HAMPI :- THE PLACE NEAR TO MY PLACE

Hampi

The most popular historical site in south India is Hampi which is the city of ruins, announced as UNESCO world heritage site. It was once a royal capital of great Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is best noted for the holy temples, majestic Pavillons, wonderful palaces, gigantic forts and huge stables for palace elephants and horses. It is a popular hub of historical monuments where more than 500 historical buildings can be found and each holds a significant place in history. This verdant land is drained by River Tungabhadra. Humpi is a well preserved archeological site maintained by Archeological Survey of India. It is a sanctified place for Hindus known as Pampaskethra. There are many cultural carnivals are celebrated throughout here. Puppetry shows, fireworks, music and dance are inviting features of Hampi.

Places to visit

Old Palace

It is also known as Gagan Mahal and was built during Anegondi kingdom. This palace was surrounded by beautiful fort. It is an interesting site seeing for those who love history.

Vithala Temple

It is a mesmerizing monument of Hampi located on the banks of River Tungabhadra. The musical pillars are the highlighting feature here. Each of 56 pillars is producing a musical note when tapped. Mind blowing stone carved chariot with moving wheels is another prim attraction.

Hazara Rama Temple

It is belongs to 15th century. It was a temple dedicated to royal ceremonies. It is well known for fine sculptures which depict some events from great epic Ramayana and fragile carvings of Lord Vishnu, elephants, horses and dancing girls. It is a living evidence of erstwhile kingdom of architectural beauty and cultural heritage.

Lakshmi Narashimha Temple

It is the biggest temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu where stting posture of Lord Vishnu can be seen under holy snake Adi Shesha. It is the popular Hindus pilgrimage in Hampi.

Other Places

Monolith bull, Big Shiva Lingam, Virupaksha Temple, Elephant stables, Queen’s bath, Matanga hills and Monkey  temple are other attractions in Hampi.

Ugra Narsimha Statue The Ugra Narasimha Statue is a gigantic rock cut idol of Lord Narasimha located to the south of Hampi in northern Karnataka. One of the major Tourist attractions of Karnataka, the Ugra Narasimha Statue Hampi is believed by some to have been created in 1528 AD, during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. One of the finest examples of ancient sculpture in Hampi, Ugra Narasimha Statue depicts the fierce aspect of Lord Narasimha - an incarnation of Vishnu. The 6.7 m. high statue has Narasimha seated on the coils of the snake Shesha Naga, the seven hoods of the latter rising behind to serve as a canopy. The entire idol is set within an arch or Makara Tona, featuring a lion-mask above the hood of the snake. Originally, the Ugra Narasimha Statue Hampi bore a smaller image of Goddess Lakshmi seated on one knee of Narasimha. The entire statue of Narasimha and Lakshmi was carved out of a single rock, and so the artists had to compensate the intricacy of the work by the massiveness of the structure. It is believed that Ugra Narasimha Statue Hampi was mutilated and the figure of Lakshmi perhaps entirely destroyed in 1565. Nevertheless, Ugra Narasimha, flaunting a perfectly chiseled and well-defined mane besides large bulging eyes and a broad chest, continues to mesmerize visitors with an awful charm. Recently some restoration work has been done on the Ugra Narasimha Statue Hampi, whereby a granite strap was added between the Lord Narasimha’s knees to stabilize them.

Monolith Bull Locally known as Yeduru Basavanna or Nandi, this monolithic bull marks the east end of the Virupaksha Bazaar. The statue is housed in a twin storied pavilion built on an elevated platform. A heap of gigantic boulders behind the pavilion offers an interesting backdrop. Though partially mutilated and carved in a coarse style, this Nandi attracts visitor owing to its giant size. Monolithic Bull pavilion Nandi is the mount of lord Shiva and it's symbolic that this one faces the Shiva shrine (Virupaksha Temple) located at the opposite end of the street, about a kilometer from it. At a little distance in front of the Nandi you can also spot a tall stone lamp post with metal spikes over it. A flight of steps along the left side of the Nandi pavilion leads you to the Achyuta Raya's Temple located across the hill.

