The location has everything that could possibly entice us to visit it, including the legend of a lost kingdom, impressive examples of our country's past architecture, and an untamed yet alluring landscape. These are just a few of the things that make the location so appealing.
Where exactly is the ancient city of Hampi?
Hampi, a legendary and historic city, is located in Karnataka. Bengaluru is about 365 miles and Hyderabad is about 380 kilometres from Hampi. As a result, the area is reachable from both Bangalore and Hyderabad. Hospet is the neighbouring town. Consequently, Hampi is a wonderful weekend escape from Bangalore and Hyderabad.
History of Hampi
In Hampi, there are several historical and mythical tales from the past. The mythology is really subtly woven into the local history, which initially slowly blends with local tradition.
Other names for Hampi include the Pampa Kshetra and the Kiskinda Kshetra. These mystic stories from Hampi are intricately linked to Hindu mythology.
Pampa was Lord Brahma's daughter. She gave Lord Shiva her whole attention. The Lord wanted to give her a present because He was touched by her dedication. She wanted to get married to him. Lord Shiva had to give in to Pampa's demands in order to wed her, but not before making atonement in the Hemakuta Hills (He was already married to Parvati). Gold then started to fall on the mountainside. The hill was given the name Hemakuta Hills because the Sanskrit word "Hema" means "gold."
Hampi is also known as Kiskinda Kshetra. The Ramayana's Kiskinda kingdom of the Vanaras originally resided here, according to mythology. The Kiskinda tale from the Hindu epic Ramayana is set at Hampi. In fact, legend has it that Hanuman, King Rama's faithful servant, was born amid the Anjaneya Hills.
These were the legends around Hampi. The well-known folktale of two local chieftains, Hakka and Bukka, coming across an unusual sight while out hunting serves as the introduction to the story. The sight of a dog chasing a hare was commonplace. Nevertheless, the hare quickly seized control and started pursuing the dog. Hakka and Bukka told this strange incident to their guru (teacher), Vidyaranya. Since he sensed it would be extraordinary, the Guru told his disciples to move their local capital to that exact spot. Hence was founded one of the richest and most beautiful kingdoms. The two brothers founded the Sangama dynasty in 1323, making them the city of triumph's first residents. From 1323 until 1565, four dynasties ruled over Hampi for over 200 years, making the Vijaynagar kingdom one of the most affluent and well-known. The markets of Hampi were constantly crowded with traders and dealers from all over the world, not only those from India, which at the time was one of the biggest commercial centres in the world. The abundance of markets in Hampi makes sense.
Hampi reached its pinnacle during Krishna Deva Raya of the Tuluva dynasty, who ruled from 1509 until 1529. Hampi at that time saw great success thanks to contemporary and international commerce techniques. The city's art and architecture also flourished, with magnificent temples appearing everywhere.
Yet, Hampi's golden age did not last for very long. Invading the realm ruthlessly in 1565, the Deccan Sultans made Hampi one of their main objectives. The Deccan Sultans pillaged and devastated the city for more than six months, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake. The marketplaces and temples had been destroyed, and nothing remained of the ancient empire. The empire was ruled by a number of people after the great invasion, but it was never able to regain its previous splendour. The city gradually became less important from a strategic standpoint and vanished. The town vanished and became deserted.
The story of the Hampi boulders:
The boulders in Hampi are composed of granite. The so-called Eastern Dharwar Craton includes them. A craton is a region of the Earth's crust that has not been affected by plate tectonics and has remained stable ever since it formed. They have experienced a substantial transformation.
But, Hindu mythology offers a more dramatic and colourful explanation for the Hampi stones. It was allegedly in Kiskinda, and the two monkey brothers, Bali and Sugreeva, were fighting for power. During the brutal battle between the two brothers, the troops threw pebbles at one another, leaving a trail of stones all over the place around Hampi. Basically, almost everything in India has a mythological underpinning.
What is Hampi famous for?
At Hampi, there is a paradise. The location is similar to an open museum; all you need to do to discover its appeal is to explore at your own pace. And be prepared to be amazed even in ordinary places since Hampi is charming even in ruin. As a result, we have compiled a list of the places you really must see while in Hampi.
1. The Virupaksha Temple
One of Hampi's most famous structures, the Virupaksha Temple, is located on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River. The temple is hard to overlook because it towers close to the marketplace. For everyone who worships Shiva, it is an important place of worship. The temple occupies a large, imposing space with several smaller shrines, pillared halls, and entrances dispersed throughout. Another intriguing technological achievement is the ability to see one of the earliest pinhole cameras in action at the shrine.
2. The Vijaya Vittala Temple
The outstanding architectural wonder of Hampi is the opulent Vijaya Vittala Temple. The vast compound of the temple has several rooms, pavilions, and entrances. Around the primary temple complex, there are further ruins. There seemed to have been a town built there. It is actually the prehistoric settlement of Vittalapura's ruins. Another manifestation of Lord Vishu, Vittala, was worshipped there. The most impressive aspect of this temple is the stone chariot.
