If you like history, you have to visit Hampi
The break of the dawn lights up the Eastern sky with the Yellow – Orange Sun. The shining rays touch the boulders gently revealing the magnificent glory of the forgone Vijayanagara Empire. The eyes bask in the archaeological grandeur and the mind travels back to the extravagant past of a flourished city.
Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire displays the depth of prosperity. The remnant ruins of the revered past speaks the language of abundance. Each monument narrates a significant story of the ancient times. The architectural marvels wonderstruck the observer with intricate details and elaborate decorations. Hampi, the UNESCO world heritage site is inexplicably beautiful.
Lord Virupaksha, the royal deity of the Empire enshrines beneath a majestic tower. His blessings had once made the city witness a boulevard of bazars selling diamonds and precious gems on a daily basis. The ruins of the old bustling bazar imprints the rich business transaction days of the earlier times. It triggers stirring emotions to have lost benevolent treasures to the battles of power.
The Vittala Temple complex was built by the outstanding king of the Vijayanagara Empire, Sri Krishnadevaraya to dedicate a celestial palace on Earth to Lord Vittala. The legend say that Lord Vittala could not stay in the temple citing the abode was too grand for him. The enchanting stone chariot standing within the complex is a majestic art galore depicting the godly talents of the sculptors. The maha-mantapams adorned with mystical music pillars, arches and colonnades hosted performances from renowned artists of music and dance.
Hampi, a known religious and spiritual centre had the devotion of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire on Hindu Gods. The monolithic Lord Narasimha shrine was worshipped before waging a war to be bestowed with heroic aggression. Sasivekalu (Mustard) Ganesha, Kadalekalu (Bengal gram) Ganesha, and Badavalinga statues chiselled to perfection have dedicated temples with opulent carvings.
The lavish stable for the royal elephants stand testimony to the affluence of the Kingdom in its golden days. The interconnecting rows of domed chambers have a special tall chamber in the middle believed to have ceremonies involving Elephants. The elegantly designed Lotus Mahal symbolized a poised structure to have the royal women gather for recreational activities.
A panoramic view of Hampi from the Hemakoota hillock unveils the royal splendour of the city on the Southern banks of the river Tunga Bhadra. The valuable monuments and ruins stretch as far as the eyes can reach. The sight of the artwork within the boundaries of the city engulfs the soul searching traveller with magical creative powers.
A perception emerges from the deepest corners of the mind requiring a channel for expression. The transcendental state of search for creative expression ends when a camera rests in the hand. The artistic brilliance of Hampi opens its arms to be captured within the frames of a timeless photograph. It allows the various colours and angles to be incorporated in the photograph to magnify its presence to the entire world.
A photographer’s hand casts a spell on the monuments to unfold time travel to the glorious olden days of the Hampi Samrajya. It reciprocates with the passion for art, architecture and spirituality of the victorious Empire. A photograph encapsulates the unseen reality of the bygone era using the modern technological boon in the form of a camera.
A photo travel to Hampi is a communion of travelling and capturing the essence of the historically enriched city presented with a unique perception to the world.