Royal Enclosures Hampi region is divided into two parts about 3 kilometers apart - the Sacred Center and the Royal Center. Scared Center encloses religious sites while the Royal Center encloses the royal buildings. The Royal Center area of Hampi is totally different from other regions, as there many curved boulders littering, most have been used to create amazing propagation of brilliantly executed walls of stone. Royal Enclosures attract the tourists with its stone-walled enclosures. Royal enclosures include the Lotus Mahal or Zanana Enclosure and the Elephant Stables. Zanana Enclosure is a delicately planned pavilion in a well protected compound, meant for royal women. Royal Enclosure also comprises some of the Hampi temples - one being an underground temple, and the secretly constructed Queen's Bath.

Mahanavmi Dibba This unique monument stands in the largest of the walled enclosure within the Royal Centre, at one of the highest spots within this zone. The platform rises in three ascending diminishing stages, each a solid square, added at a different time. Steps led up the platform from the south and west sides, but there is no structure on top, only the recently exposed stone footings of a vanished wooden pavilion. The platform is often identified with the House of Victory mentioned by the foreign visitors, from where the king witnessed the celebrations of the Mahanavami festival. According to these accounts, the king ascended to a temporary shrine to a goddess (Durga) was erected on top where the king sought blessings for his regalia, weapons and troops. In the palace complex is a massive stone basement, which is all that remains of a large structure called the Mahanavami Dibba. Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller in Vijayanagar between 1520 and 1522, records that it was erected to mark Krishnadeva Raya’s victorious military campaign in Orissa. Originally, there would have been a gorgeously decorated, pillared hall or a many-storeyed pavilion on this platform. It was here that the king celebrated the nine days of the Mahanavami festival, which marks the victory of Durga over Mahishasura: the conquest of knowledge over the confusion of ignorance. This was the occasion when kings used to review their armies and check their preparedness for battle. The spectacular celebrations and parades left a deep impression upon foreign visitors, who described them in great detail. There are reliefs on the side of the Dibba that depict the great processions that took place. The king’s armies can be seen, as can hunters and dancers. Portuguese merchants are shown displaying to royal figures the well-bred horses they brought from Arabia. The coats, trousers, hats, beards and upward-turned moustaches of the foreigners were keenly observed and represented by the artists. The different body postures and movements of Europeans have also been effectively portrayed. It is a marvellous depiction of the festivities and of the life of the time. One can also see many details of the then local costumes and musical instruments. Unlike the art of ancient times, the focus here is on life in the world here and now. The carvings are full of vigour and expression, with an immediacy and zest in the figures.

Old Palace Old palace, also known as Gagan Mahal, is located in an erstwhile capital city Anegondi near Hampi. Anegondi, tiny kingdom has grown eventually to the Vijayanagar Empire ruling the entire South India.Gagan Mahal is a small old palace building and might be served as the center of Anegondi kingdom. It is surrounded with a big fort. The fort, along with the old palace, is in ruins presently. The remains of this ruined palace are very interesting. The atmosphere of this place is stimulating for the history lovers. Harihara Raya II of the Sangama Dynasty was the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1377 to 1404. The remains of what are generally believed to be his palace are situated to the south of the Hazara Rama temple in Hampi.Like with most structures in the ruined metropolis of Vijayanagara, nothing much exists of the palace complex.The eastern wall still shows signs of a main gateway that led into the palace compound. Also visible is a platform accessible from a short flight of steps that the king used to climb up onto his royal elephant.The ruins of the palace itself are a little further to the east.Nothing more than the platform level of the palace has survived the centuries.However, the painstaking skill of the ancient builders and the importance of the structure is obvious.The complex also houses the ruins of a residential complex, walls, gateways, and other secondary structures.

