Group of Monuments at Hampi

Hampi was the capital city of the Vijayanagar empire, which was founded in 1336 AD and was home to four separate dynasties. Under the leadership of King Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva Dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire soared to inconceivable heights. The ancient temples, forts, and other sites in Hampi have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Around 1500 AD, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and, according to some sources, the world’s second-largest metropolis. Its importance waned over the years, and today the ruins of several temples and other monuments can be found scattered across a large region. The Tungabhadra River runs through it. Hampi portrays the stories of its extant structures with its huge, artistically carved temples.

Monuments And Temples

Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple, also known as the ‘Pampavathi Temple,’ is one of Hampi’s oldest structures, dating back to before the Vijayanagara Empire was founded. During the Vijayanagara Empire, it was transformed from a tiny shrine to an imposing and magnificent temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, the Vijayanagara rulers’ patron god, includes three entrance towers or gopuras, the main entrance tower being the highest at 49 metres, and a smaller second entrance tower leading to the temple’s courtyard. The Kanakagiri gopura, the third gopura, leads to another enclosed area with subsidiary temples and then to the Tungabhadra River.

Linga Badawi

Linga Badavi It is Hampi’s tallest monolithic Linga, standing 3 feet tall and dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Linga is housed within a chamber and is located next to the Lakshmi Narasimha statue. The Lord’s three eyes are carved on the Linga. According to folklore, it was commissioned by a peasant woman, which is why the term ‘Badya,’ which means impoverished in the local language, became linked with it. A water passage connects the Linga’s sanctuary, which is always immersed in water.

Vittala Temple Complex

Vittala Temple complex, which contains halls, pavilions, and many other temples, including the gigantic stone chariot that has become synonymous with the site and is now used as a symbol by Karnataka Tourism, is possibly the most well-known feature of the site.  The Vittala Temple, which was built in the 15th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is an architectural marvel with magnificently carved pillared halls. From the complex, remnants of the Vittalapuram Township, which previously existed around it, can be seen.

Ganigatti Temple

Ganigatti Jain temple is a Jain temple located in Ganagatti, India. The Ganigatti, Parsvanath Charan, and Ratnantraykut Jain temples are among the several Jain temples in Hampi, most of which are in ruins and devoid of idols. The temples were built in the 14th century, according to the ruins. One of the earliest temples of the Vijayanagara Empire is the Ganigatti Jain Temple, which is built in the shape of a stepped pyramid with six gradually decreasing levels. The Kunthunath Jain Temple is also known as the ‘Oil-Woman Temple.’ It is ornamented with diverse Jain sculptures and comprises an inner sanctuary or garbha griha and two halls, the antarala Ardha mantapa and the maha mantapa, and is built in the Vijayanagara style of architecture.

Krishna Temple

 The Krishna Temple was built in 1513 CE during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over the Orissan Gajapatis. This temple, which was abandoned after the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, continues to attract tourists for its technological marvels, which include a swing pavilion and famed melodic pillars, as well as a Sacred Tank or Pushkarani. A large slab in the courtyard has an inscription about the building’s history. The temple’s principal deity, a depiction of Lord Krishna as a child known as Balakrishna, has been relocated.

Lotus Mahal

Lotus Mahal (Lotus Palace) is a

In the ‘Zanana Enclosure,’ this Lotus-like two-story symmetric structure is also known as the ‘Lotus Palace,’ ‘Chitrangini Mahal,’ and ‘Kamal Mahal. ‘ Private temples and servant rooms are included in the enclosure for the Queen and other royal ladies. One of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture is the palace.

Hampi Bazaar

Bazaar of Hampi This market, also known as the Virupaksha Bazaar, is located in the foothills of Matanga Hill, in front of the Virupaksha Temple. This kilometre-long area included noble houses as well as a succession of historic pavilions that served as elements of the market. During the annual Hampi festival, this platform serves as the main stage.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum, which was founded by ASI and is located in Kamalapura, is one of Hampi’s primary attractions. It started bringing antiques to the museum in 1972 and now has four galleries with sculptures, armoury, religious objects, gold and copper coins, sati stones, brass plates, and other artefacts from the Vijayanagara Empire on exhibit. 

Conclusion

Hampi, also known as the Hampi Group of Monuments, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India’s east-central state of Karnataka. The austere, majestic site of Hampi served as the last capital of Vijayanagar, the last great Hindu kingdom. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, its immensely wealthy lords built Dravidian temples and palaces that drew the admiration of Hampi. Hampi is a fascinating destination to explore and learn about the region’s rich history. Hampi’s architecture was one-of-a-kind. The structures in the compound included arches, pillared halls, and domes, as well as holes for mounting sculptures. There were also well-kept woodlands and gardens with sculptural themes like the lotus and corbels.