Karnataka

13/02/2014

Shri Raghunandana Teertharu

Ramachandracharya was the name of Raghunandanatheertha in his poorvashrama. There are sufficient grounds to presume that he was in Vijanagar kingdom only. After taking sanyasa from jithamitra, he was named Raghunandanatheertha. Raghunandana who knew about the extraordinary powers of his guru and paramaguru and the great tradition of Mahasamsthana deemed it a great fortune to have got sanyasashrama. But he was deeply worried about not being able to worship Sri Moolarama, the idol which the very Lord himself had worshipped. He did not know what to do about this. Himself, a name sake of Lord Rama, Raghunandanatheertha resolved to have it restored somehow. He had learnt what kind of adroitness was exhibited by Naraharitheertha, one of those in the vanguard of tradition, in getting the idols.

He had heard what kind of confidence his paramaguru Vibudhendratheertha enjoyed from his guru. Such being the case, he was pained at the idols being unavailable. He felt that his guru too must have felt sad for not worshipping the idols. He was convinced of the impossibility of recovering the idols through legitimate means from those who were so shorn of compunction unabashed in their tenacity to usurpedly sow the seeds of separate tradition. He felt that it was not unfair to recover the idols by means of pranks. While they had taken them into their possession by unfair means, he determined to get them back through similar means only. He discussed this decision with his confidants.

One Chandra Bhatta of them belonging to ‘Ashwe’ Bada family of Athreyasa gothra assured to carry out this great task. Getting permission from the swamiji and being blessed with Mantrakshate, he went to the other Mutt where he gained proximity to be personally serving the swamiji of that Mutt. Thus he stayed there for a long time. Thereafter on the night of Ekadashi of Karthika Shuddha in Anandanama Samvatsara, as the idols of Sri MoolaSeethaRama had been kept in the open unlocked, Chandra Bhatta took possession of the idol of Moolarama and left Bankapura village, the camp of the swamiji of other Mutt. From there he came to Penugonda where Raghunandantheertha had camped and handed over the idol to him. He pleaded that he could not bring the idol of Goddess Seetha. Deriving consolation from the fact that the consort Goddess Ramadevi who is in eternal union with the Lord resides in Rama’s heart, the swamiji worshipped the idol of Moolarama in all gaiety and piety. Heaving a sigh of relief about repossessing the idol of Moolarama, “This is the day of great fulfilment and relief for me”; was how the swamiji’s voice reverberated with immense happiness. Greatly honouring Bada Chandra Bhatta besides munificently rewarding him with pecuniary largesse1, the swamiji set off towards south instructing his disciples to give Chandra Bhatta a respectable position in the Mutt. Touring for a brief period, the swamiji reached Pampakshetra (Hampi), the capital of Vijayanagar and reached his eternal abode near Chakratheertha there. The fame of Raghunandanatheertha whose deeds, the ardent followers of the Mutt must always remember, reached the acme of immortality.

23/12/2013

ಹಣತೆ ಹಚ್ಚುತ್ತೇನೆ ನಾನೂ ಈ ಕತ್ತಲನ್ನು ಗೆದ್ದು ನಿಲ್ಲುತ್ತೇನೆಂಬ ಜಿದ್ದಿನಿಂದಲ್ಲ
ಲೆಕ್ಕವೇ ಇರದ ದೀಪಾವಳಿಯ ಹಡಗುಗಳೇ ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಳುಗಿ
ಕರಗಿರುವಾಗ ನಾನು ಹಚ್ಚುವ ಹಣತೆ ಶಾಶ್ವತವೆಂಬ ಭ್ರಾಂತಿ ನನಗಿಲ್ಲ..

13/12/2013

Karnataka

Pampa Sarovar is a sacred pond for the Hindus. This is believed as one among a few Sarovars (sacred ponds) mentioned in Hindu epics and scriptures.
The pond and the shrine are located in a secluded valley hidden by boulder hills at the three sides. The pond, rectangular in shape, is usually filled edge-to-edge by floating lotus.

The whitewashed shrine is located right next to the pond. This is a functioning temple and the idols worshiped are of Lord Shiva & his consort Parvathi (Pampa).

This shrine is much ancient than many of the temples in Hampi.

A vividly painted musical instrument placed in the temple courtyard is interesting.

The instrument at a time plays a drum, metal plates and a couple of bells attached to it. The whole thing is driven by a motor attached the mechanisms. These were the temple musical instruments originally played by the temple musicians. Now this machine plays it all together during the prayer time (typically early morning & in the evening).

