Humpi - Hazararama Devalaya

The inimitable glory of Vijayanagar empire filled every genre of literature and each branch of fine arts to such magnitude that the posterity neither recreates such splendour, nor mother Earth ever dreamt of adorning herself with such monumental sculptural jewels. The incalculable worth of the heritage bequeathed to the future generations is raising the honour of the country and the pardonable pride of its people. After their exit, many monuments emerged and made certain regions, the open air museums of the world. Though the Mlechcha invaders brought every adorable piece to ground level, they failed miserably to erase the divinity permeating the whole region.

One among such rarities, the Hazara Ramalayam,the precious gift of Krishna Devaraya takes pride of place. It is an invaluable architectural sculptured piece dedicated to Sri Rama. Each stone, if awakened with a little tap at any of its part begins colloquy that makes the listener spell bound. It is said that it was built in memory of his digvijaya yatra of the northern parts. Almost all the wall panels and ceilings illustrate many epic stories, particularly of the Vaishnavate gods reflecting the patron's patronage of Vaishnavism. The images of Vira Hanuman, Jambavathi, Rukmini etc. installed in elegantly built mandaps are specimens of superb artistry and patron's taste. The icon of mulavirat is an excellently chiseled piece that raises hands in veneration at first sight itself. It is an independent shrine containing all the component parts. Though standing in ruins, it beckons ardent visitation.

It lies in Humpi, 18 km off Hospet in the Ballary district of Karnataka, enjoying bus service from the neighboring towns.

Humpi - Kodandarama Devalaya

This kshetra attained immense spiritual significance by the unparalleled devotion of a Chuncha belonging to forest tribes. And later it was named after him. It has the hoary legend of Mother Sita's taking bath in the river Cauvery flowing here. A silver cascade perennially falling emits enchanting colours that feasts the eyes and lifts the minds. It is believed that this exciting phenomenon is due to Mother Sita's taking bath only during the period of exile. The temple though of moderate dimensions has exquisite sculpture that detains the visitors invariably. The icon of archamurti Kodandarama is an excellent specimen of superb craftsmanship and elevates the souls at first sight itself. This temple's prakara is said to have been built by Mummudi Krishna Raja Wodayar, and his munificent endowments enriched the coffers of the temple. The Kalyana mandap is embellished with the Dasavatara images of superb artistry. During Sankranti, a big fair is held that lures huge crowds. These is a beautiful mandap on the bank of the river said to have been visited by Ramanuja for meditation every day during his stay here. It is further sanctified by his discourses given regularly to the ardent god-minded people. Regular worship is offered with great devotional zeal. 

It is 23 km off KR Nagar, a famous town in Karnataka, accessible by bus.

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