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TAJ

KAKATIYAHERITAGE

Hampi An uplifting experience

BUDHAIN

SAGAR

’’

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main cen-ter of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorpo-rates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern . The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact,

and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern .

4incredible

india

VAH...

TAJ

he temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thrikuta-layam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The danc-ing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock. To one side of the temple you will find a pool which is made out of rock is used for cleaning of feet and hands before entering the temple.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple premises. each pillar and any structure is beauti-fully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very sacred is used for draw-ing water.

Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North

East direction faces the South West Di-rection. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicat-ed to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. To the south of the temple entrance is a

giant monolithic Nandi. The temple is built in a star shape

in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The danc-ing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple premises. each pillar and any structure is beauti-fully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very sacred is used for draw-ing water.

Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North

East direction faces the South West Di-rection. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicat-ed to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. To the south of the temple entrance is a giant monolithic Nandi.

To the opposite fully carved and has uniqueness in the structure.

T

’’

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi

temple is the main center of pilgrim-age at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has

three towers, the eastern .

MAHAL SPRITE

6incredible

india

he temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thrikuta-layam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The danc-ing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock. To one side of the temple you will find a pool which is made out of rock is used for cleaning of feet and hands before entering the temple.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple premises. each pillar and any structure is beauti-fully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very sacred is used for draw-ing water.

Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North

East direction faces the South West Di-rection. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicat-ed to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. To the south of the temple entrance is a

giant monolithic Nandi. The temple is built in a star shape

in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The danc-ing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple premises. each pillar and any structure is beauti-fully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very sacred is used for draw-ing water.

Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North

East direction faces the South West Di-rection. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicat-ed to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. To the south of the temple entrance is a giant monolithic Nandi.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the fully carved and has uniqueness in the structure.

T

’’

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi

temple is the main center of pilgrim-age at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has

three towers, the eastern .

MAHAL SPRITE

KAKATIYAHERITAGE

he temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central complex is known as

the "“Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform. The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The danc-ing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock. To

one side of the temple you will find a pool which is made out of rock is used for cleaning of feet and hands before entering the temple. To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple premises. each pillar and any structure is beauti-fully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very sacred is used for draw-ing water.Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North East direction faces the South West Direction. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicated to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya.

T

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india

Thousand Pillar Temple- Warangal is 150 kms away from Hyderabad. It was built by King Rudra Deva in the year 1163 A.D. Warangal is flooded with splendid temples, his-torical monuments and huge forts. This region has been beautified by the Kakatiya rulers. The Thousand Pillar Temple reflects the magnifi-cence of the Chalukya kings.

The Thousand Pillar Temple- Warangal is built in the shape of a star. The temple constitutes of three shrines, where the presiding deities are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. As the name of the temple reflects there are one thousand intricately carved pillars. The sculpture of 'Nandi' the holy bull of Lord Shiva, carved out of a monolithic black basalt stone has a glossy finish which is a splendid piece of art. The Thousand Pillar Temple is constructed, on the slopes of the Hanumakonda.

Thousand Pillar Temple- Warangal is 150 kms away from Hyderabad. It was built by King Rudra Deva in the year 1163 A.D. Warangal is flooded with splendid temples, historical monuments and huge forts. This region has been beautified by the Kakatiya rulers. The Thousand Pillar Temple reflects the magnificence of the Chalukya kings.

Thousand Pillar Temple- Warangal is 150 kms away from Hyderabad. It was built by King Rudra Deva in the year 1163 A.D. Warangal is flooded with splendid temples, historical monuments and huge forts. This region has been beautified by the Kakatiya rulers. The Thousand Pillar Temple reflects the magnificence of the Chalukya kings.

he temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central

complex is known as the "“Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hana-mkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The dancing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock. To one side of the temple you will find a pool which is made out of rock is used for cleaning of feet and hands before entering the temple.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple premises. each pillar and any structure is beautifully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very sacred is used for drawing water.

Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North East

direction faces the South West Direction. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicated to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. To the south of the temple entrance is a giant monolithic Nandi.

The temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thrikuta-layam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The dancing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock. To one side of the temple you will find a pool which is made out of rock is used for cleaning of feet and hands before entering the temple.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple premises. each pillar and any structure is beautifully carved and has uniqueness in the structure.

