About

Vitthala Temple in Hampi is an ancient monument that in Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara empire of the 15th and 16th centuries. The temple is located in the north eastern part of Hampi, near the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The iconic temple has amazing stone structures such as the incomparable stone chariot and the fascinating musical pillars. This predominant monument of Hampi is a major attraction of the ruined town. The temple complex, which is rectangular in shape, is a sprawling area that is surrounded by high compound walls and three towering gateways. The temple complex has many halls, shrines and pavilions located inside it. The Kalyana Mantapa, on the south (left as one enters), is a large pavilion with a central altar. It is said that this was used for marriages of kings and noblemen. The Sabha Mantapa, also along the southern wall, and slightly behind the main shrine, is another pavilion where the king was said to hold meetings. The pillars of this pavillion are also musical in nature. The Natya Mantapa which is on the North Eastern corner of the complex is less ornate than the other two pavilions. There is a nearly 400 meters roadway leading up to the main gateway of the temple, which is flanked by single and double story shops. This was a thriving marketplace in the times when the temple was in active use. There are three gopurams or gateways which are on the eastern, northern and southern walls, of which the eastern gateway is the main entrance and currently in use.

Trivia

The most famous image of the Vithala temple is of the Garuda charriot which stands in the courtyard in front of the main shrine. The charriot once had a spire which is now no longer there.

The charriot is seen to be drawn by two elephants, but these are latter day additions. The charriot was originally drawn by horses, but the horses appear to have broken at some point in the past and were replaced by elephants. The tail of the horses can still be seen behind the elephants.

The main shrine has many pillars which are renowned as the musical pillars, which sound the notes when struck.

In addition to the musical pillars, the shrine has sculptures of musicians, playing various instruments, such as the dhol and the mridang. These stone sculptures are also said to produce the sound of the instruments they portray