Virupaksha and vittala temple in hampi
Medieval craftsmen created the amazing composite pillars of the Sabha Mantapa, which emanate sound from intricately carved designs. Virupaksha and Vittala Temple in Hampi are the top places to visit in Hampi.
After seeing places in Zenana enclosure in Hampi, we went to have our lunch. Post-lunch, we decided to head to Vijaya Vittala Temple and end the day with a visit to Virupaksha Temple and Hemakuta hills.
Vittala Temple in Hampi:
Vijaya Vittala Temple is the second prominent temple in Hampi. Surely, Vittala temple is an exquisite example of Vijayangara architecture and one of the largest temples during its period. Devaraya II and Krishnadevaraya built and added it.
We had to walk a mile from the entrance to reach the temple. As we entered, I felt like I was in Belur and Halebidu. Medieval craftsmen created the amazing composite pillars of the Sabha Mantapa, which emanate sound from intricately carved designs.
Each sculpture on the pillars is distinctly unique and creatively made. A walk around the complex will immerse you in deep thoughts of the ruins.
Undeniably, the iconic stone chariot stoles the show and the intricate architecture is so stunning. It is dedicated to Garuda. Glad that the iconic stone chariot of Hampi has set its foot in the recent 50 Rs. Indian Currency. Vittala Temple in Hampi is an ode to the Vijayanagara Empire.
Today, the remnants of Hampi speak about what a Great King ruled over and has shown a potent love for architecture.
After spending an hour, we moved to Virupaksha Temple. It lies on the bank of the Tungabhadra River.
On the contrary, Virupaksha Temple is one of the oldest temples still functioning in Hampi and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The entire complex can be seen from the Hemakuta hills. We could not spend much time here as we went to Hemakuta hills and had plans to explore Achyuta Raya Temples.
Temples on Hemakuta Hills:
Hemakuta hills are located exactly adjacent to Virupaksha Temple. An array of temples scattered all across the hills and a perfect spot to see the sunset.
Certainly, you can reach Hemakutta hills from either Kadalekalu Ganesh Temple or Virupaksha Temple. More than thirty temples are located on this Hemakuta hill.
Monolithic Bull Temple in Hampi:
The monolithic bull or the huge Nandi, facing Lord Shiva of Virupaksha Temple is located at the opposite end of the street.
A fleet of stairs on the left of Nandi lead to Achyuta Raya Temples and the right of Nandi leads to Matanga Hill. Later, we returned to the hotel after skipping Matanga Hill because we were exhausted.
With luv,