3. Hampi Bazar
The contemporary Hampi market is not far from the legendary Hampi Bazar. The bazaar that is located in front of the temple is also known as the Virupaksha Bazar. Along the sides of the route are ageing pavilions that previously housed markets
4. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha stands atop the enormous seven-headed serpent Seshnag. The statue shows Lord Vishnu as having a dreadful aspect in his Narasimha avatar (incarnation). In the original statue, the Goddess Lakshmi was perched on the God's lap. Nevertheless, the monument was severely damaged when the Vijaynagar empire fell.
5. Krishna Temple
In 1513 AD, King Krishnadevaraya built the Krishna Temple to commemorate his victory against the Udaygiri or Utkala kingdom (in the present day Odisha). The main idol at the temple was a statue of Balakrishna (Lord Krishna as an infant). The state museum in Chennai is now displaying this idol. On a large slab that is found inside the temple, the conquest of Utkala is represented in detail.
6. Hemakuta Hills
The hill is not distant from the Virupaksha Temple. Views of the Virupaksha Temple and other Vijaynagar period relics are breathtaking from the hill. On the hill itself, there are a number of temple, archway, and pavilion ruins. Here is one location where you may witness one of Hampi's breathtaking sunsets.
7. Sasivekalu Ganesha
The Hemakuta hills and the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple are both not far from the temple's location. It is a huge statue of Ganesha.
8. Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple
On the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta Hills is where you'll find this temple. A sizable figure of Lord Ganesha that was carved out of a single piece of stone is located here. The monument's moniker refers to how much its belly resembles a Bengal gramme (Kadalekalu in the local tongue).
9. Matanga Hills
At the heart of Hampi, on the Matanga Hill, you may get a bird's-eye view of the whole settlement. When visiting Hampi, be sure to take in the spectacular sunset from the Matanga Hills. This time, due to heavy rain both evenings we were there, we missed Hampi's sunset.
10. Hazara Rama Temple
Early in the 15th century, Devaraya II, the king of Vijaynagar, built the Hazara Rama Temple. This small yet gorgeous temple is located in the centre of the royal neighbourhood. Once, the temple served as the royal family's personal shrine during the Vijaynagar empire. The temple contains a sculpture of the Ramayana, and the name "Hazara Rama" means "a thousand Rama." This temple may have one of India's biggest collections of artefacts.
11. The Anjaneya Hill and Temple
According to legend, Lord Hanuman was born atop Anjaneya Hill. On the other side of the River Tungabhadra, in the Anegondi Area, is where the hill is located. A temple to Lord Hanuman is located on top of the hill.
12. Pampa Sarovar
The Pampa Sarovar, one of the holiest ponds to Hindus, is located close to the Anjaneya Hills. There is a temple to Lord Shiva and his spouse Pampa Devi next to the pond.
13. Durga Temple
The Durga temple is likewise located on the Anegondi side, atop a small hill. The temple is located at the base of a fort. As a result, it is also believed that the name derives from the word "Durg," which meaning "fort." There were several tombs during the Vijayanagar empire.
Other attractions in Hampi include the Queen's Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Zenana enclosure, Courtesan's Street, Royal enclosure, Sugreeva's cave, and Bhima's Gateway.
How to Reach Hampi?
The train station that is nearest to Hampi is Hospet. There is great train and bus connection between Hospet and Bangalore. From Hospet, you may drive to Hampi. We took a sleeper bus from Bangalore to Hospet. We took a vehicle from Hospet to Hampi. 150 rupees were lost to the car. From the Hospet bus stop, you may get on a local bus that will take you to Hampi.
The closest airport to Hampi is in Bangalore.
What is the best time to Visit Hampi?
You may visit Hampi at any time of the year. But, since you must travel about Hampi a lot, the winter season is optimal. Moreover, the Hampi Festival happens in November.
Why should you visit Hampi?
If tradition and history are your thing and if historical tales tickle your curiosity, then Hampi is a place that you just must see. Every stone at Hampi has a story to tell, whether it's a fascinating myth or a story about the Vijaynagar kingdom.
If you like the look of historic structures, go to Hampi. The Vittala Temple and the Virupaksha Temple are the two outstanding examples of architecture. You will be astounded by the intricate designs and superb craftsmanship of these constructions.
Visit Hampi if you appreciate discovering new locations. You'll get a wonderful chance to boulder. The coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River is really breathtaking.
If you like the outdoors, go to Hampi. A little temple hamlet close to the Tungabhadra river, covered with big boulders, looks like a building site for nature's creations.
Go visit Hampi. Unless you visit Hampi, you won't know why you should travel there.
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