Temple is claimed to be the birthplace of Sri Hanuman (devotee of Lord Rama and helped Lord Ram rescue his wife from the trap of demon Ravan). You need to climb 570 steps to reach here. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Hampi and a pleasant sunset view.
Hampi is not just a paradise of temples but also has more to it.
Lotus Mahal
The Lotus Mahal is one of the most well-preserved sites here. It is one of the handful of places that have not been affected by natural forces here. It perfectly resembles to its name as the balconies and passages with a dome shaped as an open lotus bud.
The Tungabhadra River running across Hampi is a bathing site for locals living at the ghats. This offers a totally different look of Hampi. You can also go cycling along the lake. The town of Hampi temples owns “Lakshmi” – the holy elephant that blesses the visitors with a spray of water. The sunset view of Hampi has attracted tourists since years. The turning of grey toned sky into warm red and orange tones as the sun settles down is a rare sight.
Closing Thoughts
India has been popular for its astonishing architecture kept alive for years in its every state. Here, you will find traditions, culture and monuments that brilliantly symbolizes the deep-rooted history of India. Hampi is one such place that is not yet explored fully. If you are a history lover then Hampi should be one of the must-visit places on your next trip to India and it will be definitely worth it!
