Voyage 361

Vitthala Temple: Hampi - III This is the most important among the ruins of Hampi for its art and architecture.   Though the temple complex was attacked by the Muslim invaders, it still stands as the most beautiful monument of Hampi, leaving behind us to only imagine the grandeur of the temple complex during the reign of Vijayanagara Kingdom. It is strategically located on the right bank of the river Tungabhadra facing Anegundi town on the other side of the river. Connecting these two was an ancient bridge, which has only the pillars remaining out of the ruins. This probably was planned to be at the middle of the old capital Anegundi and new capital Hampi. This temple is dedicated to Vitthala, a form of lord Vishnu. A Ruined city at the Vitthala temple complex Design of the temple complex: The Vittala temple complex is having a high enclosure with three gateway towers or Gopuras, the main tower facing the east, the smaller ones on to the north and south. To its we...

Virupaksha Temple: Hampi - II The road to Hampi ends at the Virupaksha temple, which is the oldest monument of Hampi dating back to 7 th century AD. The temple was reportedly extended and restored over and again, which is also one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India. The temple is located on the right bank of the River Tungabhadra. Through the main road you will pass though one of the gateways to enter inside the fort. The Main Gopura of the Virupaksha Temple Virupaksha is a form of Shiva, major portion of the temple complex was extended during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. The temple complex is housed with three main towers or Gopuras. The largest one being the main entrance called as Bistappaya tower facing east is about 165ft tall. The smaller eastern gateway leads to the inner court with its numerous smaller shrines. This tower is also called as the Raya Gopura.  The Raya Gopura with the Main gopura in the backdrop The most striking feature of t...

Hampi - The ruined city of the Vijayanagara Kingdom Hampi in a null-shell: The magnificent site of Hampi comprise mainly the leftovers of the Capital City of Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th Cent CE), the last great Hindu Kingdom, which reached its apogee under the reign of Krishna Deva Raya (1509-30). Termed as one of the most beautiful cities by many foreign travelers during Vijayanagara period. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim confederacy (five sultans of Deccan) after the Battle of Talikota (Rakkasa-Tangadi) in 1565, the city was pillaged over a period of six months before being abandoned. It was designated as World Heritage Site in 1986 by the UNESCO. The Iconic Lotus Mahal of Hampi As described by the UNESCO, Hampi is “one of the most beautiful cities of the medieval world” and in today’s world as “one of the most striking ruins of the world”. Vijayanagara Architecture: The Architecture of Vijayanagara is termed to be unique in nature, with traditional Hindu arc...