High on History – Hampi

/ Anna&Avrish

From the splendor of past to a saddening ending to a place with substantial historical importance- Hampi, the last great Hindu Kingdom in South India, has seen it all.

Instead of weed, I got high on History in Hampi. There is a distinct vantage point of Hampi apart from the hippie culture. This post is all about the ancient memoir of the Vijaynagara empire, the monolithic architectures and the shaded grandeur from the past. In short: if you looking for a post that would provide details of where to get “High” in Hampi, please buzz off! I had a weekend trip to Hampi from Pune starting on Friday night and ending on Monday morning. It was more like a heritage tour for me.

Stone Chariot of Vijay Vitthala Temple

History: Located on the banks of Tungabhadra river in Karnataka, a religious and trading hub, Hampi was the capital of Vijaynagara Empire in 14th century. The glorious past depicts the story of an enriched city with wealth and prosperity till the end of Tulu dynasty. All the splendour faded when Muslim Sultans defeated the empire, looted and destroyed Vijayanagara turning it into ruins.

Ugra Narasimha Temple

After a 12 hours journey from Pune to Hospet (Distance: 600 kilometers), when I reached Hospete, it was 11 am. The hustle and bustle of finding a hotel, checking room, settling down , having a wash and lunch took 2 hours (pfft!) and finally I started exploring the place around 1pm. The road was in a good condition so it took half an hour to reach Hampi from Hospete(Distance: 12 kilometers). I’ll try to provide as much information as possible.

Please note that as it was a religious center, temples are a significant part of this trip. All these ancient monuments are spread over 26 kilometers and the most convenient way to travel the ruins is by Auto, car or cycle. Auto will charge as per your bargaining skill ranging from Rs. 600-1500/- per day.

Virupaksha Temple

The view points of Hampi can be divided into three areas as mentioned below. These are the must-visit spots: Virupaksha Temple, Vijay Vitthala Temple, Ugra Narasimha Temple, Lotus Mahal and Mahanavami Dibba. Most of the below mentioned places don’t have any entry fee and can be visited from 6am-6pm.

One: You can see the photos in the slideshow by clicking the right/left arrow.

  • Saasivekaalu Ganesha,
  • Kadalekalu Ganesh,
  • Virupaksha Temple,
  • Hampi Bazar,
  • Krishna Temple and Krishna Bazar,
  • Ugra Narasimha Temple,
  • Badavilinga Temple
  • Virupaksha Temple: One of the main attractions and the oldest running temple of Hampi. This was considered the holiest sactuary in Hampi. The temple was dedicated to Goddess Pampa and God Virupaksha, a form Lord Shiva. Charges: Rs.50/- for Camera. Timings: 9am-1pm, 5pm-9pm.
  • Inside View of Virupaksha Temple. The Gods of the temple are worshiped everyday.
  • Ugra Narasimha Temple: The highest idol (22ft) in Hampi. One can easily notice that there is a huge serpent idol with its hood open in the back of the Narasimha staue. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Badavilinga Temple:Just beside Ugra Narasimha Temple, this temple with a 12ft tall Shiva linga made of black stone is situated. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Saasivekaalu Ganesha : 12ft high monolithic statue of hindu deity Ganesh. The legend is Ganesha tied a snake in his belly to stop it from bursting after he consumed a lot of food. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Kadalekalu Ganesh: 18ft tall monolithic statue. As the belly of the Ganesha was structured in the form of Chickpea (Kadalekalu in Kannada), the statue was named after that. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Hampi Bazar: This market is just outside of Virupaksha temple where you can buy souvenirs for others.
  • Krishna Temple : This temple of Lord Balakrishna was made in 1513 A.D. by Krishnadevarya after he won a battle against rein of Utkala.
  • Although currently the idol of Krishna Temmple is at Chennai Museum, the temple is worth visiting for its architecture and artistry.
  • Just in front of the Krishna temple, you’ll find the ruins of Krishna Bazar. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.

