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The Vittala Temple, also known as the Vitthala Temple, is an ancient landmark in Hampi that is well-renowned for its outstanding architecture and unsurpassed craftsmanship. It is regarded as one of Hampi's largest and most well-known structures. The temple is located near the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi'snortheastern section. Amazing stone structures, such as the magnificent stone chariot and the unique melodic pillars, may be seen in the legendary temple. This magnificent Hampi monument is a major draw for visitors and tourists to the ruined town, and it is a must-see for them.
Vittala Temple was built in the 15th century and is a popular tourist attraction. It was constructed during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422–1446 A.D.), one of the Vijayanagara Empire's monarchs. During the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 – 1529 A.D.), the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty, certain elements of the temple were expanded and upgraded. He was instrumental in the current appearance of the monument. Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple is another title for the Vittala Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, a Vishnu manifestation. In the temple, there was a Vitthala-Vishnu idol. According to legend, the temple was established to house Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form. The Lord, on the other hand, had decided that the temple was too big for him as well as had returned to his simple house.
vittala temple address is Near Kalyan Mantapa, Hampi, Bellary, Karnataka 583239, India.
The Vittala Temple is thought to be the most
magnificent of Hampi's temples and monuments. The temple exhibits the
sculptors' and artisans' enormous creativity and architectural perfection
during the Vijayanagara era.
The Dravidian style of architecture is used to
construct the Vittala temple. It possesses characteristics and features that
are typical of south Indian temple architecture. Its ornate and beautiful
carvings, as well as its superb architecture, are unequalled in Hampi. It is
claimed that the temple's main temple once featured one surrounded Mantapa. In
the year 1554 A.D., an open Mantapa was added to it.
The temple complex is a large area encircled by
high compound walls and three massive gates. There are numerous halls, shrines,
and pavilions inside the temple complex. Each of these structures is fashioned
of stone and is a work of art in its own right.
The Goddess's shrine (also known as Devi
shrine), Maha Mantapa or main hall (also known as Sabha Mantapa or congregation
hall), Ranga Mantapa, Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall), Utsava Mantapa (festival
hall), and the famed Stone Chariot are among the most notable of these
constructions.
The Vittala Temple is one of Vijayanagara's
most exquisite structures. The temple has a number of attractions that make it
almost a destination for tourists. In fact, it is Hampi's most popular tourist
attraction, and as a result, it is also the most photographed.
The Vittala Temple's main attractions include:
Maha Mantapa: The Maha Mantapa, or main hall, of the Vittala
Temple is located in the temple complex's inner courtyard. It is an enormously
beautiful edifice with an intricate foundation. Warriors, horses, swans, and a
variety of other beautiful patterns are carved into the base.
Four smaller halls help compensate the Maha
Mantapa. The Maha Mantapa's steps on the eastern side are adorned with an
elephant balustrade. The temple's exterior is lined with forty pillars. Each of
these pillars stands 10 feet tall. The Maha Mantapa's middle section
contains sixteen artistically adorned pillars with magnificent Narasimha and
Yali statues. A rectangular court is formed by this group of sixteen pillars.
The Maha Mantapa's ceiling is a beautifully built structure. The Maha Mantapa's
ornately sculpted pillars showcase the magnificence of this majestic temple.
Stone Chariot: The beautifully sculpted Stone
Chariot, which is regarded as the most spectacular building of the Vijayanagara
dynasty, is housed in the Vittala Temple Complex. The Ratha, or Stone Chariot,
stands in the temple's courtyard. It is one of India's three most famous stone
chariots. The other two chariots are in Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) and Konark
(Orissa).
The Vittala Temple's Stone Chariot is actually
a shrine fashioned in the shape of an ornate chariot. The shrine is devoted to
Garuda, and the sanctum has an image of Garuda. Garuda is Lord Vishnu's carrier,
according to Hindu mythology.
The Musical Pillars of the Ranga Mantapa: The Ranga Mantapa is one of the
Vittala Temple's key attractions. The 56 melodic pillars that make up the huge
mandapa are well-known. These musical pillars are also referred to as SAREGAMA
pillars, which refers to the musical notes they release. When the pillars are
gently tapped, musical sounds are produced.
Inside the Mantapa, there are several sets of
main pillars and multiple sets of subsidiary pillars. The ceiling of the Ranga
Mantapa is supported by each of the main pillars. The major pillars have been
made to seem like musical instruments. Seven lesser pillars surround each
major pillar. The represented musical instruments emit 7 different musical
notes from these 7 pillars. The sound quality of the notes emerging from these
pillars varies depending on whether the instrument is percussion, string, or
wind.
Interesting
Facts about the Musical Pillars of Vittala Temple, Hampi
The Vittala Temple complex's cluster of melodic
pillars was cut out of massive single chunks of resonant stone.
The mysterious emission of musical notes from stone
pillars has captivated many people throughout history.
Even the British rulers of India were
enthralled by the musical pillars and wanted to learn more about them. To
satiate their curiosity and discover the enigma of the extraordinary pillars,
they broke two of Vittala Temple's musical pillars to see if anything existed
inside the stone pillars that caused musical notes to be emitted. But inside
the pillars they discovered nothing. The two pillars cut by the British
authorities are still visible today within the temple complex and can be seen
by visitors.
The Vittala Temple is in a semi-ruined state.
The temple's sanctum sanctorum previously housed an idol of Lord Vittala. The
sanctum, however, is currently bereft of any idols. The major western hall of
the temple was destroyed long ago during the Mughal onslaught that brought the
Vijayanagara Empire down in 1565 A.D.
The chariot's wheels used to be functional and
could be rotated by the public. However, the government fixed the wheels a few
years ago to prevent further damage to them. Even tapping the musical pillars
to release musical notes is forbidden, as tapping has caused some harm to the
Ranga Mantapa's musical pillars over the years.
Even the road leading to the temple is in
terribly poor condition. The road used to be the site of a popular market. The
Vittala Bazaar was famed for horse trafficking and was known as the Vittala
Bazaar. On both sides of the road, the market's remains may be seen. Inside the
shrine, there are carvings depicting images of outsiders trading horses.
Floodlights have been erected inside the temple
compound today. The Vittala Temple Complex is illuminated at night, providing a
breathtaking vista of the stunning edifice against the dark night sky. The
temple complex hosts the yearly Purandaradasa festival.
Lord Vishnu