The stone chariot shrine in Hampi

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Stone Chariot illustration, Vitthala temple, Hampi, Karnataka

Look closely from atop the Anjanadri hill. The Tungabhadra river gleams in the sun and green paddy fields take on a glow. The strange boulders, so characteristic of the Deccan plateau are everywhere. You shall be transported to an ancient time in history, when travellers from faraway Portugal, Persia and Italy came to trade and behold this wondrous city - The city of  Hampi.

Though a few ruins and well preserved structures still remain behind, I reckon it is only a shadow of what had once been the capital of the powerful and wealthy Vijayanagara empire. Nevertheless, you can still imagine how lush and prosperous the place must have been.

It is an ancient land. Even before the Vijayanagara empire sprung up, its proximity to the Tungabhadra river made it an important area for many other civilizations. In fact, it is believed to be Kishkindha, the kingdom of the Vanaras of Ramayana.

I remember the coracle ride that took us across, with the imposing boulders and monuments of the complex in the distance. It was magical.

Just as the Mughals and the British incorporated Indian elements into the architecture they built, The architects of Vijayanagara empire borrowed on Islamic elements. The Queen's bath, the lotus Mahal and the elephant stables are incredible examples of this.

The illustration above is the stone chariot, a famous landmark of Hampi, which is a shrine dedicated to Garuda. Intricate, with super workmanship...it is an eye catching monument inside the Vitthala temple complex.


Location: Hampi, Karnataka 583239, India

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