Hampi Diaries - THE PLAY OF LIGHT AT VIJAYA VITTHALA TEMPLE
Jahnvi Raj
We at Team Grounded decided to switch things up & head to Hampi for a road trip. For anyone living in Goa, Hampi is a nice road trip to consider which is only a 6.5-hour drive away and dotted with ancient architectural gems from the Vijayanagara Empire. On Day 2 we visited the Achyutraya Temple in the morning. The Achyutraya Temple Complex is a group of three temples located in Hampi, built in the 16th century during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, and is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha.
The intricate detailing in stone at the Achyutraya temple complex.
We did a little design exercise here by splitting up into teams to map out the site plan of the temple complex. It was great fun, and we got to study the proportions of the temple. Our objective for this exercise was to see the various design principles at play & to access the ratios when it came to the division of spaces and the use of scale and proportions.
The team discussing the layout of the Achyutraya Temple
Later in the day, we visited the Queen’s Bath and the Zenana Enclosure. The structures in the compound were indeed an architectural and engineering masterpiece. The enclosure is believed to have been the private quarters of the royal women. The largest palace base excavated at Hampi, the site is now a pleasant garden where one can laze under the beautiful trees around.
The vaulted ceiling of the Lotus Mahal
Watchtower at the Zenana Enclosure.
Sketches by Ar.Sarth
Queen’s Bath
Later that day we visited the Vijaya Vithala Temple at sunset. Vijaya Vithala Temple is one of the most iconic and historically significant structures in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is known for its exquisite stone carvings and intricate architecture, and during sunset, it takes on an entirely different character.
The famous Stone Chariot at Vijaya Vitthala
The musical pillars of Vijaya Vitthala
As the sun began to set, the sky took on a warm, golden glow, casting a magical light over the temple complex. The intricate stone carvings, which were already impressive during the daytime, took on a new level of beauty as they were bathed in the warmth of the setting sun.
A magnificent Champa tree welcomes the visitors to the Maha-mandapa.
In frame: Ar. Shrunkhala
Vijaya Vitthala during sunset.
We were awestruck by the sense of peace and tranquillity that pervades the complex as we took our time to explore the various halls and pavilions at leisure. As the sun set, the sky transformed into a range of hues, from deep oranges and pinks to soft purples and blues, creating a stunning backdrop for the temple's magnificent structure.
Photograph Credits: Members of the team at Grounded.