Hampi

Entering Hampi, ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It consists of 83 sites, 7 of them major.

Rice fields on North side of Tungabhadra River.

Options for getting over to our homestay on north side of river(we move to Main side after one night).

Virupaksha Temple

The largest of Hampi.

Sunset on Hemakuta Hill, just up from the main temple, Virupaksha.

We have a bit of a rocky start here in Hampi but more on that later. Our lucky star delivered us to an official guide, Hanuman, with whom we spent three excellent half days exploring this remarkable Unesco site.

View of former bazaar strip (live one destroyed by gov’n in 2007) leading up to Virupaksha temple; detail work; bottom right: the debauchery – one is found on all temples: wards off such sin.

Paying the temple elephant for a blessing that he then proceeded automatically to give me with his trunk; rare three headed bull, Nandi; royal seal: sword, snake elephant.

Up, up, up… bolders of small shrines and temples.

@Krishna Temple (marriage hall), 1513; @Ganash Temple; stone carvings @Royal compound

Royal Compound

The nobility lived here in the 14th century. Many of the structures were made of wood so foundations only remain.

Semi underground Shiva temple in Royal compound

Royal bath, eating platters, intricate daily life scenes.

The Queen’s Bath

The Queen’s Bath inside and out. Islamic influenced archetecture

Top: religious zone of river where there was a bridge in ancient times; right: banyon tree’s roots used for attaching young couple’s offerings to the God’s, hopefully that they be blessed with children.

Vittala Temple

The second largest in Tampi which like others was surrounded by a thriving township.

Top: demo for entering temple: lay flat with all 8? points of body touching ground. Below:the King’s balance used to measure jewels

The famous stone chariot, below, was used to transport Vishnu’s own means of getting around: his eagle!

The stone chariot now on the 50 Rupees banknote.

A dance hall was a unique feature of the complex. It was build in 1509 during the 20 year ‘golden age’ for one of the sultan’s two queen’s who was a professional dancer. The hall had 56 pillars of varying sizes of which the small ones were musical instruments.

Top: dance hall showing musical pillars; Bottom: intricate detail.

Zanana Compound

was a compound used by Royal women/courtiers for their relaxation and security at times of war or when men were away. Of the three principle buildings only the one remains (plus three watch towers) as other two were of wood.

Getting to/seeing the Zanana Compound.

Royal Elephant Stable

Housed eleven elephant’s, each with their personal trainer.

Top: Royal stables; bottom: saying adieu to our great guide, Hanuman (also name of monkey god). He comes very recommended by us.