Marvel of Architecture is written in several books, and one such gem is preserved in the world’s largest open-air Museum of Architecture, Hampi, Karnataka. Hampi is a UNESCO heritage site popularly known as the Lost City of Architectural Wonders. It was only discovered in the 1800s by Scottish officer Colin Mackenzie, the first Surveyor General of India, also known to have authentically mapped the Southern parts of the Indian subcontinent. This city was ruled by four dynasties from 1336 to 1565; these dynasties built the astonishing architectural marvel Hampi.
Hampi is a small and beautiful town in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, which holds great cultural and historical value. It is an ideal destination for those interested in exploring the ruins, temples, palaces, and monuments of the Vijayanagara Empire. This place has been a source of fascination for archaeologists and tourists alike for many years.
In the past, Hampi was the centre of trade, culture, religion, and innovation during the golden age of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was once considered one of the wealthiest cities in the world, where creativity and prosperity flourished.
Architectural Marvel
Hampi boasts a remarkable past and unique architecture that heavily incorporates Indo-Islamic styles, distinguishing it from other contemporary cities. Hampi’s construction is notable for the absence of any mortar or cementing material in the walls, highlighting ancient builders’ skill and artistry. The town is also renowned for its intricate orchards and pleasure gardens, which feature stunning sculptures such as corbels and lotuses that interweave to create a visually striking landscape. The palace complex is equally impressive, featuring enormous arches, rooms with massive columns, and domes with sculptural niches that add to the timeless grandeur of the site.
The Tungabhadra River runs through the city, mainly shaping its colossal breadth. There are around 500 structures visible, including magnificent Hindu temples, sumptuous palace remains, imperial pavilions, and even bastions. Locals in Hampi estimate that seeing every monument and ruin would take at least two months. However, I visited as much as possible in the two days I had in Hampi, and I’ll discuss the most impressive and intriguing monuments there.
Virupaksha Temple
During the Vijayanagara period, Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain of Paruda Deva Raya, was responsible for overseeing the construction of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi – a revered location dedicated to Lord Shiva. Referred to as the Pampapathi Temple, this ancient tower stands out amidst the ruins of Hampi. Visitors worldwide come to visit this holy site, but it’s essential to differentiate it from the Prasanna Virupaksha Temple and the underground Shiva temple in Hampi.
The Virupaksha Temple boasts an impressive history as the Vijayanagara emperors, Chalukyan, and Hoysala emperors constructed it. This temple complex comprises three ante chambers, a pillared hall, an open hall, a pillared cloister, entrance gateways, courtyards, smaller shrines, and other structures. One of the unique aspects of this temple complex is its use of mathematical concepts, with repeated patterns depicting fractals.
The triangular temple was built by the renowned ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, Krishnadevaraya, who oversaw the construction of the central pillared hall and the gateway tower. These halls were used for various purposes, including viewing music, dance, and drama programs while conducting the marriages of the gods. Today, the temple remains a popular destination for tourists who witness the annual Chariot festival and the wedding and marriage ceremonies of Lord Virupaksha and Goddess Pampa in December. Despite Hampi’s destruction in 1565, the Virupaksha-Pampa religious sect continues to worship at this temple, making it a true testament to the enduring power of faith.
Vittala Temple
The Vittala Temple, located in Hampi, is a remarkable monument highlighting the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara period. This temple was constructed in the Dravidian style, with intricate carvings and impressive architecture. Initially, the main shrine had an enclosed mantapa, added in 1554 A.D. The temple complex is surrounded by high compound walls and three towering gateways, and it contains numerous stone-made halls, shrines, and pavilions. Notable structures within the temple complex include the Devi shrine, Maha Mantapa, Ranga Mantapa, Kalyana Mantapa, Utsava Mantapa, and the famous Stone Chariot. The temple’s impressive architecture and towering gateways make it a stunning sight.
Within the Vittala Temple complex, a cluster of melodic pillars was fashioned from massive single slabs of resonant stone. Over the ages, many people have been captivated by the mystery surrounding the musical notes that emanated from stone pillars. Even India’s British rulers, in awe of the musical pillars, longed to unlock their mystery. They removed two of the Vittala Temple’s musical pillars to see whether there was anything within the stone that might produce musical notes to satiate their curiosity and solve the enigma surrounding the remarkable pillars. They did not discover anything within the pillars, though. Inside the temple complex, the two pillars cut by the British overlords are still visible to tourists.
Ganagitti Jain Temple
The Ganagitti Temple is a Jain temple on the Kampli road near Bhima’s Gate in Hampi. It is one of the earliest structures built during the Vijayanagara Empire’s reign and a popular tourist attraction on the Hampi trail. The temple is designed in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, with some elements inspired by late Chalukya temples. It consists of two halls, Antarala Ardha Mantapa and Maha Mantapa, and an inner sanctum known as Garbha Griha.
Although the temple once had an idol, only the pedestal remains. However, footmarks on the platforms are believed to be of Thirthankara. The temple houses several Jain sculptures. The temple’s superstructure is a stepped pyramid with six diminishing talas of plain horizontal slabs. A large mana-stambha or column near the entrance contains an inscription stating the name of Iruguppa Daṇḍanāyaka, who built the temple during Harihara II’s reign.
References:
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- Karnataka.com. (2017). Virupaksha Temple: Of History. [online] Available at: https://www.karnataka.com/hampi/virupaksha-temple/.
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- SacredSoulDiaries (2017). The Architectural Marvel of India: Hampi. [online] Sacred Soul Diaries. Available at: https://sacredsouldiaries.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/the-architectural-marvel-of-india-hampi/