A bit north in the line is the temple kitchen.

Just opposite to it under a mango tree is a circular platform built around it. tall Vinayaka (the elephant headed god) statue painted in florescent vermilion.

Pampa Sarovar is located near the Anjaneya Hill where the hilltop Hanuman temple is located in Anegondi area.
From the foothill of the Anjaneya Hill located about a kilometer north on the main road you can spot a rightward departing path.

This unpaved path leads towards Pampa Sarovar tracing the ridge of the rocky hill. You can club the visit to this place with other sites in Anegondi like the Anjaneya Hill (Ajenayadri), Hachappa Mantapa or the Bukka’s Aquaduct .

Cover this as part of the Route 5 suggested in the Hampi Itineary

13/12/2013

Pampa Sarovar is a sacred pond for the Hindus. This is believed as one among a few Sarovars (sacred ponds) mentioned in Hindu epics and scriptures.
The pond and the shrine are located in a secluded valley hidden by boulder hills at the three sides. The pond, rectangular in shape, is usually filled edge-to-edge by floating lotus.

The whitewashed shrine is located right next to the pond. This is a functioning temple and the idols worshiped are of Lord Shiva & his consort Parvathi (Pampa).

This shrine is much ancient than many of the temples in Hampi.

A vividly painted musical instrument placed in the temple courtyard is interesting.

The instrument at a time plays a drum, metal plates and a couple of bells attached to it. The whole thing is driven by a motor attached the mechanisms. These were the temple musical instruments originally played by the temple musicians. Now this machine plays it all together during the prayer time (typically early morning & in the evening).

A bit north in the line is the temple kitchen.

Just opposite to it under a mango tree is a circular platform built around it. tall Vinayaka (the elephant headed god) statue painted in florescent vermilion.

Pampa Sarovar is located near the Anjaneya Hill where the hilltop Hanuman temple is located in Anegondi area.
From the foothill of the Anjaneya Hill located about a kilometer north on the main road you can spot a rightward departing path.

This unpaved path leads towards Pampa Sarovar tracing the ridge of the rocky hill. You can club the visit to this place with other sites in Anegondi like the Anjaneya Hill (Ajenayadri), Hachappa Mantapa or the Bukka’s Aquaduct .

Cover this as part of the Route 5 suggested in the Hampi Itineary

12/12/2013

This is the largest monolithic Linga in Hampi. Located next to the Narasimha statue the Linga is housed inside a chamber with an opening in the front.A close look on this icon can reveal three eyes (depicting the three eyes of Siva) carved on it. Legend has it that this was commissioned by a peasant woman and hence the name (Badva means poor in local tongue).

The sanctum in which the Linga is installed is always filled with water as a water channel is made to flow through it.

11/12/2013

This is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The god sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees.

Sometimes this is referred as Ugra Narasimha (i.e. Narasimha in its terrifying form). The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name.

Narasimha (means half-man’half-lion in local the languages) is on of the ten incarnations (avatar) of Lord Vishnu.

The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But this statue has been damaged seriously during the raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara. Even the damaged portion of such a large statue of Lakshmi carved on his lap is missing. Probably it may be laying around in tiny pieces. But the goddess’s hand is visible resting on his back in embracing posture. If you get a chance to go inside this enclosure, it is possible to see the hand of the goddess. Even the nails & the rings on her fingers are so perfectly executed.

Lion face of Lakshmi Narasimha also sometimes called as Unganarasimha (the ferocious Narasimha)

Somehow this single statue alone can demonstrate at the same time how creative and destructive the human mind can be.

The Hindu mythology has a tale of Narasimha’s origin. See the story of Narasimha.

You can reach this spot by the main road. The shrine is located at mid way of the main road that connects the Sacred Center to the Royal Center. About 200 meters south of the Krishna Temple (take the road that runs through the arch) you can spot a small canal crossing the road. An unpaved path at the right side (towards west) leads you to the Narasimha statue and the Badavilinga Temple next to it.

10/12/2013

ವರ್ಣರಂಜಿತ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವದ ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಕಟ್ಟಕಡೆಯ ಮಹಾರಾಜ ಶ್ರೀಕಂಠದತ್ತ ಒಡೆಯರ್ (1953-2013) ಅವರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ.

