Built in 7th century, Virupakasha temple is one of the oldest functioning temples in India. The main gopura of the Virupakasha temple dominates Hampi’s skyline.
Month: February 2021
Hemakuta hill monuments
Hemakuta hill is a rocky hill has a collection monuments that are the best preserved examples of pre-Vijayanagara and early-Vijayanagara temples and construction. It has more than 30 small to moderate sized temples.
Krishna temple
Krishna temple also known as Balakrishna temple was built by the King Krishnadevaraya as a mark of victory over the Gajapathi king Prataparudra of Odisha reclaiming Udayagiri. Stories of puranas were carved on the walls of the temple and its main gopura.
Lakshmi Narasimha
Lakshmi Narasimha is the largest statue in Hampi carved out of single stone. Lakshmi Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven headed Adisesha. The heads of Adisesha act as the hood above his head.
Badavi linga
The 10 feet tall Shiva linga is seated over a large circular platform. The Shiva linga stands in water in a cubical chamber and has three eyes sketched on its top.
Talarighatta gate
Talarighatta served as a major toll collection point. The only road to reach the Vittala Temple complex is through this gate.
Gejjala Mantapa
Gejjala mantapa was used as a dancing hall. The main attraction is the two rows of pillars that are standing in a concentric pattern around the elevated platform.
The grand Vijaya Vittala temple
The grand Vijaya Vittala temple is the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. No amount of words can explain its architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. The temple is dedicated to Vittala, a form of Krishna.
Stone chariot: The icon of Hampi
The chariot is built on a rectangular platform. The base platform is carved with scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharatha in its finest details. A series of concentric floral motifs decorate the wheels.
That alluring tree
This wonderfully shriveled tree, just around the southern corner of the Vijaya Vittala temple, steals the show. This tree adds to the already extravagant beauty of the stone chariot and Vijaya Vittala temple.