SOUTHERN INDIA: The Vijayanagar Kingdom

Majestic, beautifully decorated eleven-tier tower rises over the eastern gate of Pampapati Temple. Pampapati is the oldest and religiously most important temple of Vijayanagar.

 
Jain temples had been built in this area even before the city of Vijayanagar was founded

Hampi Bazaar leads directly to the eastern gate of Pampapati Temple

Vijayanagar is surrounded by interesting scenery. There are many small temples along the Tungabhadra river.

Achyuta Temple was built at the end of Soolai Bazaar. It is one of the better preserved buildings.

King's Balance. Famous ceremony took place below this religious structure. As part of the ritual, the king of Vijayanagar would weight himself against gold coins, which were immediately distributed among present Brahman priests.

Beautiful decorations and pillars of the Vittala Temple. This temple is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Outer stone pillars are called "musical pillars" - they reverberate when tapped .

Stone chariot in the courtyard of the Vittala Temple. Its stone wheels can be turned.

The Queen's Bath. The decorations of this building shows Islamic influence.

The Throne Platform. Originally, an open building stood on this platform, where the king would sit on his diamond-decorated golden throne. He would accept ambassadors here or watch ceremonies and dances from this place. All the tiers of the platform are decorated.

Hazara Rama Temple was built as a private royal place of worship. Its walls and pillars are beautifully decorated.

Detail view of wall decorations in the Hazara Rama Temple. Scenes from the epic of Ramayana are the most popular themes.

The Lotus Pavilion is one of the best examples of combined Hindu and Islamic architecture

Elephant Stables also carry elements of Islamic influence. It is believed that the royal elephants were stabled here.