10/12/2013

The temple dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Vishnu , was constructed by a high officer in Achyuta Raya’s court and hence the name.

The temple complex and the ruined market street in front of it sit in a semi secluded valley created by two hills – the Gandhamadana & Matanga hills . Partially due to its off location from the main tourist track and the hidden nature of the temple’s location makes it less crowded, welcome news for the ones like a quiet tour.

The main shrine is located at the centre of two rectangular concentric courtyards. The inner sides of both the courtyard walls are lined with a cloisters or pillared verandah. The outer cloisters are mostly in ruins with the pillars scattered randomly along the wall base. Two huge ruined towers, one behind the other, give access to the temple courtyards.

On heading straight to the inner court you can spot a chamber facing the porch to the central hall. This tiny shrine chamber once enshrined an idol of Garuda, the eagle god and mount of the principal deity. The open hall just ahead spots some of the finest carved pillars in Hampi. On either side of the porch the pillars spot lion faced rampant Yalis standing on elephants. The armed solders riding the Yalis hold the chains hanging from the beast’s mouth. The whole theme is carved on monolithic block of rocks. Two club-holding giant doorway guard deities stand on either side of the door to the inner sanctorum. This sanctum with the circumambulatory corridor around it is empty and dark. Though harmless the noisy bats hanging inside the dark corners can scare an unsuspecting visitor.

To the west of the main shrine is the twin chambered shrine of the goddess. A close look at the carvings on the pillars in the halls can reveal many themes like lord Krishna playing flute and the calves watching it with interest, lord Vishnu blesses an elephant, the infant Krishna dances holding the snake by its tail. At the northwest corner of the outer compound, a Kalayana Mandapa (marriage hall for the annual wedding ceremony of the God and the Goddess). A water channel is seen running along the second compound. In front of the temple is the wide Courtesan’s street . A tiny exit at the northwest of the outer compound wall can take you to a boulder where a 10 handed fierce goddesses’ image is carved on the rock surface. The narrow path further winds southward and joins the path to Matanga Hill top.

There are mainly two ways to reach Achyuta- Raya’s Temple. Take a side trip from

the KodandaRama Temple – King’s Balance path ( also known as the Kampa Bhupa’s path or Riverside Ruins path) . East of Kodanda Rama Temple on the trail, you would spot a signpost directing towards the temple. Now you are into the Courtesans street (with rows of ruined pavilions on either side) leading towards the main tower of the Achyuta Raya’s Temple.

Another way is to climb the steps near the Monolithic Bull (Nandi) at the east end of the Hampi Bazaar. This is the quick way to reach from Hampi Bazaar to Achyuta Raya’s Temple. Also it offers you a good perspective of the temple plan from the hill top. A visit to the Hanuman shrine on the way is a bonus. Those who venture to climb the Matanga Hill – even part of it – can get a fine view of this temple campus from the top. For both the temple and the Courtesans’ street in front, admission is free.

09/12/2013

Karnataka

In the local language Chakratirtha means ‘the sacred water body that swirls’ . Located close to the Kodanda Rama Temple, this spot is considered the holiest bathing spot in Tungabhadra River. Local legend has it that at some special occasions the swirl in the river forms into the images of Rama, Sita and Laxmana. You can see a large number (esp. during the auspicious days) of pilgrims take a dip in the spot before visiting the temple. Along the bank of the river, slightly up on the hillside is a long open pavilion. This was built as a shelter to the pilgrims who thronged the area ever since this temple came into being.
Chakratirtha seen from Kodanda Rama Temple. The floating weeds highlight the circular pattern of the water current.

Chakratirtha seen from Kodanda Rama Temple. The floating weeds highlight the circular pattern of the water current.

This is the valley point of two hills - the Matunga

south and the Rishyamukha Hill in the north. At this area the river gets narrower changes its direction along the valley. This can make the current swift and may not be noticeable from the surface. Do not venture into swimming at this point. If lucky enough, you can see the swirl pattern if the river has washed down the weeds into the Chakrathirta from upstream.

The flat sheet of rock at the riverbank facing the Kodandarama Temple is filled with many carvings of religious significance. For example, Shiva Lingas, footprints carved in a circular pattern, images of worshipers in praying posture etc. ( See also Gods of Hampi )

Also this is one of the spots where you can hire a Coracle to cross the river or for a side trip. On the flat rocky riverbank you can spot a number of Coracles kept for drying under sunlight.

