Royal Center of Hampi

These are ruins of the Royal Palace complex.

The Hazara Rama Temple: Located in the centre of the palace complex was the private temple of the royal family with a thousand carvings based on the Ramayana on its exterior walls. The temple’s courtyard leads the way to the Royal Enclosure and the Ladies Enclosure.

The temple also leads to the Pan Supari Bazaar through a narrow alley lined by once thriving shrines, pavilions and lampposts. Further ahead are the Pattanada Yellamma temple and the Ranga temple.

Mahanavami Dibba: This is a three layered square shaped elevated structure that towers above the ruins accessed by two stairways. The front facing stairway is a highly ornate balustrade. The panels on the lower wall have even more elaborate carvings depicting the lifestyle of the nobles and the citizens.

Built by King Krishnadeva Raya, the platform was used as a stage for public performances, animal shows, war games, sports and the nine-day Navratri celebrations.

The Zenana Enclosure: This was reserved for the ladies of the royal household. The remains of the Lotus Mahal, the Queen’s Palace, a water pavilion and three watch towers are still intact. The area is enclosed by high walls which permitted viewing of ceremonies performed outside the enclosure. A section of archeologists is of the view that this was not really an enclosure for women but for the King.

Granaries: Circular and cubical structures in the vicinity of the Hazara Rama temple have been unearthed which point to the presence of large public granaries.

Palace of Vira Harihara: The Palace walls have been reduced to a stub, though the original boundary walls protecting the palace premises remain. The tiered foundations that have resisted time showcase the architectural skills of the Vijayanagar craftsmen. Among the ruins, an elevated platform used to mount an elephant, a rectangular well with a carved Nandi head as a water inlet, a royal court, residential quarters and a kitchen can be observed.

Stone Doors: Reclining against a low wall is a pair of stone doors which suggest their usage in an area of high importance. Fine engravings can be observed on both sides of these massive doors which still hold on to the bolts and the pivot shafts.