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Hampi
Prime Attractions
[ Virupaksha Temple | Ugra Narasimha
| Vithala Temple | Shivalinga |
Lotus Mahal | Virupaksha Bazaar
| Queen's Bath | Singaradu Hebbagilu
| Hazara Rama Temple | Achuta Raya
Temple ]
 Virupaksha
Temple
The Virupaksha Temple at the western end is one of the earliest
structures in the city. The main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha,
a form of Lord Vishnu. Overlooking Virupaksha temple to the South,
Hemakuta hill has a scattering of early ruins including Jain temples
and a monolithic structure of Narasimha.
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 Ugra
Narasimha
Nearby is the 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha. The gigantic
image is situated in the south of the Hemkuta group of temples that
includes the Virupaksha Temple. The Narasimha is a seated four-armed
figure under a canopy of a seven-hooded snake.
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 Vithala
Temple
To the east of Hampi Bazaar is the Vithala temple, about 2 kms away.
The ruins of the temple is a World Heritage monument. It is in a
relatively good state of preservation. The temples incredible sculptural
work is a pinnacle of Vijayanagar Art. The outer pillars are known
as the 'Musical Pillars' as they reverberate when tapped, although
this practice is now discouraged to avoid further damage. The temple
also features an ornate stone chariot in the temple courtyard containing
an image of Garuda.
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 Shivalinga
The gigantic Shivalinga is located next to the Narasimha figure.
It is 3 m high and stands permanently in water that comes through
an ancient channel.
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 Lotus
Mahal
This graceful two-storeyed pavilion is located in the 'zenana' enclosure.
The palace is delightful synthesis of the Hindu and Islamic styles
of architecture.
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 Virupaksha
Bazaar
32 m wide and 728 m long, this street that runs between the Virupaksha
Temple and the foot of the Matanga Hill is the longest street laid
out by the Vijaynagara kings.
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 Queen's
Bath
Situated in the citadel area, south of the Hazaara Rama Temple the
Queen's Bath is a large square structure, remarkable for the contrast
between its plain exterior and the very ornate interior. The bath
is 15-m square and 1.8 m deep and is surrounded by delicately decorated
arched corridors and projecting balconies.
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Singaradu Hebbagilu
Located behind the elephant stables, this is one of the oldest and
most massive of the gateways in the capital city. The gate called
'Singara Hebbagilu' or the beautiful door according to an inscription
that has been discovered near it, was the main entrance to the city.
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 Hazara
Rama Temple
The temple built within rectangular complex lies at the heart of
the royal centre. Dating from the early 15th century, the hall of
the Hazara Rama Temple has finely carved basalt pillars depicting
the incarnations of Shri Vishnu. Around the exterior walls of the
hall are three rows of sculptures illustrating the main events from
the Ramayana.
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Achuta Raya Temple
The Tirvengalanatha temple, which was built during reign of Achuta
Deva Raya, is better known by the name of ruler. The temple within
are in ruins, but some erotic sculptures can be seen in the columns
inside the open halls near the main gateway.
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General Information on Places of Prime Attractions in Hampi city
of Karnataka - India
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