When my husband told me we were heading to Hampi for his official visit, I was not very thrilled to go. I imagined a quiet, uneventful stay at the hotel with my daughter, expecting nothing more than a few days of solitude. But little did I know, this trip would turn into an amazing journey through history, beauty, and grandeur.
We arrived on a Sunday, and as planned, I spent the next day at the hotel, relaxing with my daughter while my husband attended to his work. That evening, he returned with an air of excitement. “You won’t believe the history and magnificence of this place,” he said. Seeing his enthusiasm, I grew curious. Since he had no work commitments the next day, we decided to explore Hampi together.
Rushimukha Parvatha
Our adventure began with Rushimukha Parvatha, a place shrouded in myths and legends. The rocky terrain and unusual views set the perfect tone for our expedition. The panoramic vistas from the hilltop provided a mesmerizing introduction to the ruins of Hampi.
Temples
Next, we visited the Virupaksha Temple, a masterpiece of Vijayanagara architecture. The towering gopuram welcomed us with intricate carvings, each narrating a tale from Hindu mythology. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not just a place of worship but a living testament to Hampi’s glorious past. We watched the temple elephant bless the devotees and felt a deep sense of spirituality .
Our journey continued to the Chandrashekhara Temple, a lesser-known yet equally enchanting site. The calm and serene atmosphere made it a perfect spot to soak in the essence of ancient art and devotion. The detailed carvings on the temple walls whispered stories of an era gone by.
Vithala Bazaar
Walking through the Vithala Bazaar, I was transported back in time. Once a busy marketplace, the remnants of ancient trade still echo in the ruins. Adjacent to the bazaar stood the Vittala Temple, home to the famous stone chariot and musical pillars. This one is carved out of a single hard granite rock. Seeing this, we wondered how such architectural wonders were created centuries ago.
Badavilinga Temple
The Badavilinga Temple and Ugra Narasimha statue, also known as Lakshmi Narasimha, are located near each other in Hampi. The Badavilinga Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and contains Hampi’s largest monolithic Shiva Linga. The 3-meter-high Linga is made of black stone and features a three-eye mark representing Shiva’s three eyes. The sanctum is always filled with water that flows through a water channel. Photography is allowed, and there is no entrance fee.
Lakshmi Narasimha statue
The Lakshmi Narasimha statue is a 6.7 meter high monolith depicting Vishnu in a man-lion form, seated on a seven-headed serpent. The temple has four walls and an open main door, but it lacks a grand gopura or ornate pillars. The roof has disappeared over time, leaving the statue open to the sky.
The Lotus Mahal
Next we went to see The Lotus Mahal, a visually appealing structure with two levels, featuring open pavilions at the bottom and balconies above. It showcases a fusion of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, with cusped arches resembling lotus petals. The Elephant Stables is an imposing building with arched entrances and domes that once housed state elephants. As we had not planned any sight seeing, this was very overwhelming and me and my daughter were very tired. We just wanted to go back to the hotel, play in the pool and check the pictures we had clicked during the day.
A Wonderful Memory
As we wandered through the ruins, I realized how wrong I had been about Hampi. What I thought would be a monotonous trip turned into an enthralling historical and cultural experience. The grandeur, the legends, and the architectural brilliance of Hampi made it a journey of discovery and awe. Hampi had not only surprised me but also left an indelible mark on my heart. Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones we never expect, and Hampi was undoubtedly one such treasure trove of history and wonder.
