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)
Marvelous captures and fascinating history as always, Sam! Always look forward to your posts! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Lovely photo and the closeups of the detail on the carvings are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteInteresting comment, also a notable historic building.I like to learn something new.Greeting from Peter.
ReplyDelete@ Sylvia K
ReplyDeleteThanks Sylvia :)
@ eileeninmd
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen, good to hear from you after a long time
@ petrolin50
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter
Intriguing structure; more elaborate than it looked at first glance.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Oh how fascinating. It looks so delicate on the one hand, but so strong to have withstood so many centuries...
ReplyDeleteThis is truly amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love the carvings, and the history behind it.
Thank you for sharing this at The Creative Exchange!
lisa.
:) 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.
ReplyDeleteDid it always stand alone? I wonder if back then they may have used it as a portal into another dimension.
ReplyDeleteSo detailed and lovely!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful take on K!
ReplyDeleteWant some more K? Come and have some Kisses from my webpage.
Wonderful photo! I love the legendary history of this amazing structure.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful symmetry in this image and the history surrounding the pillars is so interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. The carvings really do tell that this area is where people go for worship. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMoon shots
Lovely stone archway. Such beautiful carvings. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteMarvellous photo!!! Thanks for sharing! My Skywatch
ReplyDeletevery interesting structure.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is an intriguing carved stone structure. Thanks for the interesting history behind it!
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