21 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)
