Hampi

Founded by Harihara and Bukka in the early 13th century, Hampi was the famous capital of Vijayanagar rulers for two centuries. Once a showpiece of might and wealth, the city was ransacked in 1565 AD by invading Muslim rulers. The sacred Tungabhadra river flows through this vast terrain. The Hampi ruins, spread over 26 sq km, include many temples and remnants of palaces and other buildings. Hampi hills are associated with Ramayana. Sri Rama had first met Sugriva and Hanuman in the Matanga hill. The Sugriva cave, Kodandaramaswamy temple and Ragunathaswamy temple at Malyavantha hill stand testimony to these events. Virupaksha temple: Lord Siva is worshipped here as Virupaksheswara or Pampapathy. His consort Pampa, Brahma's daughter, is associated with river Tungabhadra. Devi Bhuvaneswari is worshipped in an ornate shrine. Sri Vidyaranya, Guru of the Vijayanagar empire, had worshipped the Goddess and was blessed with immense wealth, which he lavished for enriching the empire. The Brindavanam of Vidyaranya and a Madhwa Mutt are behind this temple. The eastern tower of the temple was built during the period of Krishnadevaraya. The architecture is such that an inverted shadow of the gopuram falls on the western wall through a small hole behind the sanctum. Festivals: The car festival in February and the divine wedding of Virupaksha and Pampa in December are important festivals. There is a mandapam dedicated to Sri Purandaradasa on the banks of Tungabhadra. An annual music festival is held during Jan-Feb in honour of the saint composer. Situated nearby are Sugriva cave, Vyasarajaswamy Mutt, Kothandaramaswamy temple and a temple of Hanuman, whose deity was installed by Vyasaraja. He is known as Yanthro Tharaka Anjaneya. The holy Chakra Theertham is situated near the Kothandaramaswamy temple. Monolithic Yoga Narasimha and Ganeshas are other noteworthy sculptures. Hazara Rama, Vittala and Krishna temples are known for their sculptural wealth but in ruins. Nava Brindavanam: Nine Brindavanams of Madhwa swamijis are situated in an islet formed in the Tungabhadra river. This place can be reached from Anekunti, the other side of Hampi. Access : The nearest railhead is Hospet (13 km); Aihole 156 km; Badami 189 km; Bangalore 373 km; Bellary 77 km; Guntakal 133 km; Hubli 154 km; Hassan 335 km; Hyderabad 416 km; Mysore 366 km.