Bijapur

‘The city of Victory’ is what Vijayapur, the old name of the Bijapur during the days of Chalukyas, means. Situated about 579 km from the present state of capital Bangalore, it was the capital of the Adilshahis between 1489 and 1586. Bijapur, one of the five sovereign states born after the fall of the Bamini Empire, was founded by Yusuf Adil Khan. And it is noted as one of the centers of Indo-Saracenic Art suffused with extravagant architecture. This city has inside its safe walls some exciting elements such as the beautiful lakes and the wonderful gardens. It was also an important commercial centre in the past and was called the ‘Queen of Deccan’. There are magnificent edifices predominant of which is the ‘Gol Gumbaz’ which holds the tomb of Mohammad Adhil Shah the 7th of the Adilshahi rulers during whose reign the Islamic glory of the region reached its pinnacle. Besides, there is number of monuments of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Bijapur district occupies an area of 10,475 sq. km. Around the headquarters there are places of tourists’ interests. The Basaveswara at Basavanawadi is a holy structure of excellent Chalukyan architecture. The place also hosts other important monuments: ‘Badami’ a place of legendary importance was the archaic city of ‘Vatapi’ which is associated with the mythical sage ‘Agasthya’. There are tranquil temples here. A 7th century Jain Temple can also be seen.
Gol Gumbza: Situated on the east of the city this mammoth rotunda with a base diameter of 126 ft and the biggest dome in India, came into existence in 1659. Four seven-storeyed minarets stand majestically around the capacious hall which measures 38 m, 66 m and 1704 sq. m. in circumstances, height and area respectively. Circumference-wise it is second only to St.Peters at the Vatican City, which is 42 m.

The ‘Whispering Gallery’, a prime attraction of about 3 m width is an astounding feature which has been so ingeniously designed that even a feeble whisper made here is amplified 10 times and echoed several times, however the intensity waning with each echo. This acoustically engineered gallery which is above a case of 100 steps also offers a spellbinding view of the town-scape.
Nagarkhana: Facing the grand Gol Gumbaz, Nagarkhana has an archaeological museum which houses some interesting artfacts. The tremor of the earthquake which hit the region in 1993 has left cracks in the dome of this structure.

Jami Masjid
This grand holy structure of 10,804 sq.m. built by Adil Shah I was later ameliorated by Aurangzeb with two minarets and a gateway. This mosque which can hold up to 2500 devotees in its various blocks stands out in its architecture. The array of astounding Arches, the gorgeous terrace gardens, the placid lake and a fountain present a picture of serene beauty.

Malik-I-Maiden
This ground on which stands the huge cannon with the massive dimensions of 1.5 m circumference and 4.45 m length, is situated near Asar-I-Sharif. A seething lion’s head forms the mouth of the long barrel of this cannon which was made out of an alloy of copper, iron and tin by Mohammed Bin Hasan Rumi of Turkey in 1549. About 10 elephants, 400 bulls and more than 100 men were used in transporting this 55 tonne weapon from Bijapur to Ahmednagar. And today it is looked upon as a granter of wish as it is believed that by touching the cannon with a wish in mind one can get it realized.

Nagardurg
The beautiful conference hall known as ‘Durbar Hall’ in this city fort was built by Adil Shah I in 1561. The fort has seven massive gates and as a separate enclosure for royal women, called the Ananda Mahal. The tall watchtower or ‘Pramod Mahal’ nearby is a grand seven-storeyed structure wherefrom the guard kept vigil day in and day out. A ‘Lake Palace’ known as the ‘Jala Manjil’ is situated in front of the fort. The ‘Mehtra Mahal’ is a masterpiece of the Indo-Saracenic architecture with splendid sculpture and captivating gardens.

Basavana Begewadi
The taluk headquarters which is also the birth place of Saint Basaveswara is about 43 km from Bijapur. The ancient Basaveswara Temple which in the archives is referred to as Sangamantha Temple brandishes the grand architecture of the Chalukyas. The other important monuments here are the ‘Samadis’ or the ‘Holy Tombs’ of the saints Siddharameswara and Gurupadeswara of the Inchegeri School of Spiritual Pursuits.