Hampi Bazaar Also known as Virupaksha Bazaar, this street is located in font of the Virupaksha temple . About a kilometer long, the east end of the temple ends at the foothill of the Matanga Hill . Both sides of the street are lined with a series of old pavilions, some of them are two storied. These structures were once part of a thriving market and residence of the nobles. Towards the west end (towards Virupaksha temple) the pavilions are now encroached and made into shops, restaurants and the likes making the street narrower. Poor villagers have made the eastern section into their homes. It's interesting the houses of the rich merchants and nobles of the empire are now being occupied by one of the poorest. One enters into the street from the bus stand through a gate. Movement of motor vehicle entry is regulated. But two wheelers are freely allowed to enter the street. A huge Nandi (bull statue) called is located at the east end of the street. A next to it is a two storied pavilion where a photo gallery is functioning. Photos of the Hampi sites taken by Alexander Greenlaw in 1856 are on display. Admission is free. An open platform nearby is the main stage of the annual Hampi festival. The circular pillars used are of interest. Opposite to the gallery, a little away across the street you can even see a nursery school for the village children. Probably this is the world's oldest nursery school building! Most of the Hampi's tourist accommodations are locate close to the west end of this street. On the middle of the street, somewhat close to the temple, you can spot the wooden temple car covered in tin sheets. As a mark of reverence to the god during the annual car festival devotees pull the car along the street, a tradition that has been in practice for centuries. If you are staying at Hampi, go for a morning walk along this street. You can witness the Hampi village 'waking up' slowly on either sides of the street. You can use bicycle or opt for a walk. It takes about 30 minutes plus to cover this street. From the east end of the street you can proceed further to the Achyuta Raya's Temple (Tiruvengalanatha Temple) , after a small trek across the hill or head towards the Riverside teak path.

Elephant Stables One among the few least destroyed structures in Hampi, Elephant Stable is a major tourist attraction. This long building with a row of domed chambers was used to ‘park’ the royal elephants. There are 11 domed tall chambers; some of them are inter- connected. The center one is specially decorated and big. Probably the musicians and the associated band troupes had been using this during ceremonies involving elephant processions. The whole building looks symmetric with respect to this central hall. The tower of the central hall resembles (though mostly destroyed) more like that of temples. However the five pairs of domes on either side are of Islamic in style. They are better preserved and of alternating patterns. Metal hooks (used to tie the elephants) on the inside roof can be seen. At the rear of each hall are small manhole type openings for the mahouts to enter the elephant compartments. You reach here through the Zenana Enclosure. From here you proceed to the Guard’s Quarters and then may be to the Ranga Temple located a bit south of it all.

Big Shivlinga In Hampi, one of the attractive views is the Shivalinga which has a height of 3 m and stands in the midst of water. This Shivalinga, also known as Badavi Linga meaning big Linga, is always enclosed by water. The local legend has it that some poor local aboriginal Hampi offered to install a Shiva Linga if his or her luck turned excellent. Accepting this poor devotee’s offer, Lord Shiva made them with all good blessings and this Shivalinga was carved out, as offered, simply from big stone. This lingam offers a magnificent view to the people

Hazara Rama Temple The first thing comes to mind on seeing this temple, or more precisely its walls, is the locally popular comic strips of Hindu mythology, Ramayana. But the difference is, the stories are carved, in long arrays, onto the walls of this temple. This is not a huge temple by Hampi’s yardstick. But this temple at the heart of the royal area has some peculiarities. Firstly it had been functioning as a private temple for the king, or at the most, the royal family. The importance of this temple can be judged from its nodal location in the royal area. Your paths to various locations within the citadel concur at a corner of this temple. Probably this is the only temple in the capital with its external walls decorated with bas-reliefs mentioned above. And the temple got its name Hazara Rama (a thousand Rama) Temple owing to this multitude of these Ramayana panels on its walls. A sprawling lawn located at the north of this temple is an easy landmark you can spot from a distance. The dusty path that connects the Royal Enclosure with the Zenena Enclosure passes along the temple courtyard. Also the path from Danaik’s Enclosure and Underground Shiva Temple joins this path at its northeastern corner. So any itinerary you chalk out for this area, you would come across this temple in one way or other. Look for the signpost installed in front of the temple, across the path, can give you direction to the Pan Supari (Beatle nut) Bazaar. This northeast oriented trail from the temple courtyard pass through a packed but shattered cluster of structures. These associate shrines, pavilions, lampposts and the likes once decorated the main path to the temple. You go further a little along the same trail to reach the sunken Pattanada Yellamma Temple and the Ranga Temple beyond it.

