Tungabhadre kathi Hampi

As in along the river (Tungabhadra) bank lies the temple city of Hampi.

Northern Karnataka state in central India is where we find this village that thrived under the domain of several kings including Harihar I and onto and in early 16th century King Krishnadevraya who defeated several attempts by Mughal warriors to lay siege.

Over the 7th through 16th century many temples were added along the river bank with the famous one being devoted to Lord Shiva. He is also known as Pampa and a derivation of the word was made into Hampi.

Shiva, his consort Parvati and son Ganesh are all enclosed in the main temple complex called Virupaksha at the western end of the village. Visitors can walk the hills around this temple complex before proceeding along the southern bank of the river to the eastern end where the large Vitthala temple sits along with an amazing stone chariot.

Nandi (Bull) guards the eastern gate or gopuram to Virupaksha temple

Virupaksha seen from adjacent hillock

The walk (as was the case this so called winter morning) can be hot and tiring but is worth it for the vistas and history you can visualize on the way.

One of many Ganesha in the campus

Langoor party

scenic river walk

Gate to Vithalla temple

Basket boats for a ride to an island temple in the river

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