T

10incredible

india

Thousand Pillar Temple- Waran-gal is 150 kms away from Hyderabad. It was built by King Rudra Deva in the year 1163 A.D. Warangal is flooded with splendid temples, historical monuments and huge forts. This region has been beautified by the Kakatiya rulers. The Thou-sand Pillar Temple reflects the magnificence of the Chalukya kings.

The Thousand Pillar Temple- Warangal is built in the shape of a star. The temple constitutes of three shrines, where the presiding deities are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya. As the name of the temple reflects there are one thousand intricate-ly carved pillars. The sculpture of 'Nandi' the holy bull of Lord Shiva, carved out of a mono-lithic black basalt stone has a glossy finish which is a splendid piece of art. The Thousand Pillar Temple is constructed, on the slopes of the Hanumakonda.

he temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thrikutalayam”.

The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The dancing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock. To one side of the temple you will find a pool which is made out of rock is used for cleaning of feet and hands before entering the temple.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple prem-ises. each pillar and any structure is beautifully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very

sacred is used for drawing water.Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North East direc-

tion faces the South West Direction. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicated to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. To the south of the temple entrance is a giant monolithic Nandi.

The temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedi-cated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thri-kutalayam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The dancing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock.

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india

he temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the tem-ple central complex is known as the "“Thrikutalayam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The dancing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock. To one side of the temple you will find a pool which is made out of rock is used for cleaning of feet and hands before entering the temple.

To the opposite of the temple is a mandapa where devotees gather and spend time in the temple prem-ises. each pillar and any structure is beautifully carved and has uniqueness in the structure. In and around the temple are many gardens and small lingam shrines. There is a well in the temple which is considered very sacred is used for drawing water.

Thousand Pillar Temple DirectionsThe Temple if seen from the North East direc-

tion faces the South West Direction. The entrance of the temple is in the South Direction. The entrance of the temple has a mandapa which has three shrines attached to it which are dedicated to the Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. To the south of the temple entrance is a giant monolithic Nandi.

The temple is built in a star shape in the Chalukya style and comprises of three shrines which are dedi-cated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Because of this the temple central complex is known as the "“Thri-kutalayam”. The temple is built on the slopes of the Hanamkonda Hills on a 1 meter high platform.

The Temple is notable for the richly carved pillars each pillar is carved in such a way that it depicts many pillars engraved in a single pillar. The dancing platform which is viewed from any direction from the central complex is a marvel. The temple entrance has a giant Nandi (Monolithic) which is made from black Basalt is beautifully carved in a sitting position measures 6 feet in height and has chiseled ornaments and garlands. Also you can see the elephants which are cut from the rock.

t is not every day that one gets a chance to break free from the clutches of mundane life in the city and holiday at an exotic lo-cale far away. There was a feeling

of sheer exhilaration at the prospect of a quiet break from the drudgery of our urban existenc. The combination of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th century ruins of Hampi – the globally renowned heritage holiday destination situated 355 kilometers from Banga-lore. It is not every day that one gets a chance to break free from the clutches of mundane life in the city and holiday at an exotic locale far away. There was a feeling of sheer exhilaration at the prospect of a quiet break from the drudgery of our urban existenc. The combination of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th century ruins of Hampi – the globally renowned heritage holiday destination situated 355 kilome-ters from Bangalore. It is not every day

that one gets a chance to break free from the clutches of mundane life in the city and holiday at an exotic locale far away. There was a feeling of sheer exhilaration at the prospect of a quiet break from the drudgery of our urban existenc. The combination of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an op-portunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th century ruins of Hampi – the globally renowned heritage holiday destination situated 355 kilometers from Bangalore.

exhilaration at the prospect of a quiet break from the drudgery of our urban existenc. The combination of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th century ruins of Hampi – the globally renowned heritage holiday destination situated 355 kilometers from Bangalore.

exhilaration at the prospect of a quiet break from the drudgery of our urban existenc. The combination of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst.

I

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india

Hampi An uplifting experience

was a feeling of sheer exhilaration at the prospect of a quiet break from the drudgery of our urban existenc. The combina-tion of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th cen-tury ruins of Hampi – the globally renowned heritage holiday des-tination situated 355 kilometers from Bangalore. The combina-tion of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th cen-tury ruins of Hampi – the globally renowned heritage holiday des-tination situated 355 kilometers from Bangalore. from Bangalore. The combination of the Dasara holidays and a weekend gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited holiday amidst the 12-15th century ruins of Hampi – the globally renowned heritage holiday destination situated 355 kilometers from Bangalore from Bangalore. The combination of the Dasara holidays and a week-end gave us an opportunity to undertake our long awaited.

