The Ancient Ruins of Hampi Come To Life

Hampi – Where The Ancient Ruins Come Alive. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a collection of monuments in east-central Karnataka, India.

Vijayanagara Empire ruled from Hampi in the 14th century. Persians and Europeans, particularly the Portuguese, leave descriptions of Hampi as a prosperous, wealthy, and grand city on the Tungabhadra River, with many temples, farms, and trading markets. In the 15th century CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was India’s first and second-largest city after Beijing – and it was Africa’s second most populous city after Cairo. In 1565, sultanate armies conquered, pillaged, and destroyed the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi, which lies in ruins.

Hindu monuments

Virupaksha temple

It is the oldest shrine and the most important pilgrimage site in India. The Shiva, Pampa, and Durga temples existed in the 11th century; they were developed during the Vijayanagara period. Temples small and large comprise this complex, including a frequently repainted, 50 m-high gopuram, a Hindu monastery dedicated to Vidyaranya and a 750 m-long ruined stone market with a monolithic Nandi shrine.

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Krishna temple

Hindu devotees can visit the Krishna temple, also called Balakrishna temple, about a kilometre away from the Virupaksha temple. A part of the Hampi complex called Krishnapura in inscriptions dates to 1515 CE. In front of the ruins is a market street, locally known as the bazaar. On the broad road between the collonaded stone shop ruins, chariots could transport goods to and from the market and various celebrations occurred. In the middle of the market, north of this street is a large Pushkarani stepped water tank with an artistic pavilion in its centre. There is a public hall (mandapa) next to the tank where people can sit.

via: Tour Travel World

Achyutaraya temple

One kilometre east of Virupaksha is the Achyutaraya temple, also known as Tiruvengalanatha temple, which has a large sacred centre near the Tungabhadra River. It was built in 1534 CE in Achyutapura and mentioned in inscriptions. It is one of Hampi’s four largest complexes. Its location faces north. It is in honour of Vishnu. By tradition, the temple was approached via a ceremonial tank and then by a broad road that ran along the market street.

via: WikiMedia Commons

Vitthala temple

The Tungabhadra River passes through a temple and market complex known as Vitthala over 3 kilometres from the Virupaksha temple. As part of the sacred centre of Vijayanagara, it is the most technically advanced Hindu temple in Hampi. It is unclear who built the temple complex; most scholars date it to the early-to-mid-16th century. According to some sources, it began construction during Devaraya II’s reign.

via: Times Of India

Hemakuta hill monuments

Hisakuta’s north and south flanks border Virupaksha’s temple complex. In it, you will find the best-preserved pre-Vijayanagara temples and early-Vijayanagara temples. Several important inscriptions exist here, it is an easily accessible site, and there is an excellent view of Hampi’s fertile agricultural valley. Aside from the temples, the hill has water cisterns, gateways, and secular pavilions. The earliest examples date from the early 14th century. The structures are variously sized models of temples or mandapas, assembled from blocks of stone.

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Hazara Rama temple

Ramachandra temple in Hampi’s royal centre occupied the western portion of the urban core, often called Hazara Rama temple. Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, is the main deity of this temple. Royal rituals are held here. It is attributed to Devaraya and dates back to the 15th century. In parallel bands of artwork, the temple’s outer walls portray the Mahanavami (Dasara) and Holi festival celebrations.