You pass through this area during your Riverside trek from the end of Hampi Bazaar towards Vittala Temple along the Riverside Ruins .

09/12/2013

In the local language Chakratirtha means ‘the sacred water body that swirls’ . Located close to the Kodanda Rama Temple, this spot is considered the holiest bathing spot in Tungabhadra River. Local legend has it that at some special occasions the swirl in the river forms into the images of Rama, Sita and Laxmana. You can see a large number (esp. during the auspicious days) of pilgrims take a dip in the spot before visiting the temple. Along the bank of the river, slightly up on the hillside is a long open pavilion. This was built as a shelter to the pilgrims who thronged the area ever since this temple came into being.
Chakratirtha seen from Kodanda Rama Temple. The floating weeds highlight the circular pattern of the water current.

Chakratirtha seen from Kodanda Rama Temple. The floating weeds highlight the circular pattern of the water current.

This is the valley point of two hills - the Matunga

south and the Rishyamukha Hill in the north. At this area the river gets narrower changes its direction along the valley. This can make the current swift and may not be noticeable from the surface. Do not venture into swimming at this point. If lucky enough, you can see the swirl pattern if the river has washed down the weeds into the Chakrathirta from upstream.

The flat sheet of rock at the riverbank facing the Kodandarama Temple is filled with many carvings of religious significance. For example, Shiva Lingas, footprints carved in a circular pattern, images of worshipers in praying posture etc. ( See also Gods of Hampi )

Also this is one of the spots where you can hire a Coracle to cross the river or for a side trip. On the flat rocky riverbank you can spot a number of Coracles kept for drying under sunlight.

You pass through this area during your Riverside trek from the end of Hampi Bazaar towards Vittala Temple along the Riverside Ruins .

08/12/2013

Karnataka

Kodandarama Temple

This river facing shrine looks humble but religiously significant. According to the local myths, this is the place where Rama killed Vali and crowned Sugreeva. The name Kodandarama means crowned Rama, in local dialect

The sacred bathing spot in front is one of the holiest spots for the pilgrims to Hampi (see Chakratirtha). You can see long ancient pavilions next to this temple that have been used by the pilgrims as a rest place for many centuries.

Like mentioned earlier this is more known for it’s religious importance than for the architectural peculiarity. Three very tall statues of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are enclosed in the sanctum. The idols are sort of deep bas-relief carved on a huge boulder at the hillside. The sanctum and the pillared pavilion are added arround it at a later stage . During peak monsoon season the river-water rises and sometimes reaches up to the temple courtyard.

08/12/2013

Kodandarama Temple

This river facing shrine looks humble but religiously significant. According to the local myths, this is the place where Rama killed Vali and crowned Sugreeva. The name Kodandarama means crowned Rama, in local dialect

The sacred bathing spot in front is one of the holiest spots for the pilgrims to Hampi (see Chakratirtha). You can see long ancient pavilions next to this temple that have been used by the pilgrims as a rest place for many centuries.

Like mentioned earlier this is more known for it’s religious importance than for the architectural peculiarity. Three very tall statues of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are enclosed in the sanctum. The idols are sort of deep bas-relief carved on a huge boulder at the hillside. The sanctum and the pillared pavilion are added arround it at a later stage . During peak monsoon season the river-water rises and sometimes reaches up to the temple courtyard.

20/11/2013

Karnataka

Dedicated to Hanuman, this functioning shrine is located just behind the Kodanda Rama Temple on the riverside. Probably this is the second most important shrine dedicated to Hanuman (also called Anjaneya ) in Hampi. The most famous is definitely the whitewashed shrine located on top of the Anjeyanadri Hill.

The Yantrodhara Anjaneya Temple contains the image of Hanuman positioned inside an amulet (locally called Yantra and hence the name). If you get a chance to take a closer look, you can see a number of monkeys carved around this amulet like the hour markers in a clock dial. The sitting Hanuman image here is a pleasant deviation from the numerous other images of Hanuman you would find in Hampi. Most of them depicts a valor posture of Hanuman with one hand raised, the other fixed on the hip and tail made into an arch. Where as the Yantrodhara Anjaneya is unique with Hanuman appears in a meditative or prayer position.
Just behind the Kodandarama Temple you can spot this shrine on top of the small hillock. The outer walls of it are painted with the white and saffron vertical strips typical of Hindu temples. A short twisty flight of steps ends in front of the temple courtyard. On reaching the courtyard, you can find a number of snake-stones installed around the foot of a large Sacred Fig tree. These carved stones, most of them with serpent themes, are used as icons of snake worship. The narrow door of the shrine gives access to the main hall in front of the inner sanctum.