Achyutraya Temple,Tiruvengalanatha A perfect example of advanced form of Vijayanagara style of architecture, Achyutraya temple is sanctified nearly 500 years back. Constructed during the period of Achyutaraya, it has the main deity as Tiruvengalanatha, a variant form of Lord Shiva. The temple is facing to the north and has prakaras. The external prakara has a superior gopura on the northern side while the internal prakara has three gopuras on the other three directions. Interiors of the prakara walls are supported by many pillars. The huge kalyana mantapas in the west of the gopuras are in a decaying state. Facing the northern direction is a bazaar, known as Achyutapete.

Hemakuta Hill Temple This is not one of the tallest hills in Hampi. But this hilltop and its slops offer a splendid view of the sprawling ruins site. This hill is sprinkled generously with a large number of temples, archways and pavilions. The whole of the hill was fortified with tall wide stonewalls, the ruined remains of which can be still be seen. Once you have reached (about 15 minutes climb) the top, it’s almost a flat expanse of rocky sheet with occasional ups and downs. Hemakuta Hill is one among the best places in Hampi to see the sunrise and sunset; and not as tedious to reach the top say compared to the Matanga Hill nearby. Good news for the ones who find it difficult for a steep climb. Myth have it that it’s on this hill that Lord Siva (the god of destruction) did penance before marrying a local girl Pampa. Siva was impressed by her dedication for him and consent to marry her. On this it rained gold on this hill. Hema in Sanskrit language means gold. The name of the hill thus connects with this legend. Also this is the place where Siva burnt Kama (the god of lust) with his third (fire) eye. In helping Pampa to marry Shiva, Kama distracted Shiva from his penance. This attracted the wrath of Siva and eventually killed Kama by fire. Later Rathi (goddess of passion and Kama’s wife) pleaded for the life of Kama. Siva brought him back to life but only in character not as a physical being. Hence a number of temples in this area are dedicated to Lord Siva, the major one being the Virupaksha temple at the north of this hill. This place packed with the largest number of pre Vijayanagara temples. You can access it mainly through two ways. The first is through the tower located close to the Virupaksha temple’s main entrance. From the very end of the Hampi Bazaar that terminates in front of the Virupaksha temple, take the left (southward) alley. You can see the giant but topless tower to the hilltop. On the way you see the Hampi post office on your right. The second access point is through the twin storied archway located near the Sasivekalu Ganesha & Kadalekalu Ganesha shrines. The top locations near this archway is a great place to get an aerial view of the Krishna Temple campus just south of it; and the Lakshmi Narasimha & Badivilinga shrines located beyond the Krishna temple.

Virupaksha Temple The temple's history is uninterrupted from about the 7th century. The Virupaksha-Pampa sanctuary existed well before the Vijayanagara capital was located here. Inscriptions referring to Shiva date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. What started as a small shrine grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. Evidence indicates there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagar period. Under the Virjayanagara rulers, in the middle of the 14th century, there began a flowering of native art and culture. When the rulers were defeated by invaders in the 16th century, most of the wonderful decorative structures and creations were systematically destroyed. The cult of Virupaksha-Pampa did not end with the destruction of the city in 1565. Worship there has persisted throughout the years. At the beginning of the 19th century there were major renovations and additions, which included ceiling paintings and the towers of the north and east gopura.

Balakrishna Temple Krishnadevaraya built this temple in 1513 A.D. to commemorate his victory over Prataparudra Gajapati, the ruler of Orissa. During the battle he seized an image of child Krishna and brought it to Vijayanagara as war trophy. He then built this temple to consecrate the image. An inscription describing the conquest and the consecration of this temple on 16 February 1515 by Krishnadevaraya is found on a slab in front of this temple. Built in the centre of a courtyard, the temple possesses a sanctum, an antechamber, an ardha mantapa, a circumambulatory passage, a pillared hall with three entrances and an open pillared mantapa, in addition to a number of other shrines for the attendant deities. The sanctum is at present empty. The image of Balakrishna showing him as a child holding butter in the right hand is now resting in the Government Museum at Madras. The inner sides of the entrance exhibit beautifully sculptured Apsaras standing on mythical animals and holding scrolls filled with panels showing the ten incarnations of the lord. Like all major temple complexes, Krishnapura, a suburb, is developed around this temple. The bazaar in front is now a lush paddy field.

