Narasimha
Close to the Virupaksha temple stands tall a sculpture of Narasimha (half man, half lion). The speciality of this is the fact that it is carved out of a single mound of rock. Near to the massive Narasimha statue is a large rock carved Shiva lingam which is impressive in its own way.
Vitthala Temple Complex - Vitthala Temple Layout
The 16th century Vittala Temple Complex is situated close to the Virupaksha temple. This temple is a declared World Heritage Monument. Although this temple was never consecrated, as the city was conquered before this could happen, the sculptural work on the walls of the temple is exquisite. It is considered the epitome of the arts of the Vijaynagara empire.
Musical Pillars
The main pavilion of the temple houses 56 'musical pillars'. All these pillars are superbly carved and emit different musical notes due to the reverberation caused when tapped. However, this practice is currently discouraged as the government believes that this will add to the wear and tear pressures of the monument.
Elephant Stables
An imposing structure of 11 chambers, this once housed the royal elephants. Especially noteworthy are the polygonal roofs, alternating with smooth or ribbed domes.
King's Balance
As one explores the city another spot that is interesting is the King's Balance. It is said that in the olden days, the rich Dravidian kings of the Vijaynagara Dynasty actually used to be weighed on a giant scale against grain or gold, which was later distributed to the poor in the kingdom.
The Hava Mahal
The Hava Mahal or Wind Palace is actually the Lotus Mahal, a two-storeyed pavilion formed by intermingling a series of vaults and domes to form a striking geometric pattern.
Lotus Mahal
A skilful blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, this building may have served as a council chamber for the king.
Close to the Virupaksha temple stands tall a sculpture of Narasimha (half man, half lion). The speciality of this is the fact that it is carved out of a single mound of rock. Near to the massive Narasimha statue is a large rock carved Shiva lingam which is impressive in its own way.
Vitthala Temple Complex - Vitthala Temple Layout
The 16th century Vittala Temple Complex is situated close to the Virupaksha temple. This temple is a declared World Heritage Monument. Although this temple was never consecrated, as the city was conquered before this could happen, the sculptural work on the walls of the temple is exquisite. It is considered the epitome of the arts of the Vijaynagara empire.
Musical Pillars
The main pavilion of the temple houses 56 'musical pillars'. All these pillars are superbly carved and emit different musical notes due to the reverberation caused when tapped. However, this practice is currently discouraged as the government believes that this will add to the wear and tear pressures of the monument.
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Stone Chariot Towards the Vittala temple's eastern side is located the famous and extremely beautiful stone Chariot, a chariot carved out of stone and depicted being pulled by an elephant. The speciality of this sculpture is that it is perfectly proportioned and thanks to its superior engineering technology its wheels can actually rotate. |
An imposing structure of 11 chambers, this once housed the royal elephants. Especially noteworthy are the polygonal roofs, alternating with smooth or ribbed domes.
King's Balance
As one explores the city another spot that is interesting is the King's Balance. It is said that in the olden days, the rich Dravidian kings of the Vijaynagara Dynasty actually used to be weighed on a giant scale against grain or gold, which was later distributed to the poor in the kingdom.
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Queen's Bath Amongst the ruins one point that still shows the magnificence of the days gone by is the Queen's Bath. It is built in typical Islamic architectural style, which is open to the sky and surrounded by a moat. It boasts of arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus-shaped fountains. It is said that the Queens water mixed with perfume would spew out of the fountains. Our modern day showers and Jacuzzis are but poor cousins of this royal bath. |
The Hava Mahal or Wind Palace is actually the Lotus Mahal, a two-storeyed pavilion formed by intermingling a series of vaults and domes to form a striking geometric pattern.
Lotus Mahal
A skilful blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, this building may have served as a council chamber for the king.