19/11/2013

This religiously active shrine remains open during the morning & evening hours. Tourists are welcome inside and one is expected to observe the basic courtesies. The courtyard of this temple is a vantage point to see the river taking a steep northward bend and forces itself trough a narrow gorge.

Hampi is an important place for the worshipers of Hanuman. It is believed the mythical Kishkinda, the monkey kingdom, was located in Hampi. You can see plenty of motifs and carvings of Hanuman all around the Hampi sites. Some of them are brilliantly painted. The largest one is located inside the Ranga Temple at the Royal Center.

18/11/2013

Karnataka

18/11/2013

17/11/2013

Karnataka

KADALE KALU GANESHA

This giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

17/11/2013

KADALE KALU GANESHA

This giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder at the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu, in local language) and hence the name.

16/11/2013

Karnataka

Thanks to the resemblance the giant monolithic Ganesha statue is locally called Sasivekalu(mustard seed)Ganesha. This is located on the southern foothill of the Hemakuta Hill.

In Hindu mythology Lord Ganesha (also known as Ganapathi or Vinayaka) is notorious for his food habit. One day he ate so much of food that his tummy almost busted. He just caught a snake and tied it around his tummy as a belt to save his tummy from bursting.

On this statue you can see the snake carved around his tummy. Also he holds the goad, pasha (noose), and his broken tusk. The hand which holds modak (a kind of sweet ball) is broken and not reconstructed. This monolithic statue carved out of a huge boulder measures about 2.4 meters (8 feet). An open pavilion is build around the statue. According to inscriptions found nearby this pavilion was built by a trader from Chandragiri (in present day Andhra Pradesh)in 1506 AD, in memory of one of the Vijayanagara king – Narasimha II (1491-1505 AD)

16/11/2013

Karnataka's cover photo

16/11/2013

Thanks to the resemblance the giant monolithic Ganesha statue is locally called Sasivekalu(mustard seed)Ganesha. This is located on the southern foothill of the Hemakuta Hill.

In Hindu mythology Lord Ganesha (also known as Ganapathi or Vinayaka) is notorious for his food habit. One day he ate so much of food that his tummy almost busted. He just caught a snake and tied it around his tummy as a belt to save his tummy from bursting.

On this statue you can see the snake carved around his tummy. Also he holds the goad, pasha (noose), and his broken tusk. The hand which holds modak (a kind of sweet ball) is broken and not reconstructed. This monolithic statue carved out of a huge boulder measures about 2.4 meters (8 feet). An open pavilion is build around the statue. According to inscriptions found nearby this pavilion was built by a trader from Chandragiri (in present day Andhra Pradesh)in 1506 AD, in memory of one of the Vijayanagara king – Narasimha II (1491-1505 AD)

15/11/2013

The one that needs a special mention inside the Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal. Or rather this is the highlight in Zenana Enclosure.

The style of it is a pleasant departure from the typical architecture you see in Hampi. The exact function of this is not surely known. Located inside the Zenana enclosure, most probably this was a socializing area for the women folks in the royal family.

Also known as Chitragani Mahal and Kamal Mahal, this falls under the secular or nonreligious categories of structures in Hampi. It’s peculiar to note that this is one of the beautiful structures that were left undamaged during the siege of the city. However there are some signs of mutilations on a few sculptures placed on the outer surface.

Unlike the other major structures in Hampi, this is made out of lime mortar and brick made composition.

The shape of the structure is what brought it the name. The archways and the balcony with the domed construction resemble a half opened lotus bud. Also is the lotus bud shape carved on to the center dome.

Basically this is a two storied structure with an open base floor the sidewalls are having tall arched windows. The upper floors have balconies with arched windows. Hook like structures are made on to the wall close to the windows to hang curtain. The arches of the ground floor are recessed and ornate. The decorations and architecture is a curious mix of Hindu and Islamic styles. Lotus Mahal’s Islamic style arches and the Hindu style multiplayer roof and base structure are often quoted for the ingenuity of the Vijayanagara artisans.

The night illumination is a spectacular sight. Undoubtedly this is a very photogenic and one of the most photographed buildings at Hampi. There is a large lawn made around the Lotus Mahal. A catnap on the lawn under the tree shade is allowed!