Virupaksha Temple:
The Virupaksha Temple at the western end is one of
the earliest structures in the city. The main shrine
is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Overlooking Virupaksha temple to the South, Hemakuta
hill has a scattering of early ruins including Jain
temples and a monolithic structure of Narasimha.
Ugra Narasimha:
Nearby is the 6.7m tall monolith of Ugra Narasimha.
The gigantic image is situated in the south of the
Hemkuta group of temples that includes the Virupaksha
Temple.
The Narasimha is a seated four-armed figure under
a canopy of a seven-hooded snake.
Vithala Temple:
To the east of Hampi Bazaar is the Vithala temple,
about 2 kms away. The ruins of the temple are a World
Heritage monument.
It is in a relatively good state of preservation.
The temples incredible sculptural work is a pinnacle
of Vijayanagar Art.
The outer pillars are known as the 'Musical Pillars'
as they reverberate when tapped, although this practice
is now discouraged to avoid further damage.
The temple also features an ornate stone chariot
in the temple courtyard containing an image of Garuda.
Shivalinga:
The gigantic Shivalinga is located next to the Narasimha
figure. It is 3 m high and stands permanently in water
that comes through an ancient channel.
Lotus Mahal:
This graceful two-storeyed pavilion is located in
the 'zenana' enclosure. The palace is delightful synthesis
of the Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture.
Virupaksha Bazaar:
32 m wide and 728 m long, this street that runs between
the Virupaksha Temple and the foot of the Matanga
Hill is the longest street laid out by the Vijaynagara
kings.
Queen's Bath:
Situated in the citadel area, south of the Hazaara
Rama Temple the Queen's Bath is a large square structure,
remarkable for the contrast between its plain exterior
and the very ornate interior.
The bath is 15-m square and 1.8 m deep and is surrounded
by delicately decorated arched corridors and projecting
balconies.
Singaradu Hebbagilu:
Located behind the elephant stables, this is one of
the oldest and most massive of the gateways in the
capital city.
The gate called 'Singara Hebbagilu' or the beautiful
door according to an inscription that has been discovered
near it, was the main entrance to the city.
Hazara Rama Temple:
The temple built within rectangular complex lies at
the heart of the royal centre. Dating from the early
15th century, the hall of the Hazara Rama Temple has
finely carved basalt pillars depicting the incarnations
of Shri Vishnu.
Around the exterior walls of the hall are three rows
of sculptures illustrating the main events from the
Ramayana.
Achuta Raya Temple:
The Tirvengalanatha temple, which was built during
reign of Achuta Deva Raya, is better known by the
name of ruler.
The temple within are in ruins, but some erotic sculptures
can be seen in the columns inside the open halls near
the main gateway.
