The Sacred and Royal Centers would have been the focal points of Vijaynagar, and today most of the existing ruins lie within these two areas. This also points to why the names Hampi and Vijaynagar are used interchangeably Continue reading
Category Archives: Karnataka
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Around Queen’s Bath
The Queen’s Bath lies just outside and to the south-east of the royal enclosures. Near and around it are a number of small ruined structures. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Queen’s Bath
To the south-east of the Mahanavami Platform enclosure is the Queen’s Bath, which was probably a bath for the royals/nobles in general. This structure lies just outside the area of the royal enclosures. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Underground Temple
There are many examples in Vijaynagar of the ground level around a ruin rising over the centuries to many feet above the level at the time the structure was built. In these situations, the temple gets partially buried underground, and when it is excavated to reveal the entire structure, a small retaining wall is built around the structure, indicating the difference in ground level. The ‘Underground Temple’ is a prominent example of this. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Hazara Rama Temple
The Hazara Rama Temple lies at the heart of Vijaynagar’s Royal Center, and was probably the royal shrine for Vijaynagar’s rulers. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Other Palace Enclosures
Photos from some of the other palace enclosures in the Royal Center of Vijaynagar. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Mahanavami Platform Enclosure
The large enclosure that houses the Mahanavami Platform also contains many other palace ruins. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Mahanavami Platform
In one of the a larger enclosures of the Royal Center sits the unique Mahanavami Platform, said to be used by the Vijaynagar rulers for ceremonies related to Navratri festivities. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Around Lotus Mahal Enclosure
To the immediate south and east of the Lotus Mahal enclosure and elephant stables are a scattering of interesting smaller structures. These lie on a road that started from the front of Hazara Rama Temple at the center of the Royal Center and led out of the center via a gateway to the east. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Royal Center: Lotus Mahal Enclosure
The Royal Center of Vijaynagar lies to the south of the Sacred Center, separated by a narrow and shallow irrigated valley. Immediately to the north of valley rise the series of Sacred Center hillocks facing the Tungabhadra River that include Hemakuta, Matanga and Gandhamadana Hills. To the south of the valley rise a lower set of hillocks beyond which spreads the Royal Center. Continue reading
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