Kadalekalu Ganesha in Hampi

There we were headed towards Matanga Hill to catch the sunset and see if we can spot the Yellow Throated Bulbul when we stopped on the way to catch a glimpse of the Kadalekalu Ganesha and the towering Virupaksha temple Vimana. 

The Ganesha statue is infact the largest statue, standing tall at 4.5 meters or 15 feet in height. The beauty of this is that it has been carved out of a huge boulder. This is situated on the north-eastern slope of the Hemakuta hill. It is said that the belly of this Ganesha statue is so huge that it resembles a Bengal gram (Kadalekalu in  Kannada)  which is how he earned the name Kadalekalu Ganesha.  There is also a sanctum built around this structure which is located in the center of a pillared hall. Each of the pillars has beautiful work on them, representing various mythical themes.

You can read more of my experiences in Hampi here

Skywatch Friday... Queen's Bath, Hampi

As you drive towards the  Royal Enclosure, a structure will catch your attention, it is the Queen's Bath. From afar it is resembles just another rectangular building, but once you step inside the structure, you will be wow'd .

The entire structure has a small channel running through the length of it which must have once been filled with water.  While on the inside, there are corridors with small windows poening into the center, the main bath area. The windows aare beautifully done up, with intricate craftsmanship on each arch and wall.  The architecture is Indo-Saracenic with Islamic influences over-riding the Hindu style of architecture. 

 Each of the windows are supported with small lotus bud tip brackets. The center bath area opens out to the sky, but today stands barren and in ruins.  There is one entry with steps leading to the bath, an indication that women probably soaked in the bath surrounded by their maids and help waiting at their beck and call. 

The ceiling along the corridor has intricate work depicting the Royal lives, the Gods and animals used in the palaces.

There is a small beautifully maintained garden within the premises, which now is a favorite spot for picnics by tourists.  This structure is now an ASI protected monument!

Psst.. the photographs looks different only cos i've been playing around with the new Picasa settings :)


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The Queen bath in Hampi

During my last day at Hampi, i wanted to visit the infamous "Royal Enclosures". As i stepped out of the car, all i saw a towering structure and scaffolding everywhere. Climbed on the small outer wall, and made my way into the campus. The sight that greeted me was overwhelming. 

It was the size of a football ground where the whole world could fit in. There were structures scattered through, some in good condition, while many were in ruins.Watching the scores of tourists rush in, make their way towards a structure towards the end , i too joined them and walked along, taking it all in.

 The stone gate structure that lay outside the Royal Enclosure

Crossing the Mahanavmi Dibba, (a 8-tiered platform where state functions and festivities were held) i came upon a long stone structure that was part of the irrigation system in Hampi.

This elevated channel  is meant for feeding water to the tank and is made of stone pieces 8 to 10 feet each joined by vertical props, also made of stone.. Curiosity got the better of me, and i went to the other side to the "Pushkarni"... 

Also called the Stepped Bath, or the Queen's bath, this is a stepped well designed for bathing. The water flows in through the stone channel into this tank.

Although i had seen a similar structure near the Vittala temple in Hampi and in Dwarasamudra- The Hulikere, this Pushkarni was just as fascinating. Giving us a glimpse of how Royal the lives of the Kings and Queens were, and the creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans, the temple tank still stands tall drowning us in its beauty....

One of the architecture marvels, the neatly arranged row of steps added to the beauty of the well.. We sat there for a while, till the Sun beat down on us forcing us to get back to the car and turn on the AC....