Vithala Temple

As the epicenter of Hampi’s attractions, Vittala Temple is the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. No amount of words can explain this spectacle. The temple is built in the form of a sprawling campus with compound wall and gateway towers. There are many halls, pavilions and temples located inside this campus. Vittala, after whom the temple is known, is a form of lord Vishnu. This aspect of Vishnu was worshiped in this part of the country as their cult deity by the cattle herds. The temple was originally built in the 15th century AD. Many successive kings have enhanced the temple campus during their regimes to the present form. Yon can even see the remains of a township called Vittalapura that existed around this temple complex. The highlight of Vittala temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone chariot. The halls are carved with an overwhelming array of sculptures on the giant granite pillars. The stone chariot located inside the campus is almost an iconic structure of Hampi. Monkey Temple The Monkey Temple on Anjenaya Hill, where one has to climb 572 steps to reach, is a temple in Hampi with a deity of Hanuman, the monkey shaped God who is considered as a devoted disciple and very strong warrior of Lord Rama. This temple is a small chamber like shrine with a pyramid roof covering it. A Hanuman statue is installed inside the temple. This is one of the finest spots to give the feast to the eyes by witnessing the Hampi’s sunrise and sunset. The hillock around the temple is vibrant and climate is dynamic, one can take thrill by trekking to the temple.

Ahmed Khans Mosque This cubical tomb with dome appears in the typical Islamic style (Deccani) architecture. Just north of it is a rectangular pavilion with an array of circular decorated pillars supporting the flat roof. Ahmed Khan’s Tomb Ahmed-Khan’s-Tomb-details Ahmed Khan’s Mosque Ahmed Khan’s Mosque If you already have seen a bit of Hampi’s religious architecture so far, this could be easily mistaken for a Hindu or Jain religious structure. The prayer niche of a mosque and the inscriptions at the site along with other evidences made the researchers conclude that this was a mosque indeed. A little north of the mosque you can spot a rectangular well. Both theses structures are located a bit off from the main road and tucked into the banana plantations. Though nearby and visible from the main road there are no definite paths leading to these structures. These are some of the quick off beaten trail explorations you can make on the way from Kamalapura to Vittala Temple. Ahmed-Khan’s-Tomb-details After about 1½ km from Kamalapura to Vittala Temple you’ll leave the main road and take a left deviation. Just under another 1½km on your left appears Ahmed Khan’s Mosque and the nearby tomb. Before that you would have a crossed a few ruined temples, most of them on your left. Leave your bicycle/moped at the main roadside and make your way through the plantation ridges.

Coracle, Dongi Ride Most tourists ask a question when they visit a destination, what can I get from here to remember the visit for ever and ever? If somebody asks this in Hampi, the answer is very simple. Go the banks of Thungabhadra river, have a ride in the Coracles also known as Dongi. One can impressively see some stunning rock forms generated by wearing away over the years. Conveniences for a breathtaking coracle ride along the extent of the Thungabhadra river are readily accessible in the ferries in Hampi. Small reed boats, even though not looking predominantly powerful or contented, can leave one with an enchanting experience. One can go through the comparatively calm waters under the bright sun rays or under the clear blue sky. The landscape along the river banks is amazingly striking.

