Most of the main structure of Vitthala Temple follows the usual pattern of Vijaynagar temples. The sequence of spaces is the regular one: there is first a mahamandap, then the ardhmandap, antaralay and finally the main shrine room. Continue reading
Category Archives: Karnataka
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Vitthala Temple Subsidiary Structures
There are specific elements of the Vitthala Temple that are of historic and artistic importance, and many of these are present in the subsidiary structures. A prime example is the Garuda chariot (which is a Garuda shrine) in front of the main temple, which graces the back of the new Rs50 notes. I visited the temple on a busy day, and many people were taking photos holding out the currency note in front of the chariot. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Outside the Vitthala Temple
The Vitthala Temple is one of the gems of Vijaynagar, so I’m splitting it’s photos into three posts. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: King’s Balance Area
Between the Narasimha Temple area and Vitthala Temple lie the King’s Balance and adjoining monuments. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Narasimha Temple Area
As is so apparent from photos of Vijaynagar’s landscape, the area has very unique geography. Geologically, it consists of a vast bed of exposed granite rock. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Achyutaraya’s Temple
Achyutaraya’s Temple, also known as Tiruvengalanatha Temple, is a 16th c AD (1534) construction that now lies in ruins. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Chakra Tirth
The Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill and Krishna Temple form the western edge of the Sacred Center of Vjiaynagar. As we walk eastwards from that set of monuments Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Massive Monolithic Sculptures
Hampi has a few examples of massive sculptures that have been cut out of the ubiquitous granite boulders that form such an integral part of this landscape. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Krishna Temple
The early-16th c AD Krishna Temple lies to the south of Hemakuta Hill, at the edge of the irrigated valley that separates the Sacred and Royal Centers. Continue reading
Hampi Hopping, Sacred Center: Hemakuta Hill
Hemakuta Hill is a large expanse of exposed bedrock that rises southwards from the base of Virupaksha Temple, crests and then descends towards the Krishna Temple which lies to the south of the hill. Continue reading
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