Hampi - Old Kishkindha

Hampi - Old Kishkindha

 

A very well-known village Hampi of northern Karnataka state, India is turning as the first choice for spiritual people. This place is situated within the ruins of Vijayanagara. However, still its having religious importance because there are ample of temples surrounding the village. 

It becomes known because of destruction done by the district administration in July 2011. Many great parts of this village were destroyed by such management.

The name of this village is copied from Pampa that is the other name of Tunga Bhadra River. Hampi name is an anglicized form of the Kannada Hampe.

The past story of Village: Hampi is known with the chronological Kishkindha, According to Ramayana this place was the major spot during Vanara (monkey) Kingdom.

 

Hampi Village is one of the center areas of the Vijayanagara Empire between 1336 to 1565. It was at last laid siege to by the Muslim Deccan Union. People who have affection or want to learn hindu religion should visit this place as the big and huge architecture will help them to learn about the ancient hindu custom.

 

This small village is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The good distance of 353 kms from Bangalore and 74 km from Bellary could be the finest way to attain this place. Hosapete is the nearest railway station situated at 13 kms distant. Visitors must reach the place at the time of annual Vijayanagar Festivals which is organized by the Government of Karnataka. The fiesta is placed in November, and tourist can enjoy the event for complete 3 days.

Hampi is also a valuable place due to the availability of numerous mineral deposits such as iron-ore, manganese, etc. Removing such mineral is going on from many years. However, the increased demand of iron-ore in the international market developed the more popularity of this village. Because of this reason, this world heritage site at Hampi and the Tungabhadra Dam is now under danger.

Visiting places near Hampi

Vitthala temple is the one famous holy place containing musical pillars. The pillars are constructed according to Sargam, and the music comes from them is totally different than any other instrument.

Thungabhadra River: Viewing the big flowing water river is good spot. People will definitely like to spend some time at this river.

 

There are ample of other spots to visit like Achyutaraya Temple/Tiruvengalanatha Temple, The Kings’ balance, Akka Tangi Gudda, Anjeyanadri Hill, Anegondi, Aqueducts and Canals, Badava Linga, Uddana Veerabhadra temple, Chandramauleshwar Temple, The Underground Temple, Tungabhadra River, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, Virupaksha Temple, Vittala temple, Yeduru Basavanna, Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura, Zenana enclosure, Yantrodharaka Anjaneya temple, Virupapura, Madhavan Palace with 1,000,000 + pillars, Sasivekalu Ganesha, Elephant stables and Lotus temple.

Some of the known temples of Hampi:

This village has numerous prominent Hindu temples, some of which are yet lively places of adoration. Virupaksha Temple also known as Pampapathi temple is a Shiva shrine located in the main Bazaar. This shrine is old and it has the 160-foot high tower at entry.

Hazara Rama Temple: Actually, this is a ruined temple compound which is properly known for complex frescos from Hindu Mythologies. The thousands of carvings & messages on the wall will help the visitors to learn the story of Ramayana.

Krishna Temple: This is also a temple turned complex, and its restoration work is yet going on.

Vittala Temple: This most famous temple complex is among the ruins of Hampi. Floodlights have been configured in the complex which offers light in the evening.

Few Interesting Pictures of Hampi