Page 536 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

534  SOUTHWESTERN INDIA

i Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the south bank of the
Tungabhadra river, Hampi boasts the evocative ruins of
Vijayanagar or the “City of Victory”. The capital of three
generations of Hindu rulers for more than 200 years, Hampi
reached its zenith under Krishnadeva Raya (r.1510–29) and
Achyuta Raya (r.1529–42). The site, which comprises the
Sacred and Royal Centres, has a superb location, with rocky
ridges and granite boulders acting as natural defences. King’s Balance
The urban core of the city was fortified and separated from Ruling kings were weighed on
the Sacred Centre by an irrigated valley, through which this balance against gold or
grain, for distribution
ancient canals and waterways still run. to the Brahmins.

KEY
Vitthala Temple
1 Krishna Temple was erected (see pp536–7)
by Krishnadeva Raya in 1513 to
commemorate his victory over
Odisha. It is no longer a place
of worship.
2 The Queen’s Bath, an open-air
structure, seems to have been
designed for royal recreation. Canal
3 The Mahanavami Platform
was used by kings during the
Mahanavami festival (see p521),
and for pre-war ceremonies.

Tiruvengalanatha
Temple
Bazaar Street Matanga Hill

Tungabhadra

Hemakuta
Hill

. Virupaksha Temple
The ancient temple of
Virupaksha, dedicated to
the goddess Pampa and her . Narasimha Monolith
consort Shiva, is dominated Carved out of a single boulder in
by a 53-m (174-ft) high 1528, this awe-inspiring image of
gopura. This is the principal Vishnu shows him in his half man-
place of worship in Hampi. half lion incarnation (see p683).
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp701–702 and pp716–17

534-535_EW_India.indd 534 26/04/17 11:48 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm