Trip to Hampi - Part4: Day 1: Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vijaya Vittala Temple : Frozen in time

There is nothing more amazing than Hampi in this world and there is nothing more amazing than Vijaya Vittala temple in Hampi.

This is the most magnificence architectural creation of Hampi that boasts of a rich tradition of artistry and culture of the bygone era. Single site of this temple will leave you awe-struck and speaks of highly talented craftsmen and architects who challenge our current generations. I doubt that even with the advent of this great technology, we can ever make such a marvelous structure. This temple is dedicated to Vittala, Krishna avatar of Vishnu. 

One of the broken entrance which is closed permanently

The temple was originally built in 15^th century and Its beauty has been constantly improvised by the successive rulers. This temple is very huge with its capacity to accommodate thousand of people. There are 3 entrances: north, south and east directions but now south and north gate have been closed permanently. 

The World famous stone chariot of Hampi is located in this complex. As per our guide, this is one of the three famous stone chariots in India, the other two being in Konark and Mahabalipuram. It is made up of rough quartz. Generally, an idol of Garuda is found in front of every Vishnu temple but here the chariot has been erected which depicts the picture of arabs, persions, portugese, soldiers, hunters. 

Stone Chariot: One of its Kind

Same chariot

Sometime back, this Chariot can be moved from one place to another but as our government becomes very keen on preserving the world heritage sites which is very good; they have fixed it with cement. Also, this whole structure is now rests on some height on some stairs to discourage tourists from climbing in.

One can see that in one of the wheel, brakes were no longer there due to negligence of our government and carelessness of tourists. The elephants who appears like pulling the chariot were not there earlier, instead horses were there as one can a tail and leg closely. 

Elephants were replaced as there was no sign of horses and without any carrier, the chariot will lose its magnificence. 

One of the notable features of the Vittala Temple is the musical pillars which are constructed in the Dancing hall. Each of the pillars that support the roof of the main temple is supported by a pillar representing a musical instrument, and is constructed as 7 minor pillars arranged around a main pillar. These 7 pillars, when struck, emanate the 7 notes from the representative instrument, varying in sound quality based on whether it represents a wind, string or percussion instrument.

Dancing Hall

Inside dancing hall. Entry is restricted here and the pic is taken from outside

Women entertaining themselves. Walls of Dancing Hall

The British wanted to check the reason behind this wonder and so they had cut two pillars to check anything was there inside the pillars that were producing the sound. They had found nothing but hollow pillars. Even today we can see those pillars cut by the British.

In Marriage hall

There is also beautiful Marriage hall in this temple. There were no arrangements of lightning/natural lightning in this hall. And hence they have made other arrangements to arrange for light during important functions. They place a Diamond at the tongue of the below structure and light a candle across it. Its reflection lightens the palace.


Another amazing feature of this temple is that if you see the walls of the temple, you can understand the complete epic Ramayana. Different stones are carved out showcase the important incidents that took place in Ramayana.

The road leading to the temple was once a market and one can see the ruins of the market on both the sides of the road. 

Very 0ld Tree in premises of Temple

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Complete Hampi trip Posts Compilation so far

About Hampi and what to expect in Hampi

Day 1:

Day 1 Itinerary

Mustard Ganesha, Krishna Temple and Queen's Bath 

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Day 2:

Day 2: Itinerary 

Trek to Mathanga Hills

Day 3:

Day 3: Itinerary

Restaurants in Hampi