Frozen in Time – Virupaksha Trail with Evolve Back Luxury Resort in Hampi – Part 2

There is so much to Hampi than meets the eye. Evolve Back Luxury Resorts, have split the sight seeing into four trails ( 2 per day). This allows for ease and comfort and you get to enjoy the trails without getting exhausted. I was at luck to see and appreciate the mystery behind this once triumphant city. Before I start of with the Trails, I wanted to share a bit of history of Hampi. Although most parts during school I hit the snooze mode. Going on these trails was a refresher. And thanks to the wonderful guide Bhanu at the Evolve Back Luxury Resorts. Hope I have done justice with this blog.

Hampi is steeped in myth and spirituality. The once magnificent capital ruled by Vijayanagara Empire, was the last Hindu Kingdom. Now this ancient city echos a glorious past of how sophisticated it was. From its memorial structures, temples, pillared halls to the sacred shrines. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I have split my 72 hours in Hampi, into a five-part series.  The first part is my review of the Evolve Luxury Resorts, Hampi. This one the Virupaksha Trail and other three important trails in Hampi, you have to see –  Vitthalapura Walk; The Raya Trail & Tungabhadra Trek

Vijayanagara Empire

Now before I share more about the trails, here is a bit of history of the Vijayanagara Empire. Way back towards 14th century, two brother’s Harihara and Bukka, changed not only theirs but the destiny of Hampi. Today is it infamous all over the world, and the ruins around the city are reminiscent of this legendary city.

The two brother’s were hunting with their dogs in the nearby hills and found a hare they had chased. With twist of fate, the hare chased the dogs. Guru Vidyaranya, was informed of this incident and later advised the two brothers to establish their kingdom in this capital as it was very sacred. Bukka is the brain child behind the finest irrigation and water supply system there is, and majority is still in use today. Over the next 300 years, history has it that there were 23 kings and about 4 dynasties (Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu dynasty ) that ruled. Krishnadeva Raya being the most acclaimed monarch of the Tuluva dynasty. The city lost the battle of Talikota, leading to mass pillaging in Hampi.

Virupaksha Trail

Hampi is located on the South bank of the Tungabhadra river in Bellary district in Karnataka, India.  Legend has it that the name Hampi originated from the Goddess Parvathi or Pampa. Pampa was the daughter of Brahma (God of Creation). Pampa wished to marry Lord Shiva (God of Destruction). She decided only way to win his heart was to mediate. She did so on the opposite side of the hill on the banks of the river of Hemakuta hill where Lord Shiva had his penance. The temple where Pampa meditated is now called “Pampa Sarovara.”

Lord Shiva, impressed with her devotion and dedication agreed to marry her. He took on the name Pampapati (husband of Pampa). Hemakuta means ‘heap of gold’ in sanskrit. During their wedding, the heavens opened up and showered this place with gold. The place where they married is today called “Virupaksha Temple.” Even today, during sunset, the temple glows like gold. There is no filter needed for those clicking images. Just splendid.

Sasivekalu Ganesha

To get to the Virupaksha temple, we need to walk through and up the boulders of the Hemakuta hill. Just below the foot of the hills is the start of the trail. There is a map that lists the routes and key areas to visit.  As we enter the route, you get to see a monolithic statue called Sadivekalu Ganesha.

Sasivekalu means mustard, the entire 8 foot structure has a more mustard colour look, hence the name. Legend has it that Ganesha loved to eat and as his belly grew he tightened a snake around his waist. The idol was damaged during the war and his trunk has been cut off. The invaders had chopped off the trunks of all the idols in the city. A damaged idol is never worshiped. If you go around these pillars you can notice that Ganesha is sitting on the lap of his mother.

Hemakuta Temple

The walk up hill is breathtaking, as you can see. It was almost time for sunset. Once you reach the top of the hill, you get an ariel view of Hampi and there are a large number of temples, archways and pavilions. Another famous temple called the Moola Virupaksha Temple, sits on top of this hill and has a pond that surrounds it, it was surrounded by monkeys taking a dive. It was fun watching them shove each other into the water. The Virupaksha Temple is visible from all the sides. The temperature did dip a bit, and was really windy.

Moola Virupaksha Temple

Moola Virupaksha Temple

And we have lift off!

Virupaksha Temple

To get here, we walk down from Hemakuta hill, on the opposite side from where we started. This takes us into the scared center. Just like that I was mesmerized more so with the carvings on the temple walls. A bit too graphic for me to explain. The temple is carved out of one stone can you imagine that! This is a definite highlight of the tour and I can see why. Pilgrims flock here to offer prayers. It is a fully functional temple. Weddings take place here too.

I couldn’t go inside to see more, as it was a massive celebration of sorts that day with the festivities in all its pomp and glory. But I did manage to see a bit of the temple. Just could not take pictures as was way to crowded and a procession moved around.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

According to legend, Narasimha is the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu out of the 10. This is the largest known statue in Hampi. Narasimha means half man and half lion. As you observe the statue you can see a seven headed snake above Narasimha’s head, and he seems to be sitting on the coil of it. He is sitting in a yoga position and has a belt wrapped around his knees for support.

It is believed the side of Narasimha sat Goddess Lakshmi. However, during the raid of the kingdom. This was severely damaged. Only her hand is visible behind his back.

You can reach this spot via the main road from the Hampi Bazar coming out of the Virupaksha Temple. Right next to it is the Badavilinga Temple, I managed to see this temple too. It was getting pretty dark as the sun already seemed to have set. There were no street lights so failed to get a good image.

With Day 1 come to a close, I was all geared up to see what more this beautiful city had to offer. For now it was back to the lovely Evolve Back Luxury Resorts to unwind and relax.

Note: Click on the links to know more about the other trails offered by Evolve Back Luxury Resorts- Vitthalapura Walk; The Raya Trail & Tungabhadra Trek

– Getting to Hampi –

Drive – The distance between Bangalore and Hampi is about 350 kms.
Plane – Fly to Hubli Airport. Hire a cab to drive to Hampi which is about 143km.
Bus – Overnight bus journey to Hospet via Bangalore. Then hire a taxi to Hampi.
Train – Arrive Hospet railway station, which is about 13 kms from Hampi.

To know more or book your stay at the resort, visit Evolve Back Luxury Resorts website – “Click Here” or Call: 080 4191 1122

If you have stayed at this property, or visited Hampi and its surroundings would love to hear  your thoughts, feel free to leave your comments below.

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xoxo
Deena Pinto
(SkinnyGirlDiariez)
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**Disclaimer: Even thou the invite was complimentary, all views expressed are my own.**