Ruins Of Hampi: The Perfect Monsoon Getaway

Hampi was founded in the middle of the 14th century by two princes named Hakka and Bukka. Most of the temples in the Hampi district were built between 1336 and 1570 CE during the Vijayanagara empire. The site consists of about 1600 monuments and is spread over an area of 41.5 square kilometres.  Hampi is also famous for its close resemblance to the kingdom of Kishkindha which is described and mentioned in the Ramayana. It is here, at Anjaneya Hill, that Hanuman is believed to have been born. The city, where many structures are made from granite, lime mortar and bricks, is addressed as the Ruins of Hampi because of numerous remains of ancient architecture that are currently in the city. 

Virupaksha Temple. Picture: Shutterstock

The Virupaksha Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha , under the aegis of ruler Deva Raya 2. It started as a small shrine and was later developed into a large complex under the Vijayanagar rule. This temple is the only temple in Hampi that still stands. Other temples in the district were destroyed by the Bahamani sultanate. The most eye-catching feature of this temple is that it is built using mathematical concepts and the main shape of the temple is triangular. 

Vittala Temple. Picture: Shutterstock

Vittala Temple

Built in the 15th century, the Vittala temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, known to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known to be the grandest among all the temples in Hampi. The architecture of the temple depicts characteristics of South- Indian temples. The temple complex consists of numerous halls, buildings and shrines.

Hazar Rama Temple. Picture: Hampi Tourism

Hazar Rama Temple

Dedicated to Lord Rama, this beautiful temple is an important shrine in Hampi and is situated at the centre of the royal area. Meant as a private temple for the kings and the royal family of Vijayanagara the temple was originally built in a simplistic manner by king Devaraya. Later the structure was renovated to beautify it even further. The stand out point of this temple is that the walls of the temple have the whole story of Ramayana, carved out in the stones.

Hazar Rama Temple. Picture: Shutterstock

Sugriva’s Cave

At a short distance from the bustling Hampi bazaar is the Sugriva cave. This is where Sugriva showed the jewels of Sita to Ram and Lakshman when they came looking for her, after her abduction by Ravana. The cave has a small entrance and a number of carved footprints which are believed to have belonged to Lord Ram and Lakshman, making it a site of religious importance for Hindus.  

Badavilinga Temple. Picture: Shutterstock

Badavilinga Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple’s name is made up of two words: Badva, which means poor, and Linga represents Shiva. The word Badva has been used as the temple is believed to have been commissioned by a poor woman from a neighbouring village. The shrine present in the temple is immersed in water and on observing, one can see three eyes on the shrine. There is also a myth according to which, if one throws a coin in the water in which the shrine is immersed and if the coin lands on the shrine, then their wish gets fulfilled. Another unique aspect of the temple is the fact that it has no ceiling, allowing sunlight to pour onto the shivling during mornings. 

How To Reach Hampi

Hampi can easily be accessed by road and rail. The railway station is located in Hospet which is 12 kms away from the city but one can easily take a local bus or an auto to reach the town. The nearest airport is in Hubli which is 144 kms aways from Hampi.