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KARNATAKA, INDIA, November 6, 2003: Recently declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Centre, a visit to Hampi in the state of Karnataka will reveal a glorious ancient Hindu empire. Home to the Vijayanagar empire that was established by two disciples of saint Vidyaranya in 1336 and reigned until its destruction by Islamic invaders in 1565, the area exemplifies Indian culture, Hindu temples, art and architecture. At the height of the empire between 1509 and 1529, the kingdom covered the entire present day States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire and visiting the 30-square-kilometer area will transport visitors to a golden era of Hindu culture. Even though the Islamic invaders tried to destroy the city for six months, many of the structures remain today as architectural marvels. For example, the Virupaksha temple still rises majestically displaying a 120-foot tall tower at its eastern entrance. Inside shrines contain murthis of Lord Siva and Goddesses Pampa and Bhuvaneswari. Another magnificent monument, the Vithal temple complex, has 56 musical pillars and a stone chariot with wheels that still turn. The nearby Hazara Ramaswami temple was the private place of worship for the royal family. Scenes from the Ramayana are carved on two of the inside walls of this temple. Other ruins at Hampi include the Lotus Mahal which is shaped like a lotus flower on top, an elephant stable revealing Hindu-Muslim style architecture, and a recent discovery, the Pushkarini tank, with granite steps that connected the pond with a channel from the nearby river. No empire would be complete without Lord Ganesha and a 9-foot tall single stone statue adorns the site. The Ministry of Tourism along with the Central government are planning to have an interactive computer in place to guide tourists about the historical sites at Hampi. Presently Hampi can be reached by rail, car, taxi or bus and it is recommended that visits occur between October and March to avoid the extreme heat. Hampi also boasts several boarding and lodging facilities.

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