Monolithic Stone Chariot

Stone Chariot in Vijaya Vithal Mandir, Hampi, Karnataka, India.

The Vittala Temple in Hampi is an ancient structure, which is well known for its architecture and unmatchedcraftsmanship. The monument is seen as one of the largest and famed structures in the group of monuments in Hampi. The temple is located in the northeastern part of Hampi, Karnataka.

This temple has some beautiful stone structures artistic Handworks  - like the stone chariot which cannot be described in words and the interesting musical pillars people love to visit and hear the music thru simple stone pillar. The temple is a major draw amongst the tourists who come from across the globe to witness the once-glorious Vijayanagara capital.

The temple is also called Vijaya Vittala Temple and is dedicated to Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to legends, the temple was built as an abode for Lord Vishnu in his Vittala form, but he found the temple to be a very grand one for him and hence he is said to have returned to live in his own humble home at Pandharpur, Maharashtra.

Monolithic Stone Chariot - Hampi Karnataka

Monolithic Stone Chariot:
This is in fact a shrine built in the form of a temple chariot. An image of Garuda (the eagle god) was originally enshrined within its sanctum. Garuda, according to the Hindu mythology, is the vehicle of lord Vishnu. Thus the Garuda shrine facing the temple’s sanctum is symbolic.

The Musical Pillars Of The Vijaya Vittala Temple In Hampi

The structure was built during the rule of Devaraya II, who was one amongst the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. The structure was built in the 15th century. Many portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced by Krishnadevaraya, who was the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Some detailed work of Vithal Madir Hampi. Some of images click by me to show the beauty which amaze us that without any modern tools and technology in olden age people built such an beautiful temple which last long for years and years.

The temple was originally built in the 15th century AD. Many successive kings have enhanced the temple campus during their there time. You can even see the remains of a township called Vittalapura that existed around this temple complex. The highlight of Vitthala temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone chariot. Few stemps inside the deep temple many hidden stories lies there is no lite inside it feels like cave.

The halls are carved with an overwhelming array of sculptures on the giant granite pillars. The stone chariot located inside the campus is almost an iconic structure of Hampi.

A huge and oldest one single tree inside Vitthal Temple.

Tree inside Vitthal Temple