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Kampabhupa Pathway, Hampi, Krishnapura, Karnataka, India

The trek rout is approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) from the Hampi Bazaar, India.

It’s more of a walk along a rocky, boulder-strewn terrain than any big trekking sort of thing that involves climbing.

On an average you can walk this trail in about 45 minutes (with no major side trips). The beauty of this trek is that you can do a number of feasible side trips in this tour.

Entrance to the pathway

Panorama of Tungabhadra river
The Tungabhadra river starts and flows through the state of Karnataka, India, during most of its course, then through Andhra Pradesh, and ultimately joins the Krishna River near Murvakonda in Andhra Pradesh.


Kampabhupa Pathway

«In Hampi, the capital of the Viayanagara Empire, the rulers built many ancient paths. One of the most important of these ancient routes is the Kampabhupa Pathway. A broad stone pathway along the banks of the Turgabhadra is said to have been laid on the orders of Kampabhupa, the son of Vira Harihara Raya (1377 - 1404 CE). It connects the Virupaksha Bazaar Street to Chakratirtha and beyond, towards the double-storeyed gateway of Vittalapura. This pathway, starting at the eastern end of the Virupaksha bazaar passes through a narrow passage between a group of boulders, also called the ‘Onake Kindi’ (view through a window). A bas relief sculpture of a standing male figure with folded hands in Anjali mudra is thought to be Kampabhupa, who ordered the construction of the pathway. When the water in the river rises this pathway is completely submerged.»


Chakra Tirtha
It is situated on the south bank of the River Tungabhadra, between the Rishyamukha Hill to the north and the Matanga Hill to the south.

  • The name "Chakra Tirtha" means "the sacred water body that swirls". The river's current creates a swirling pattern, which is considered holy.
  • It is regarded as one of the holiest bathing spots in Hampi. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the water here can cleanse them of sins.
  • According to legend, Lord Shiva gave Lord Vishnu his powerful weapon, the Chakra, at this spot. On special occasions, the swirl in the river is said to form images of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
  • There are ancient stone pavilions next to Chakra Tirtha that have been used by pilgrims for resting for centuries. The flat rock at the riverbank has carvings of Shiva Lingas and footprints.
  • Swimming is not recommended due to the strong river currents. The water level can rise significantly during the monsoon season.

Kodandarama Temple

  • The temple is situated on the south bank of the River Tungabhadra, near the Chakratirtha holy bathing spot.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, along with his brothers Lakshmana and Sita. The idols are carved from a single natural boulder.
  • The temple showcases a blend of Hoysala and Dravidian architectural styles. It features intricate carvings and sculptures on its pillars and walls.
  • It is believed that Lord Rama crowned Sugriva as the king of Kishkindha at this spot. The temple has an idol of Sugriva bowing to Lord Rama, which is unique compared to other temples dedicated to Lord Rama.
  • The Chakratirtha holy bathing ghat is located in front of the temple, making it a popular pilgrimage site.
  • The temple can be reached by a scenic walk along the riverbank from the Hampi Bazaar or by climbing the hillock behind the Nandi statue.
  • The temple attracts many pilgrims, especially during festivals and special occasions.

Sacred tree with engraved idol
These trees are often revered as manifestations of divine presence and are considered sacred spaces for worship and meditation.

  • These trees are believed to be abodes of gods and goddesses. For example, the Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) is associated with Lord Vishnu, while the Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) represents the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
  • The presence of an idol in the tree is thought to enhance its spiritual energy, making it a powerful place for prayer and meditation.
  • These trees are often centuries old and are integral to the cultural and religious heritage of the region. They serve as living symbols of the community's faith and traditions.
  • Devotees often perform rituals, offer prayers, and tie sacred threads or cloth around these trees as a mark of respect and devotion.
  • Beyond their spiritual importance, these trees also contribute to environmental conservation, as they are protected and preserved by the community.

Hastagiri Ranganatha Temple

  • The temple is situated on the south bank of the River Tungabhadra, near the Kothandaramaswamy Temple.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, depicted reclining on the serpent Anantha.
  • The temple showcases the Vijayanagara architectural style, with intricate carvings and sculptures.
  • Dating back to the 14th century, the temple is a testament to the architectural and spiritual heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • The temple is built against a rocky hill, which acts as its rear wall.
  • The temple is accessible via a trail along the riverbank, making it a serene spot for visitors.

