Hampi is a very special place for me. It has been my private hideaway and retreat for almost a decade and a source of immense physical and mental rejuvenation. The long treks coupled with that sense of wonderment at spotting those most amazing stone reliefs at most unexpected of places..I could go on and on but would always conclude with the advise that Hampi is better experienced than explained.
The nobleman's quarters or atleast what it was called many centuries back. One could walk amidst these ruins and climb up the dilapidated steps of the watchtower in the distance and see things from a completely different perspective.
The Vitthala Temple is possibly the most famous temple in Hampi .It is well known for its musical pillars and the famous stone chariot. When struck , the stone pillars resonate with musical notes. Where else in the world would you hear of such a remarkable feat? What is most frustrating is to see the rules being broken by reckless tourist guides for whom preservation of our heritage is often compromised for a quick buck.
It is wise to visit the Vitthala temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and the scorching midday sun. Also an ideal time for photography.
The "Hazaara Rama " Temple in Hampi is famous for the friezes on the outer and inner enclosures. The outer friezes depict elephants , horses , infantry and dancing girls while the inner walls portray scenes from the Ramayana , the Hindu epic.One could just laze around this place and study the intricate work on every piece of stone...relax on the steps leading to the inner shrine and read a book perhaps. There is a lot more to Hampi than the ruins .
I always enjoy the off-season visit since you have the place to yourself .
It is wise to visit the Vitthala temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and the scorching midday sun. Also an ideal time for photography.
Spotted this exquisite carving on the rock while climbing one of the hillocks at Hampi.
You never know what you may find and that is what makes this place so special.
Hampi should ideally be a 3 day trip ..anything shorter would be a compromise.
The "Hazaara Rama " Temple in Hampi is famous for the friezes on the outer and inner enclosures. The outer friezes depict elephants , horses , infantry and dancing girls while the inner walls portray scenes from the Ramayana , the Hindu epic.One could just laze around this place and study the intricate work on every piece of stone...relax on the steps leading to the inner shrine and read a book perhaps. There is a lot more to Hampi than the ruins .I always enjoy the off-season visit since you have the place to yourself .
A great idea would be to watch the sunset from Mathanga Hill which allows a great 360degree view of Hampi. The trek up this hill is great but recommended only in groups .Also ensure that you return immediately after sunset since it gets pretty dark .
The stygian darkness amidst these ruins after every sunset always brings to my lips, lines from Shelley's poem :
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
But around the decaying ruin of the statue, nothing remains, only the "lone and level sands," which stretch out around it, far away"
To me Hampi is proof that virtue far outlives materialistic pursuits.
No comments:
Post a Comment