Matanga Hill Probably Matunga Hill is the most talked about hill in Hampi. Let it be its central location, the oversold sunset/sunrise view or the myths associated with it, this hill commands a special attraction. Being at the centre of Hampi, and also the highest point, Matanga hilltop is the best spot to get an aerial view of Hampi and it's environs. If you trace the foothill in a clockwise direction, the road that ends at the Hampi bus station runs along the eastern side of the hill. At the northwest the east end of Hampi Bazaar terminates. The north part of the hill practically ends at the south bank of the Tungabadhra River where the Kodanda Rama Temple is located. The eastern ridge shares its border with the Achyuta Raya’s Temple. The south is generally an irrigated valley where the zigzagging Turthu Canal and a cart track located. The peak is located at the southern part of the Matanga hill. Somewhere in the low-lying northern section, a trekking trail connects the Hampi Bazaar with the Achyuta Raya’s Temple over the hill. There are a couple of paths leading to the topmost point where the Veerabhadra Temple is located. The most popular is a stepped ramp at the west; and the other, a tedious but thrilling treker's trail located a bit north of the stepped path. The steps are reasonably intact and they are as old as the Vijayanagara kingdom. There are multiple trails at the foothill that leads you the bottom of the stepped way. The most prominent is the wide unpaved road that branches eastward from the main road just close to the Kadale Kalu Ganesha statue. This path eventually takes you to the foothill after a couple of turns. The next popular access trail is the one located at the east end of the Hampi Bazaar street. At the end of the southern row of pavilions, a narrow trail goes towards east tracing the edge of the hill. This path, sometimes scramble through stray rock clusters and a few fallen shrines, passes along the point where the ascending path to the hilltop begins. The third and the less used path is at the south of the hill. This trail links the Matanga Hill footsteps with the cart trail that runs parallel to the Turthu Canal mentioned earlier. A pavilion nested into the banana plantations at the north edge of the path is a landmark. The narrow path towards north branches out at this point and seems disappears into the thick of the plantations. This trail too eventually reaches the foothill from where you can find your way to the hilltop. The ascent can take about thirty minutes. The rooftop of the Veerabhadra Temple at the summit is the ideal place to the sunrise and sunset of Hampi. Avoid climbing the hill during the hot part of the day. However it doest matter if you have already used to the hot climate of Hampi. Relatively a larger crowd trickle in to bid goodbye to the sun than to witness the sunrise. The west most edge of the temple rooftop is the prime real estate in the sunset affair. First come first served is the rule and squat on the western edge if possible. Only the motivated ones make it to the top for the sunrise, as it requires you to wake up at least by five in the morning and start trekking up. In either case see to that you are among a group as a matter of prudence. Matanga Hill is one of the important locations mentioned in the Hindu mythology, Ramayana. The place was the hermitage of Sage Mathanga. Monkey prince Vali killed a buffalo demon called Dundhuvi and thrown the corps on to the sacred Matanga hill. Angry at this act, sage Matanga cursed Vali that he could never venture on to this hill. Later Dundhuvi's son Mayavi fought with Vali to avenge his father's death. Vali chased him into a cave; and asked his brother Sugreeva to stand guard outside. After a while thinking that Vali was killed in the fight, Sugreeva closed the cave. Finally Vali emerged from the cave and chased Sugreeva out of the monkey kingdom. Sugreeva along with his warrior general Hanuman, took refuge at the Matanga hill, as Vali could not climb this hill. Later Lord Rama killed Vali and crowned Sugreeva as the king of the monkeys. Though this myth is generally associated with the Vaishnava cult, the ancient temple located at the hilltop is that of Veerabhadra, a cult deity associated with Lord Shiva lineage. The view from the top is interesting, especially from the eastern side where you can get an aerial view of the Achyuta Raya’s Temple complex; at south, the cart trail and Turthu Canal winding through the banana plantations; at north the chain of hills and the river that flows along it's ridges; at west the Hampi settlement with the tower of Virupaksha Temple dominating. The whole Matanga Hill tour is free of entrance fees or camera charges. Carrying a small pocket torch is a sensible thing as this is not a well-lit area. However don't loiter around at the top till the last visitor has left the scene.