ampi – a world heritage site Hampi is a world famous heritage tourism destination and one of the 16 UNESCO recog-

nised World Heritage Sites in the country. Once home to a cultural efflorescence involving sculptors, musicians, artists, and artisans who worked together to translate the lofty vision of the Vijayanagar princes into enduring monuments, Hampi is currently an underdevel-oped village which doesn’t even have a proper tar road. The ruins sprawl over an area of 26 square kilometers and evoke a bygone era of ancient pomp and glory. The opulent palaces, temples and mas-sive fortifications are built with such ingenuity that they blend naturally with their surrounding rock forma-tions and appear as though they have just grown out of them.Situated on the banks of the grace-ful Tungabhadra, amidst massive boulders and craggy hills, Hampi was the capital of the ancient Vi-jayanagar Empire which controlled

the Deccan for over 200 years from 1336-1565 AD, and reached its ze-nith during the reign of Krishnade-varaya, its most famous emperor. Following the death of Krishnade-varaya in 1529 AD the neighbouring Muslim Bahamani rulers coalesced and attacked Hampi. The invad-ing armies ran amok in the town, destroying its beautiful temples and monuments and left the grand city in ruins. Situated on the banks of the grace-ful Tungabhadra, amidst massive boulders and craggy hills, Hampi was the capital of the ancient Vi-jayanagar Empire which controlled the Deccan for over 200 years from 1336-1565 AD, and reached its ze-nith during the reign of Krishnade-varaya, its most famous emperor. Following the death of Krishnade-varaya in 1529 AD the neighbouring Muslim Bahamani rulers coalesced and attacked Hampi. The invad-ing armies ran amok in the town, destroying its beautiful temples and monuments and left the grand city in ruins.

H

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The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully in-tact, and it incorporates some earlier structures.

This temple has three towers, the eastern .’

’

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CHEKRAOFHampi

ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th

century CE)) which brought about a renais-sance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

This tower has been built such that an inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall of the temple through a small hole behind the sanctum. The northern gopuram has five storeys, and the inner east-ern gopuram is endowed with three storeys.

The presiding deity here is Virupakshesh-wara or Pampapathi. His consort Pampa, is believed to be the daughter of Bhrama. There is an ornate shrine to Bhuvaneswari. There is a shrine to Vidyaranya, the spiritual founder of Vijayanagar in this temple. The inner pra-karam consists of shrines and pillars dating back to the 12th century.

Krishnadevaraya also built a mandapam in front of the sanctum, and embellished it with Vijayanagar style bas reliefs and murals. Several of Shiva's manifestations, and the ten incarnations of Vishnu are portrayed here, as is the classic scene from Mahabharata depict-ing Arjuna's shooting the fish device in order to secure Draupadi's hand in marriage. There is also a mural depicting Vidyaranya the spiri-tual founder of Vijayanagar in procession.

In the vicinity of the Virupaksha temple are several dilapidated mandapams. In front of the temple was once an ancient shopping center lined with mandapams, the ruins of which stand today.

Festivals: The chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheshwara and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.

Hampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vi-jayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th century CE)) which brought about a renaissance of indigenous art and culture, as

it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

This tower has been built such that an inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall of the temple through a small hole behind the sanctum. The northern gopuram has five storeys, and the inner east-ern gopuram is endowed with three storeys.

The presiding deity here is Virupakshesh-wara or Pampapathi. His consort Pampa, is believed to be the daughter of Bhrama. There is an ornate shrine to Bhuvaneswari. There is a shrine to Vidyaranya, the spiritual founder of Vijayanagar in this temple. The inner pra-karam consists of shrines and pillars dating back to the 12th century.

Krishnadevaraya also built a mandapam in front of the sanctum, and embellished it with Vijayanagar style bas reliefs and murals. Several of Shiva's manifestations, and the ten incarnations of Vishnu are portrayed here, as is the classic scene from Mahabharata depict-ing Arjuna's shooting the fish device in order to secure Draupadi's hand in marriage. There is also a mural depicting Vidyaranya the spiri-tual founder of Vijayanagar in procession.

In the vicinity of the Virupaksha temple are several dilapidated mandapams. In front of the temple was once an ancient shopping center lined with mandapams, the ruins of which stand today.

Festivals: The chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheshwara and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.

