Hampi

 

India is enriched with historical witnesses as well as religious and mythological presence. Among many, Hampi – is a village in northern Karnataka state, India and on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra and around 350 kms away from Bangalore. It exists within the ruins of Vijayanagara having a spread of 36sq Km, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is equally famous for religious and historic events. Hindu empire Vijayanagara ruled south India during 16^th Century AD making Hampi as his Capital but what is known today is eventually of the ruin of Hampl packed with aquatic structures, palaces, giant temples, Market Street, royal pavilions, fortifications and other monuments in abundance. In fact, putting together its mythological and historic residues, it has given a birth of a splendid tourist spot and further UNESCO’s World Heritage sites have been conferred on it making it still to be a vividly important religious centre, in-housing several monuments along with famous Virupaksha Temple of this old city. It is truly worthy to rank these ruins as a UNESCO World Heritage Site so as to make a stand among beautiful, historic but unheard landmarks to the Tourists.

Within innermost enclosure of the ancient Vijayanagara, it is still visible the extensive remains of the palaces.  There are various secular and religious structures mostly covering Jaina and Hindu Temples, the magnificent throne platform, audience hall of the king, bold and delicate carvings, stately pillars, florid ornamentation, magnificent pavilions, and their large dimensions are the notable features of temples of this city.  The largest extant temple is Pampapati temple.  The monolithic statues of Ganesa, Narasimha and Lakshmi are gorgeous for grace and their massiveness.  

A large number of basements of several platforms and palatial complexes are brought to light under excavations recently undertaken to this city.  Interestingly, it has also got a large number of stone figurate, stucco figures, and beautiful terracotta objects that are said to have embellished the palaces. Further, many household utensils, gold and copper coins, a square stepped-tank have been unearthed.

The monuments of Vijayanagara city – categorically built in honor of the sage Vidyaranya were built between AD 1336 and 1570.  The period exhibited resurgence of Hindu religion, architecture and art in an unprecedented height of scale. The contemporary chroniclers from Arabia, Portugal, Italy, and Russia visited the empire and they were amazed and have left glowing and graphic accounts of the city.

It is tourist’s heaven to fulfill inquisitiveness of unheard and unknown spot and tourists may enjoy the city as they feel: Among many to see; a few are:

Vittaala Temple is for God Vishnu which resizes the architectural highlight of Hampi. Virupaksha Temple is for the Hindu god of destruction. It is believed to be one of the oldest active temples (from 7th century AD) in India. Riverside Ruins:  Numerous shrines, ruins of historical structures and carved artifacts, are scattered all around along this path.

At today’s ruined state, Hampi is still charismatic attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists year long. Widen stretches of boulder-strewn hills décor its backdrop fantabulous. The city has got about 500 monuments. Hampi is not only the pilgrim’s delight but also a back-packers paradise. At every turn in Hampri, there is a wonder.