Stepped Tank

Archaeological Museum This is a tiny but worthwhile museum located at Kamalapura. The museum can be visited on the way to the relatively isolated sites (like the Pattabhirama Temple) located towards the southeast end of the Hampi ruins. From Kamapaluram you can walk to the museum by taking the road that goes towards the east. Apart from the usual suspects in a museum, this one contains an immensely useful exhibit to a novice visitor: A scaled model – in fact two – of the Hampi topography with the monuments located on it. This is an excellent display to get an idea about the area plan and the relative locations of the sites. The large one located at the central courtyard is miniature copy of Hampi as a whole, complete with its hills and rivers. The smaller but more detailed model located inside the last gallery gives you a comprehensive view of the Royal Centre. The museum has four principal sections. The first one exhibits the Hampi model mentioned above. The second section is dedicated mainly to the sculptures and idols from the Hampi ruins. A large number of artifacts belong to the Veerabhadra cult and Shiva worship is prominent.. The exhibits in this section include: Veerabhadra (the demon God created by Lord Shiva), Bhairava (Shiva in the fearsome posture on hearing the death of his consort, Sati), Bhikshatana-murthi (depicting Shiva in his ascetic aspect, wandering and begging with a bowl made of human skull), Mahishasuramardini (the terminator of the buffalo demon; A fearsome aspect of the goddess Shakti ), Shakti (Shakti is a Goddess represents the power of the God. Always Shakti appears as the consort of the god, For example, Vishnu it’s Lakshmi. For Shiva it’s Parvati. ), Kartikeya (the peacock mounted God, created by Shiva out of fire). Vinayaka (The elephant headed god born to Shiva & Parvati) The third section displays an array of tools, arms, coinages and other objects that were in use during the Vijayanagara Empire days. The book like documents made of brass and bundled with a ring on display is peculiar. The fourth one is the oldest of all display objects. An array of antiquities from the prehistoric and proto historic period (the nearby Anegondi is a prehistoric settlement) , hero stones (stone flange dedicated to heroes who died in battle ) and sati stones (Stone flanges in memorial of wives committed suicide after the death of husbands in the battle). Stucco figurines, portions of porcelain pottery from the excavated sites and a gallery of the excavation photographs. The miniature replica of the Royal Centre is impressive with finer details. The Archeological Survey of India runs the museum. Timings of Visit from 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM. Closed on Fridays and other national holidays. Entrance Fee: Rs. 5/- per head. Children up to 15 years are admitted free. In about 90 minutes you can complete a decent visit. Photography is not allowed inside the galleries. However you can photograph the exhibits on display in the lawn outside.

Lotus Mahal Lotus Mahal, also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitrangini Mahal is situated in the Zenana Enclosure of the monuments. It is a ticketed monument and a single ticket would let you into the Zenana Enclosure covering several monuments including Elephant Stables. The term Zenana refers to the Women and Zenana Enclosure in general would refer to the Queens’ enclosure along with the servants’ quarters around and private temples. Lotus Mahal is a two storied very symmetric structure exhibiting a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The base of the structure depicts a Hindu foundation of stone just like in the temples, typical of Vijayanagara Architecture while the upper superstructure is Islamic in architecture with pyramidal towers instead of regular dome shapes, giving it a Lotus-like look, originating in the name. Also, this is one of the very few buildings that have the plaster intact though it is defaced at several places due to wear and tear, especially; the dampness on the walls is very visible. The exemplary carvings on the pillar arches including those of birds and delicate art work can be very mesmerizing, especially with the Makara Torana on top of these arches that can still be seen on some of them. It is also believed that the Mahal or Palace was air-cooled and maintained its temperature during summer. The proof of this can be seen in the pipeline work above and between the arches. The entire monument is surrounded by a fortifying wall which is rectangular in plan. The four corners of the fortifications have watch towers that would have been used to keep an eye on the intruders into the Womens’ chambers. While it was a very popular practice to have Eunuchs hold guards at Queens’ Palaces in the North India, especially during Moghul rule, the existence of such a practice has not come to light in the Vijayanagara kingdom and era.

Talarigatta Gate Talarigatta Gate was one of the main entrance points into the urban centre of the capital  from the riverside. The main road to Talarigatta (the coracle ferry point near the  suspension bridge) from Kamaplapura pass through this arched structure. This largely damaged structure still maintains its original intent, a gateway on the main  road. A tiny shrine of Hanuman is located just in front of the gate It’s possible to reach the top area of this gateway. From there the traces of the extending  fortifications are visible. Talarigata means tollgate, probably that would have been its  original intent.

