Where is Hampi

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Karnataka, India. It is known for its historical and architectural significance, particularly the remains of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Attraction of Hampi

Hampi is known for its historical and architectural significance, with many well-preserved temples, shrines, and monuments that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Some of the most popular attractions in Hampi include:

1. Virupaksha Temple: A historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to have been in existence since the 7th century.
2. Vittala Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its intricate stone carvings and the famous stone chariot.
3. Hampi Bazaar: A historic market area where you can see the remains of shops and merchants that existed during the Vijayanagara Empire.
4. Royal Enclosure: A fortified palace complex that was the residence of the Vijayanagara kings.
5. Tungabhadra Dam: A large dam located near Hampi that offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Monolithic Bull: A large stone statue of a bull, which is considered an important symbol in Hinduism.
7. Matanga Hill: A hilltop offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a number of ancient temples and shrines.
8. The Hemakuta Hill Temple: A group of ancient temples and shrines on a hilltop overlooking the main Hampi village.
9. The Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy Temple: A small temple dedicated to Lord Rama, and one of the very few temples in Hampi which are still in active use.
10. The Watch Tower: A large structure that is believed to have been used as a watchtower during the Vijayanagara Empire.

Fact about Hampi

• Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in India during the 14th and 15th centuries.
• The empire was known for its architectural achievements, and many well-preserved temples, shrines, and monuments can still be seen in Hampi today.
• The Vijayanagara Empire was also known for its patronage of the arts, and many examples of sculptures, paintings, and literature from this period can be found in Hampi.
• The empire was defeated in 1565 by a coalition of Deccan Sultanates, after which Hampi was abandoned and fell into ruin.
• Hampi was rediscovered in the early 20th century and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
• The name “Hampi” is derived from “Pampa,” the name of a local goddess and the patron deity of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The temples at Hampi are known for their intricate stone carvings, which depict a variety of religious and secular themes.
• history of hambiThe Virupaksha Temple, located in the heart of Hampi, is one of the most important and oldest temples in the region and is still an active place of worship.
• The Royal Enclosure, a fortified palace complex, was the residence of the Vijayanagara kings and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Hampi.
• The Tungabhadra Dam, located near Hampi, is a large dam that offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for photography.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi attracts around 3 million visitors annually.

History of Hampi

Hampi, located in northern Karnataka, INDIA, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in India during the 14th and 15th centuries. The empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka, two brothers from the Sangama Dynasty in 1336. They established the capital at Hampi, which was then known as Vijayanagara.

Under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi became a major center of trade and commerce, as well as a cultural and architectural hub. Many temples, shrines, palaces, and other monumental structures were built during this period, many of which still stand today. The empire was also known for its patronage of the arts, and many examples of sculptures, paintings, and literature from this period can be found in Hampi.

In 1565, the Vijayanagara Empire was defeated in the Battle of Talikota by a coalition of Deccan Sultanates. The city was sacked and destroyed, and many of its inhabitants were killed or enslaved. Hampi was subsequently abandoned and fell into ruin.

Hampi was rediscovered in the early 20th century and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Since then, many efforts have been made to preserve and restore the historical and architectural remains of the city. Today, Hampi is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in its rich history and culture.

It is important to note that Hampi is not just a historical site but also an important religious center for Hinduism, with many temples and shrines still in use and attracting devotees from all over the country. The Virupaksha Temple, for example, is one of the most important and oldest temples in the region and is still an active place of worship.