Crossing to the Courtesans Street

Panorama of Courtesans Street

Panorama of the sacred tank (Pushkarani)

  • It is situated at the end of the Courtesan's Street, near the Achyuta Raya's Temple.
  • The tank is built in the Vijayanagara style of architecture, featuring a rectangular shape surrounded by a colonnade with beautifully carved pillars.
  • The tank served the ritualistic needs of the Achyuta Raya's Temple and was an integral part of the temple complex.
  • Currently, the tank is dry, but the base and steps are still visible, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical structure.
  • During the Vijayanagara Empire, such tanks were used for various rituals, including annual boat festivals where idols of deities were taken out for a coracle ride.

Pushkarani

«This sacred tank of the Achyttaraya temple dates back to 1534, and stands on the western side of the car street mantapas. It diers from other such tanks in that it was probably used more for Vasantotsava rather than Teppotsava. it is shallow, with a well-paved floor; this allowed devotees to wade across to the central pavilion that housed the processional deity. A control system at the north-western corner maintained the water level at a height suitable or wading. The central pavilion stands on an ornate platform. Its kantha is treated with a low relief of caparisoned elephants, surmounted by an Adhopadma moulding. The square pillars bear Vaishnava sculptures. The tank is surrounded by a pillared pavilion with entrance passages at the North and South.»


Top of Mathanga hill
On top of Matanga Hill in Hampi, you'll find the Veerabhadra Temple.

  • This temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
  • The temple offers a stunning panoramic view of the Hampi landscape, including the surrounding temples and the Tungabhadra River.
  • It's a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the sunrise or sunset views2

Panorama of Achyutaraya Bazaar

  • The bazaar is situated near the Achyutaraya Temple, on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River.
  • The bazaar features a series of well-preserved pavilions and market stalls, showcasing the Vijayanagara architectural style.
  • It was a bustling commercial hub during the Vijayanagara Empire, where traders sold a variety of goods, including precious stones, jewelry, silk clothes, and everyday items.
  • The bazaar is lined with rows of ornate, pillared pavilions that provided shelter for merchants and shoppers.
  • At the eastern end of the bazaar, you'll find the famous Yeduru Basavanna, a large monolithic statue of Nandi (the bull), facing the Virupaksha Temple.
  • The bazaar offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including the Tungabhadra River and the Matanga Hill.

Achyutaraya Bazaar

«The temple complex of Achyutaraya is fronted by this car street, also known as Courtesan’s Street, measuring nearly 375 meters in length. It has been identified as having been a busy trading centre. A jeweler’s casket containing precious ornaments was found in the floor of a Mantapa; it had perhaps been hurriedly buried during t e invasion of the capital in 1565. The car street is lined by mantapas on either side and has a large, ornate, stepped pushkarani at its northern end. Closer to the Achyutaraya Temple, the mantapas have a wide flight of steps which probably let people access their roofs and watch the festivities in the car street. Facing the tank, a composite-based lion pillar, with a colonette at the shaft that supported a heavy eave, can be found.»


Achyutarayapura map

Varaha temple seen from south

  • The temple is situated at the end of the Courtesan's Street (Soolai Bazaar), near the Achyutaraya Temple.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar.
  • The temple showcases the Vijayanagara architectural style, with intricate carvings and sculptures.
  • The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of King Achyuta Deva Raya (1529-1542).
  • The temple walls feature carvings of boars, which are part of the Vijayanagara Empire's insignia.
  • The temple is partially ruined, but the Archaeological Survey of India has undertaken some restoration work.
  • The temple is located near the Tungabhadra River and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Varaha temple seen from east

Varaha (Saiva) temple

«Popularly known as Varaha Temple because of the Varaha royal emblem at the eastern entrance, this is a unique Saiva temple, built inside a well laid rectangular prakara, the entire temple is constructed over a jagati with a sanctum, vestibule and a open mukhamantapa. The wall portion of the sanctum and vestibule are treated with devakoshtas. The entrance of vestibule is treated with gajasakshmi at lintel and four armed saiva-dwarapalas at the door frame. Inside the vestibule is placed a couchant bull. The pillars of this temple are treated with sculptures of Kartikeya, Yashodha Krishna, Ganesha, Makara, Hamsamithuna, Peacock, Sivalinga, Nandi, and various geometrical designs like padma, sarpabandha, creeper etc. The raised jagati also act as a pradakshinapatha around sanctum and vestibule.»


Narasimha Temple (left) and Shivalaya (right)

Shivalaya

«This temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is found on the route from the Varaha Temple to the Sugriva Cave. It is built on a sloping rock of the Gandhamadhavana Mountain One can see the gopura (tower) of the Virupaksha Temple from the western side of this temple and a panoramic view of the Sugnva Cave from the north.

