Vittala Temple, Hampi










Vittala Temple  Hampi

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      Vittala Temple is the largest and most famous structure of Hampi situated on the banks of Tungabadra River. The temple was built during the reign of Devnaraya II ( 1422-1446) of the Vijayanagar kingdom. The Vijayanagar kingdom was established in the year 1336 by Harihara and Bukka to stop the onslaught of Delhi sultanates . Had it not been there south India would have been like Bangladesh now.

      Several portions of the Temple were expanded during the reign of Krishnadevaraya  (1509-1529).  The temple also known as Vijaya Vittala temple is dedicated to Lord Vittala an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple exemplifies the creativity and architectural excellence possessed by the sculptors of that era showing the pinnacle South Indian temple architecture. The Ranga Mandapam
of the temple is rich in artistic beauty with musical Pillars.  There are three towering gateways and unfortunately all the three are shaved at the top by the invading Bahminian sultanate armies for their gold, pearls and other costly stones during the Battle of Talikota in the year 1565 when Hampi was destroyed after they won the battle. 

       The Kalyana Mandapam, Utsava Mandapam and Stone Chariot are ornate and Vittala temple is the most visited monument in Hampi and also the most photographed monument. The Stone  Chariot is dedicated to Garuda and an image of Garuda was in the sanctum in the early days. The wheels of the chariot were once functional and could be rotated by the people. But to avoid further damage the government cemented them. 

     It is said that British rulers were wonder struck with the musical pillars  in the Ranga Mandapam and wanted to know the reason behind the sounds and had cut two of the pillars but found nothing inside. The adhistanam  of Ranga Mandapa has images of various foreign travelers who visited Vijayanagar empire in 15th, 16th centuries.

        The road leading to the temple was once a thriving market place called Vittala Bazaar in the 15 th century with Multi level buildings. The ruins of the market place can still be seen on both sides of the road. The temple has floodlights which is illuminated during the night and the Purandaradasa festival is celebrated at the temple complex.

        Hampi is around 340 kms by road from Bangalore and can be reached in 7 hrs by a good motorable road.


 

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