Two:

  • Underground Shiva Temple,
  • Sister Stone,
  • Zenana Enclosure with Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stable and Ranga Temple
  • Hazara Rama Temple,
  • Pan Supari Bazar,
  • Royal Enclosure, Mahanavami Dibba and Pushkarini,
  • Queens Bath,
  • Archaeological Museum
  • Zenana Enclosure: Zenana Enclosure is this secluded places surrounded by walls that was dedicated for the women of Vijaynagara Empire. This compound was protected by watch towers in the corners. Currently I could witness history falling into disrepair. Charges: Rs.40/-. Timings: 8am-6pm.
  • Lotus Mahal: The major attraction of Zenana Enclosure is this beautiful architecture in the form of lotus- depicts a mix of Hindu and Muslim culture. It is referred as council chamber in the map found in 18th Century.
  • Elephant Stables: Elephant Stable is situated behind Zenana Enclosure. There are eleven stables which were used for royal elephants in the past. Each of these are connected to each-other with small doors. Charges: NA. Timings: 8am-6pm.
  • Ranga Temple: Ranga Temple is situated just beside Zenana Enclosure and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Royal Enclosure: Spread over 59000 square meters, Royal Enclosure was the residence and administrative center of the empire. It used to house 43 buildings including Mahanavami Dibba and Pushkarini. All these are used by the royaal family. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Mahanavami Dibba: This stone sculpted platform was used to celebrate Dussehrra/ Dasara (Durgapuja/Navaratri). Beautiful carvings can be spotted on this 12 meter tall construction. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • The craftmanship on MahaNavami Dibba.
  • Underground Shiva Temple: It is situated few meters below the ground level and its roof is at the ground level. The temple is swamped in stagnant water. It is build in 14A.D.
  • Pushkarini: This stepped pond can be found in the premises of Royal Enclosure. It exhibits the architectural enrichment of Vijaaynagar era. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Queens Bath: The name suggests it all. There is a 8ft deep pool and canal for water to flow from outside, in the middle of this construction. The impact of Hindu and Muslim style can be seen in this architecture. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm
  • Hazara Rama Temple: The name comes from “Thousand Ram”- Ram being a Hindu deity. The stories from Ramayana are engraved on the walls of the temple making it an unique architecture. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Pan supari Bazar: In front of Hazara Rama Temple, ruins of Pan Supari Bazar can be seen. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Sister Stone: In the land of ancient boulders and stones, these 2 stones stand out. It is said that they were 2 sisters turned into stones for passing derogatory comment on Hampi. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.

Three:

  • Bheema’s Gate
  • Gejjala Mantapa
  • Vijay Vitthala Temple
  • King’s Balance
  • Vijay Vitthala Temple: The main attraction of Hampi is Vijay Vitthala Temple that was dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was made in 15 century. This temple is famous for its unique and exceptional architecture. Charges: Rs.40/-.Timings: 8.30 am to 5 pm.
  • Stone Chariot: The main attraction of this temple is Stone Chariot. In the premises of Vijay Vitthala Temple, this Chariot that was dedicated to Garuda, can be found. Earlier there was a huge idol of Garuda on the top of the chariot but now it is empty.
  • King’s Balance: Here Kings weighed themselves with diamonds and jewels that were to be distributed among poor. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Gejjala Mantapa: Gejjala Mantapa can be visited on the way to Vijay Vitthala Temple. It is said that Gejjala Mantapa was used for religious functions. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Tungabhadra River: A few steps ahead from Vijay Vitthala Temple, you’ll see Tungabhadra river flowing peacefully. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.
  • Bheema’s Gate: Bheema’s gate is the huge gateway of Vijaynagara dynasty that reflects the strong security system at that time. Charges: NA. Timings: 6am-6pm.

Here are few information about Hampi:

  • One entry ticket can be used to enter Zenana Enclosure, Vijay Vitthala Temple and Archeological Museum Hampi. It costs Rs. 40/- for Indians and it is valid for one day only. So it is advisable to visit these places on the same day. Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stable, Ranga Temple are situated in and around the compound of Zenana Enclosure.
  • The best time to visit Hampi is during Hampi Utsav that occurs on January/February.
  • Don’t miss the Coracle ride. It is a round shaped boat. Please note that the service pauses during rain. Unfortunately the weather was not with me and I missed it.
  • You can enjoy sunset at Hemakuta Hill or Matanga Hill.
  • Here are few spots I could not visit due to lack of time: Archeological Museum , Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple and Achyutaraya Temple.
That’s your blogger at the banks of Tungabhadra.

25 thoughts on “High on History – Hampi”

  1. Reading other blogs is always an interesting experience – I really enjoyed yours – it gave me a perspective I hadn’t expected. Others are often from bloggers visiting new places, not in there own country, so you get an outsiders view looking in. Views of your own culture can be more Insightful as yours are – Thankyou for enriching my day. Good luck with your further travels and stay safe. Nigel.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  10. Thank you for inviting me to your blog. India is a very important place in my life when my father lived there for three years in WWII. He came to know and love the way the businessmen made you want to buy their goods, with a smile. He admired their tenacity. He wanted to go back. The worship of many gods, but where is Buddah? What a wonderful way to see such ancient ways of life. Thank you again!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment