Garuda

Ancient Carving of Hindu mythical character Garuda. Garuda appears both in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Garuda has wings of an Eagle (Brahminy Kite in Indian version) and body of a man, he is also a carrier of god Vishnu.

Photo Location: Krishna temple courtyard, Hampi.

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Band Tower, Hampi

Band Tower is on of the tall structures found within a large compound of Danaik's Enclusure in Hampi.  This structure dates back to 13th century and this is the only structure in Danaik's Enclusure which is still in good shape.  Its a two-storied hexagonal building with narrow stairways leading to the top. There is no clear information as to why this is called Band Tower, one of the localite told me that if we clap standing in the center of the ground floor of this building, sound is amplified and sounds like its from a band {it sure does because I tried it :)} but looks like this structure was a watch tower more than a band tower.

Another prominent structure in this enclosure is the Mosque (stone structure seen next to the band tower in the picture).  It is said that this Mosque was originally a temple, later converted to a mosque when muslims invaded Vijayanagara Empire.

(Converted the image to B&W and added texture just to get a feel of the bygone era.)

Vitthala Temple Courtyard, Hampi

H - Hampi for ABC Wednesday
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Stone Chariot, Hampi

Stone Chariot, an iconic structure of Vijayanagara Empire is located in Vijaya Vittala Temple complex at Hampi, it dates back to 15th century. This in fact is a shrine built in the form of a temple chariot. Temple chariots are often mobile reproductions of a temple the stone chariot here is in turn a static version of the mobile temple chariot. An image of Garuda (The Eagle, vehicle of lord Vishnu according to Hindu mythology) was originally enshrined within its sanctum.

Even though it appears as a monolithic structure, in reality its built with many giant granite blocks. The joints are hidden in the carvings and other decorative features that adorn the chariot. The chariot is built on a rectangular platform and mythical battle scenes are carved all around this platform.  Chariots stone wheels mimics the real life wheels with shaft and breaks and are capable of revolving, this represents the creativity of the 15th century artists of Vijayanagara Empire.

In front of the chariot two elephants are positioned as if they are pulling the chariot. It is said that these elephants where brought from elsewhere and positioned here at a later stage. Originally two horses were carved in that position. The tail and the rear legs of the horses can be still seen just behind these elephant sculptures. A small stone ladder which once gave access to the inner sanctum can be still seen between two elephant structures.

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Taking Off

This photo of Hot Air Balloons taking off was shot in Hampi, you can see the ruins of Hampi in the background. I've added texture to the image.

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Mahanavami Dibba, Hampi

Mahanavami Dibba is a prominent stone structure in Royal Enclosure in Hampi.  The monument is also known as “Dasara Dibba”, “Throne Platform” or “House of Victory”.  King Krishnadevaraya constructed this in commemoration on the victory over Udaygiri (now in Orissa). Archeologists believe that this platform had undergone systematic enhancements by successive kings came into power.  Originally this platform must have been a gorgeously painted and decorated pillared hall or pavilion of several storeys high but the the remains consist of a massive square granite base in three diminishing tiers.

From a distance this looks like an ordinary elevated square stage. As you go close, the details emerge. The walls of the tiers are covered with rows carved horizontal friezes, they depict anything from the royal ceremony to the city life, foreign envoys to the Vijayanagara kingdom, hunting scenes, Arab horse dealers, exotic animals, elephants, horsemen, warriors, dancers, musicians, clowns, foreign representatives etc.  Probably this was made as a photo gallery for the benefit of the foreign envoys who had been visiting the capital of Vijayanagara Empire.

Ruins @ Hampi

Ruins of one of the temple in Hampi

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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)

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Hot Air Baloon

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Kadlekalu Ganesha Hampi

This giant statue of Ganesha (Elephant God) is carved out of a huge boulder and is found at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill in Hampi. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name Kadlekalu Ganesha.

This 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall monolithic statue is one among the largest sculptures in Hampi and dates back 15th century.

Door

These massive fallen stone door is found outside the Royal Enclosure in Hampi.  One can easily miss this low lying relic as its well camouflaged well into the brown grey background.  The original structure to which these massive doors were attached to is not known but one can guess from its size that these adorned the entrance of an important royal building.

Artisans who sculpted these doors have succeeded in creating the replica of wooden ornamented doors in stone. The doors are complete with door bolts and the pivot shafts at the end. Note the beveled mullions with the array of protruding lotus buds at its junctions, a typical feature of massive wooden doors. It is believed that it required an elephant to push open these door panels during its functional days.

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Lotus Mahal

My wife and I returned home yesterday from a very tiring, 5 day long trip but we enjoyed every bit of it as we love to travel. We visited Hampi (Ruins of Vijayanagar Empire), Cave temples of Badami, Patadkal group of temples and Aihole. I have loads of photos and information to share from out trip and todays post is a gist of what's to come.

Hampi is listed in UNESCO world heritage site and is famous among tourists for its monuments which dates back to 13th-15th century, its a backpackers paradise and a practical class room for history students. Very few structures were left undamaged during the siege of the city and one such building is Lotus Mahal aka Chitragani Mahal. 

Lotus Mahal is an highlight in Zenana Enclosure and is one of the most photographed building in Hampi, it is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides.The archways and the balcony with the domed construction resemble a half opened lotus bud and thus gets its name Lotus Mahal.

Lotus Mahal, Hampi (HDR Image with texture)

Lotus Mahal is made out of lime mortar and brick unlike any other structures in hampi, it stands near to the middle of a high walled compound in the northeast corner of the Royal Centre. Octagonal and square watchtowers are built into the compound walls. Its built in Indo-Islamic style and is a curious mix of Hindu temple like elements and Islamic sultanate elements.

HDR Image with sepia tone, I kinda like this one, Which one do you like

The exact function of this is not surely known. some say this was a socializing area for the women folks in the royal family and some say it served as a meeting place of the emperor and his closest advisors. It is said that water used to be poured on the roof of the mahal, the pillars and the roof absorb this water and give a cooling effect, something like a AC Room.

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