An inscription found in the vicinity stated that a tax official called Sunkada Hiriyatamma and his brother, Chikkatamma, contributed to the construction of this temple during the reign of Vira Harihara Raya (Hanhara II) of the Sangama dynasty. The simplicity of this temple's layout represents the early Vijayanagara period and is comparable to the temples on Hemakuta Hill. The temple was built in two stages. In the first phase of construction, the walls of the temple were built around the temple, with pillared pavilions in front of the garbhagriha. The upper portion of the garbhagriha is built in a stupa-like form. The form has a square shikhara (tower) and a lotus flower decoration. The pedestal in the garbhagriha is built from a spherical stone.»


Narasimha Temple

  • The temple is built on a rocky slope of Gandhamadana Hill, facing the Tungabhadra River.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu in the form of a lion-man.
  • The temple showcases a blend of styles, with influences from both Jain and Vaishnava traditions. The stepped pyramidal roof is reminiscent of Jain temple architecture1.
  • The temple walls feature Vaishnava iconography, including images of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda, and an elephant.
  • The temple predates the Vijayanagara Empire and is stylistically similar to the temples on Hemakuta Hill, though it is more likely a Vaishnavite shrine.
  • The temple offers panoramic views of the riverside and the surrounding landscape.

Sugriva's cave

  • The cave is situated on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River, near the Kodandarama Temple.
  • It is a natural cave formed within huge boulders, offering a rugged and scenic beauty.
  • According to the Ramayana, this cave was the abode of Sugriva, the monkey king and a devotee of Lord Rama. Lord Rama and Lakshmana met Sugriva here during their search for Sita.
  • The cave is associated with several legends, including the story of Goddess Sita dropping her jewels here when abducted by Ravana.
  • The location offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a peaceful spot for visitors.
  • The cave area has carvings of footprints believed to be those of Lord Rama and Lakshmana.

Seeta tank and Seeta Seragu

«Hampi and its surrounding regions have strong mythological associations with the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. Nageya Nayaka constructed a Gopinatha shrine to the right of the Narasimha Temple, in 1406 C.E. and subsequently, in 1410 C.E., he also built a mantapa dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. The inscriptions here state that a marriage ceremony between Narasimha and Mahalakshmi was conducted in this temple.

The tank was constructed for the rituals of worship and other ceremonies at the Narasimha Temple; this tank is known as the Sita Tank. It is situated to the northeast of the Sita Seragu, and one can see that it was built around a natural hill slope. Today, the water from the tank is used for irrigation through a lift irrigation process. The tank is a simple structure associated with many legends. The pellicle on the huge granite boulders is believed to be Sita Seragu, situated in front of the Narasimha Temple. It is believed that Sita’s sari left a mark on the granite stone when Ravana abducted her.»


Panorama of Seeta cave (left) and Seeta tank (right)

Wish tree (Kalpavriksha)

  • The Wish Tree is believed to grant any wish or desire, symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and fulfillment.
  • It is associated with various deities, including Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Shiva, who are believed to protect and bless the tree.
  • The tree emerged during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean), a mythological event where gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.
  • The Wish Tree represents the fulfillment of desires and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing opportunities and seeking spiritual richness.
  • It is a central figure in various Hindu rituals and prayers aimed at attracting wealth, success, and spiritual growth.

Wish tree

«India is a country of various cultures, legends, and beliefs and Hampi is no exception to this. A big Banyan tree near Sita Seragu, which is on the banks of River Tungabhadra, is deemed sacred and spiritual and is also known as Wish Tree.

Offerings are made to this tree by wrapping a stone in a cloth and tying it to its branches. Those wishing for a house, stack stones one on top of the other. They also build mounds of soil and mud and pray for a good harvest. When the wish is fulfilled, the stone is unwrapped and placed in the vicinity. This ritual is practised in many parts of India.

Today, the beauty of the tree is compromised, as the stone is wrapped in plastic and tied around the tree's branches. The traditional methods had zero or little impact on the environment. It is recommended, to maintain the sanctity of this Holy Tree, one must opt for cotton cloth instead of plastic for these rituals.»


Panorama of the ancient bridge

Ancient bridge

«This ancient ruined bridge, a unique construction accomplishments of the architects in the capital city of Vijayanagara, connects Vitthalapura to Rishimukh that stand at either sides of the River Tungabhara. The remains of this ancient bridge may be ascribed to the 15th-16th century.

The large granite stone columns measure 4-5 meters in height and 60-80 cm in thickness. They were erected in the river bed spanning across, at a point where one of the arms of the river takes am Easterly direction, and ends at the North of the Chandramauleshvara temple. Except for the columns still standing in some parts, most of its other parts have collapsed. The evidence of a walkway appears to have been lost due to the perishable materials used such as wood or brick lime which were set on horizontally laid stone slabs.»


See Also

Source

Location

Location: Hampi, Karnataka 583239, India