Bhima s Gate This is one of the many gateways to the walled city. The gate (a huge arch complex) is  interesting with its style of construction and the carvings on it. This gateway is a classic example of the Vijayanagara military architecture. The gate  got its name from the legendary Bhima of the Hindu epic Mahabaratha.   A figure of Bhima – the strongest of the five Pandavas brothers – is carved  on the gate. The interesting feature of the gate is its smart design. One cannot cross this archway in a  straight line. You enter this gateway complex through its western arch. Straight ahead  is a huge tall block of a wall like structure. You turn right, left and then once again left to  go around this obstruction to reach the exit at the north. Bhima's Gateway. In other words this works like a blind spot for the invading army. Also it’s difficult for  the elephant mounted forces to take such quick maneuvers without facing some surprise  attacks. Also there are carvings of Draupadi (Pandava’s wife) tying her hair. Slaying of Kichaka  who tried to molest Draupathi is depicted next to it. All of these scenes are carved as  murals on the gate. The lotus bud tipped brackets supporting the lintel is noteworthy. A significant part of the epic Mahabharata narrates rivalry between the princely cousins  Kauravas and the Pandavas and the climax Kurukshetra War where Pandavas win over  Kauravas. Kaurava brothers were the 100 sons of Kuru. Pandava , the five sons of Pandu.  Draupathi is married to the five brother Pandavas. As they knew Pandavas can not be defeated in martial power, Shakuni tricks Yudhistra  into a game of dice. Shakuni is the wicked character and uncle of Duryodhana the elder of  Kauravas. In a stumble of events Yudhisthira gambles away his kingdom, wealth, his four brothers  and Draupathi. The overjoyed Duryodhana asks his brother Dushasana to drag Draupathi by her hair  into the court and strip her cloths, as he is now his property won in the dice game. As they  are all now properties of Kauravas the Pandavas bow their head helpless, including the  much stronger Bhima. Duryodhana even asks Draupathi to sit on his thigh. Lord Krishna mystically appears to the helpless Draupathi and gives a boon. Dushasana  finally collapses as could not disrobe Draupathi of the inexhaustible clothe. In the scuffle  her hair gets untied. She wows to not to tie her hair until it is washed with Dusshasana.  Bhima on his part wows to break the thighs of Duryodhana , as he asked Draupathi to sit on  his thigh. As per the condition of the dice game , the Pandavas and Droupathi were send to 14 years  in exile, including 1 year in secrete exile. During this secret period, they live in the court of King Virata. Draupathi disguises herself  as the maid of the queen Sushena. Keechaka , her brother was lustful towards Draupathi  and troubles her frequently. Draupathi asks help from Bhima , who is now pretending as a cook  in the palace. Bhima advice her to invite Keechaka to meet her in the night. Instead of Draupathi , Bhima waits for him and kills him. A panel on the Bhima's Gate. Left:Draupathi tying up her hair after Bhima slayed Duhsasana; Right : Bhima slays Keechaka Currently this is a live excavation site. You can spot the ASI’s (Archeological Survey of India) marks on the ground. No admission fee. Usually the sites around here are devoid of big tourist crowds. Also you can spot a couple of more unnamed structures scattered around this area. Visit this on your way to Vittala Temple and Malyavanta Hill area from Kamalapura by the main road. You can spot the Ganigitti Temple on your right side just about a kilometer from Kamalapura . Bhima’s Gate is behind this temple.

Queen's Bath

located in Royal Enclosure, is a rectangular building with the long veranda inside approaching a square tank of 6 feet depth from all sides. This is considered as the Royal bath, where the king and his wives had their baths.

It's believed that water in the tank was filled with perfumes and fragrance flowers for the royal family. Outside the Queen's bath lies the pond encircling the building. Bridge like structures are seen at some points where one can cross the pond. The building is designed such a way that intruders could be prevented from walking into the place where the royal women take their bath.

The architecture of the bath is in the style of Indo-Saracenic and seems to be bit Islamic style than the Hindu style. Presently, as many other sites in Hampi, it is in ruins., located in Royal Enclosure, is a rectangular building with the long veranda inside approaching a square tank of 6 feet depth from all sides. This is considered as the Royal bath, where the king and his wives had their baths.