Krishnadevaraya also built a mandapam in front of the sanctum, and embellished it with Vijayanagar style bas reliefs and murals. Several of Shiva's manifestations, and the ten incarnations of Vishnu are portrayed here, as is the classic scene from Mahabharata depict-ing Arjuna's shooting the fish device in order to secure Draupadi's hand in marriage. There is also a mural depicting Vidyaranya the spiri-tual founder of Vijayanagar in procession.

Krishnadevaraya also built a mandapam in front of the sanctum, and embellished it with Vijayanagar style bas reliefs and murals.

H’’The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi

temple is the main center of pilgrim-age at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has

three towers, the eastern .

BUDHAIN

SAGAR

24incredible

india

ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th

century CE)) which brought about a renais-sance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

This tower has been built such that an inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall of the temple through a small hole behind the sanctum. The northern gopuram has five storeys, and the inner east-ern gopuram is endowed with three storeys.

The presiding deity here is Virupakshesh-wara or Pampapathi. His consort Pampa, is believed to be the daughter of Bhrama. There is an ornate shrine to Bhuvaneswari. There is a shrine to Vidyaranya, the spiritual founder of Vijayanagar in this temple. The inner pra-karam consists of shrines and pillars dating back to the 12th century.

Krishnadevaraya also built a mandapam in front of the sanctum, and embellished it with Vijayanagar style bas reliefs and murals. Several of Shiva's manifestations, and the ten

incarnations of Vishnu are portrayed here, as is the classic scene from Mahabharata depict-ing Arjuna's shooting the fish device in order to secure Draupadi's hand in marriage. There is also a mural depicting Vidyaranya the spiri-tual founder of Vijayanagar in procession.

In the vicinity of the Virupaksha temple are several dilapidated mandapams. In front of the temple was once an ancient shopping center lined with mandapams, the ruins of which stand today.

Festivals: The chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheshwara and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.

Hampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vi-jayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th century CE)) which brought about a renaissance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

This tower has been built such that an inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall .

H

ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th

century CE)) which brought about a renais-sance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

This tower has been built such that an inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall of the temple through a small hole behind the sanctum. The northern gopuram has five storeys, and the inner east-ern gopuram is endowed with three storeys.

The presiding deity here is Virupakshesh-wara or Pampapathi. His consort Pampa, is believed to be the daughter of Bhrama. There is an ornate shrine to Bhuvaneswari. There is a shrine to Vidyaranya, the spiritual founder of Vijayanagar in this temple. The inner pra-karam consists of shrines and pillars dating back to the 12th century.

Krishnadevaraya also built a mandapam in front of the sanctum, and embellished it with Vijayanagar style bas reliefs and murals. Several of Shiva's manifestations, and the ten

incarnations of Vishnu are portrayed here, as is the classic scene from Mahabharata depict-ing Arjuna's shooting the fish device in order to secure Draupadi's hand in marriage. There is also a mural depicting Vidyaranya the spiri-tual founder of Vijayanagar in procession.

In the vicinity of the Virupaksha temple are several dilapidated mandapams. In front of the temple was once an ancient shopping center lined with mandapams, the ruins of which stand today.

Festivals: The chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheshwara and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.

Hampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vi-jayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th century CE)) which brought about a renaissance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

This tower has been built such that an inverted shadow of this huge tower falls on the western wall .

H’’The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi

temple is the main center of pilgrim-age at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has

three towers, the eastern .

26incredible

india

ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th

century CE)) which brought about a renais-sance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya. ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th century CE)) which brought about a renaissance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Viru-paksha or the Pam-

papathi temple is the main center of pilgrim-age at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incor-porates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya. ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th century CE)) which brought about a renaissance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

H ’’The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi

temple is the main center of pilgrim-age at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has

three towers, the eastern .

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BUDHA

28incredible

india

ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th

century CE)) which brought about a renais-sance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century and was renovated

in the sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya. ampi, now in ruins is the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagar, capital of the Vijayanagar empire (founded under the spiritual guidance of Vidyaranya of Sringeri in early 14th century CE)) which brought about a renaissance of indigenous art and culture, as it defended the region against the plundering armies from elsewhere.

Much of Vijayanagar is now in ruins, as when the rulers were defeated at the hands of the invaders at the battle of Talikota in the 16th century, most of the marvelous structures and edifices were systematically destroyed.

The Virupaksha or the Pampapathi temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi. It is fully intact, and it incorporates some earlier structures. This temple has three towers, the eastern tower rises to a height of 160 feet and is nine tiered. It dates back sixteenth century by Krishnadevaraya.

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