Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Virupaksha Temple- Hampi
This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, also called Pampapati. This is the oldest temple in Hampi and an ancient temple of Hoysala period. Some parts of this temple were built by HariharaI and Krishnadevaraya built a stage for public assembly.
The temple has two towers and two distinct compounds. The first and the bigger tower is known as 'Bistappaya Tower'. It is 165 ft high, 150 ft in breadth and 120 ft in length. It is not known that who has built this tower but it has been renovated many times by different rulers.
The second tower is the 'Raya tower'. Krishnadevaraya built this at the time of his coronation. On crossing this tower we get into inner compound or second compound. This compound consists of flag and the lamp post in middle. On the lest and right side of the compound there are small temples of different god and goddess.
The temple has two towers and two distinct compounds. The first and the bigger tower is known as 'Bistappaya Tower'. It is 165 ft high, 150 ft in breadth and 120 ft in length. It is not known that who has built this tower but it has been renovated many times by different rulers.The second tower is the 'Raya tower'. Krishnadevaraya built this at the time of his coronation. On crossing this tower we get into inner compound or second compound. This compound consists of flag and the lamp post in middle. On the lest and right side of the compound there are small temples of different god and goddess.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Enter the past lock through Hampi
Hampi was the capital of the powerful empire of Vijayanagara from 1343 AD to 1565, today ruins of Hampi spread in 26 sq km of area. Bordered by Tungabhadra river in the north, this land remind us about the royalty and strength of largest Hindu empire. In medieval times, the Vijayanagara dynasty, framed for its patronage to art and culture ruled from here.
Hampi's history does not restrict to the medieval times, it has connection to the Hindu God Rama. It is said that this region was the mythical Kishkindha, where Sri Rama has spend most of his period of Vanvasa and there are ample proofs to satisfy the Hindu sentiments. It is here that Sri Rama met Hanuman and Sugreva and planned the battle against Ravana to regain Devi Sita. 
During the medieval period, Hampi and its environs were ruled by a succession of dynasties, including the Kam including the Kadambas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas. Then between 1326-27, the Delhi sultan, Muhammad- bin - Tughluq, conquered the area but within ten years the Sangama brothers, Harihara and Bukka, led a rebellion and regained the area. They founded the celebrated city of Vijayanagara along the Tungabhadra river whose essence is alive till today.
During the medieval period, Hampi and its environs were ruled by a succession of dynasties, including the Kam including the Kadambas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas. Then between 1326-27, the Delhi sultan, Muhammad- bin - Tughluq, conquered the area but within ten years the Sangama brothers, Harihara and Bukka, led a rebellion and regained the area. They founded the celebrated city of Vijayanagara along the Tungabhadra river whose essence is alive till today.
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