TEMPLES IN HAMPI
Hampi is world famous for its historical
ruins and heritage but the main attraction is the temples Hampi. The
beautiful temples of Hampi are located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River,
for which the city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the city was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire-The largest empire since the Mughal period-
prepare to experience the grandeur and diversity of temples in Hampi.
You may be aware of the fact that Hampi is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but how many of us really know the history behind the small place located in the city of Karnataka?. There are many stories associated with the city of Hampi and many interesting facts about the city, which make all the history enthusiasts pursue its interesting ruins.
Special in Hampi Temples:-
This famous temple in Hampi is known for
its stunning carvings of Lod Krishna and Indian Mythology along with
architecture unique to King Kishnadevaraya. It is a must-visit for both
devotees as well as architecture lovers. The temple is dedicated to the child
version of Lord Krishna or Bala Krishna.
The etymology of Hampi:-
The village was also known as Pampa-Kshetra
or Kishkindha-Kshetra. The name was derived from the old name of the
Tungabhadra River which was Pampa, So the name Hampi is the anglicized versin of
the Kannada name Hampe.
The main attraction in Hampi is its Temples.
There are many temples in Hampi top three are under...!
1. Achyutraya Temple in Hampi
(Featuring Modern Architecture)
The Achyuta Raya Temple
got built during the role of Achyuta Deva Raya, who was one of the emperors of
the Vijayanagara Empire. He came to power by succeeding his elder brother
Krishna Deva Raya in the year 1529. The stunning and heavenly temple is devoted to lord Tiruvengalanatha; he is a
configuration of Bhagwan Vishnu.
The Achyuta Raya Temple in
Hampi is one of the last pieces f grand design in Hampi which was built right
before the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The temple was initially
named after Bhagwan Tiruvengalanatha to which it was devoted.
 |
| Achyutraya Temple in Hampi (Featuring Modern Architecture) |
Interesting
Facts About Achyuta Raya Temple In Hampi:-
1. The
Achyuta Raya Temple in Hampi has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site.
2. This beautiful temple is
visible from the top of Matanga Hills.
3. This temple was formerly
known as Tiruvengalatha Temple and was only later renamed Achyuta Raya Temple
during whose rule it was built.
Achyuta
Raya Temple in Hampi – Tourists should know.
The
Achyuta Raya Temple- An epitome of Glorious History:-
The Achyuta Raya Temple is a fine work of
stone and can challenge the major architecture of the world. It is located in a
quiet place and is peaceful for readers or photographers. Every history buff
must visit this place.
This temple is a reminder of the pinnacle of
the Empire, right before the fall.
2 Vithala Temple in Hampi:-
The Vithala Temple is also known as Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple. It is dedicated to Bhagwan Vitthala, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu. An idol of Vitthala-Vishno was enshrined in the temple. Legend is that the temple was built as an abode for Bhagwan Vishnu in his Vitthala Form.
 |
| Vitthala Temple - Hampi, An Architectural Wonder |
The specialty of Vitthala Temple in Hampi:-
Vitthala Temple is an ancient monument
located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River. It is one of the largest
and most famous structures in Hampi. This temple is famous for Stone Chariots and Musical Pillars. The Vijay Vitthala Temple is the most
famous and popular tourist attraction in Hampi.
Musical
Pillars in Vaitthala Temple:-
 |
| Vitthala Temple Musical Pillars, Hampi |
The Ranga Mantapa is renovated for its 56
musical pillars. These pillars are also known as SAREGAMA PILLARS, DENOTING THE MUSICAL NOTES EMANATED BY THEM. The
musical notes are produced when the pillars are tapped gently. Every main
pillar is surrounded by 7 minor pillars. These 7 pillars give off 7 different
musical notes from the representative musical instruments. The notes vary in
sound quality depending on the instruments.
The Vitthala Temple – Timmings
Morning 08:30am to 05:00pm on all the days
of the week.
No entry fee is required and photography
and Videography are allowed in the temple premises
3. Virupaksha Temple:-
Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi in the Vijayanagara District of Karnataka, India. It is a part of the group of Monuments at Hampi. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Virupaksha, a form of Bhagwan Shiva.
 |
| Full View Virupaksha Temple, Hampi |
The Virupaksha Temple
built by the Chalukyas during the 7th century is one of the rare temples in Hampi where ritual worship of the deity continues even today. The
Virupaksha Temple is Dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva who is worshipped as
Virupaksha. Though the temple’s origins date back to the 7th century
when it was probably a small and simple temple to Shiva.
Virupaksha Temple Pinhole Camara Effect:-
Virupaksha Temple is the main center of pilgrimage at Hampi and had been considered the most sacred sanctuary over the centuries. It is intact among the surrounding ruins and is still used in worship.
Secret Fact of Virupaksha Temple
 |
| Pinhole Camara (Inverted Shadow) Virupaksha Temple, Hampi |
The architecture of the Virupaksha temple is designed in such a way that an inverted shadow of the Gopuram falls on the temple on the other side. A wonder of the 14th century. An image of the inverted shadow of the Gopura of Virupaksha Temple Hampi.
An attempt to explain how the shadow is reversed:-
A shadow is typically formed when an object blocks the light, the object must be opaque or translucent to block light if it is transparent so light passes through it. So far here when the sunlight falls on the Gopuram(Object) it blocks the light this shadow is formed and this shadow has to fall in front of the Gopuram but somehow our ancestors do it through an opening and was able to drop (aperture). This opening acts as a mirror ( which reflects and reverses the image ) or lens which does the same.
Virupaksha
– The all-seeing One; Bhagwan Shiva