March 26, 2011

Kings Balance

This 16th century, 5 meter tall stone structure stands at the end of Kampa Bhupa’s Path, to the southwest of the Vittala Temple in Hampi. It is also called as Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana, It looks like an archway from far, in fact a path passes through this stone structure to Vitala Templa. Artistcally carved granite beam placed is placed on two carved granite pillars which gives it a shape of a balance.

The legend has it that this was used on special days like solar and lunar eclipse, when scales were hung from the transom, and the emperor was ceremonially weighed against gold and precious gems and the treasure was then distributed among the people of his state.

On close observation one can see the loops at the top from which balance was actually hung, also on one of the pillars you can see carving of the king and two queens, possibly Krishnadeva Raya and his consorts. (Image below, extreme left) One can also find carvings depicting people praising the king, on and around this stone balance. (Middle and extreme right)

21 comments:

  1. Marvelous captures and fascinating history as always, Sam! Always look forward to your posts! Hope you have a great week!

    Sylvia

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  2. Lovely photo and the closeups of the detail on the carvings are wonderful.

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  3. Interesting comment, also a notable historic building.I like to learn something new.Greeting from Peter.

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  4. @ eileeninmd
    Thanks Eileen, good to hear from you after a long time

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  5. Intriguing structure; more elaborate than it looked at first glance.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  6. Oh how fascinating. It looks so delicate on the one hand, but so strong to have withstood so many centuries...

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  7. This is truly amazing!
    I love the carvings, and the history behind it.

    Thank you for sharing this at The Creative Exchange!

    lisa.

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  8. :) Imagine that, after all of those years to now that this arch is still standing yet, I bet this arch if it could talk it could tell us even more of it's everyday passings. This is a very interesting post for the letter k today and a very nice capture you had made with your camera as well.

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  9. Did it always stand alone? I wonder if back then they may have used it as a portal into another dimension.

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  10. Beautiful take on K!

    Want some more K? Come and have some Kisses from my webpage.

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  11. Wonderful photo! I love the legendary history of this amazing structure.

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  12. Beautiful symmetry in this image and the history surrounding the pillars is so interesting.

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  13. This is very interesting. The carvings really do tell that this area is where people go for worship. Thanks for sharing!
    Moon shots

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  14. Lovely stone archway. Such beautiful carvings. Mickie :)

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  15. This is an intriguing carved stone structure. Thanks for the interesting history behind it!

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