Badami
This place of versatile importance situated about 113 km from Bijapur and 500 km from Bangalore was known as ‘Vathapi’ the place associated with the sage Agasthya of the mythical era. The Chalukyas made Badami their capital and constructed some important monuments. The series of conquests placid the region under the rule of Kalchuris, Yadavas the Vijayanagara rulers, other Bijapur rulers and Marathas.

Cave Temples
The tranquil cave temples carved out of mammoth rocks, as many as 5 of them with one being a natural cave are located on the inspiring incline of a scenic hill. The first of these caves is the temple dedicated to ‘Lord Nataraja’ or Lord Siva dancing in divine ecstasy. The image of the Lord has 18 mighty and protecting hands. The lord portrays 81 ‘Natya Mudhras’ of ‘Stamps’ of dance. The splendid sculpture includes among others two icons of Lord Ganesa, the principal deity, one of Mahishasuramardhini, the Goddess who killed the demon Mahishasura and Ardhanariswara the deity constituted on the right half by Lord Siva and on the left by His consort Goddess Parvathy. The second cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Lord can be see in the reposing posture and also in His various ‘Avatars’ or incarnations. There are also images of Lord Siva, Lord Brahma and the ‘Ashtadikpalakas’ or the presiding deities of the 8 directions. The third one which gives a hint of the Buddhist influence is natural cave. The fourth cave, larger than the others, contains beautifully sculpted sacred images of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu. The cave is also adorned with marvelous murals but these are gradually fading away. The last but certainly not the least of the caves, is a shrine contemporary to the 7th century Ajantha Caves. The sculpture here is a replica of those at Ajanta.

A ‘Holy Tank’ called the ‘Agasthya Theertha’ situated at the foot of the hill tenders some good news to lepers. The sacred waters of this tank with amazing curative powers are believed to cure leprosy. There are also two wonderful temples dedicated to Lord Siva, known as Muhakutteswar and Maligetti Temples on the tank side. A little away is the ancient temple dedicated to; Lord Boothanath’ one of the forms of Lord Siva. The sacred reliefs of Lord Ganesa, Lord Varaha, Lord Narsimha the reposing Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga and a host of others mark the grandeur of the sculpture. The courtyard and the vestibule of the temple are replete with ethereal artwork.

Archaeological Museum
This museum which houses several interesting archaeological specimen situated on the north of the tank’Agasthya Theertham’.

Pattadakal
This historic place which has been the conation of kings, situated on the banks of the river Malaprabha was also the second capital of Chalukyas. Pattadakal abounds in ancient temples. There are about 10 predominant temples and many more. All the temples are adorned with ornate carvings. The famous temple of Pattadakal is the one dedicated to Lord Siva. The Papanas Temple built in 680, with its grand architecture is identical to the Kailesh of Ellora. Scenes from the great epics are depicted on the walls as also are other figurines and friezes. The pillars are rife with artfully carved images of deities.

The ancient Virupaksha Temple built by queen Lok Mahadevi as an act of thanks-giving to the Lord after her victory over the Paallavas testifies the grandeur of the Dravidian architecture. The vast ceiling of the huge hall is propped up by 16 mighty and ornate pillars, all monoliths which schematize the social setup of the olden times. A ‘Nandi’ the sacred bull mount of Lord Siva can also be seen in front of the Sanctorum. This temple was formely known as Lokeswar Temple.

TheMallikarjunaTemple built by queen Trailokya Mahadevi bears a close resemblance to the Virupaksha Temple. The sculpture and architecture are excellent. An image of Goddess Mhishasuramardini can also be seen here. The ceiling is engraved with the images of Lord Siva, His consort Goddess Paravthi and Goddess Lakshmi the consort of Lord Vishnu. The Sangameswara Temple is the most ancient of the group pf temples here. It was built by the King Vijayaditya who ruled between 696 and 733 AD. Pattadakal is situated about 29 km from Badami on the way to Aihole.

Aihole
This sacred place abounds in temples. About 125 ancient architectural temples dedicated to various deities are located in tight proximity to one another. These temples have been built over a span of about 250 years from 450ADto700AD, the oldest being the Siva temple built in 450AD.There is wonderful rock cut caves, and a unique temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The exquisite artwork of this temple is a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist styles.

Bellary
This district is endowed with some minerally rich regions. Iron and manganese ores are found in Sandur. This place marked by gregarious hills is also noted for its temples. Hampi the capital of the Viajayanagar rulers hosts ruined monuments which recount the tale of ravaging war.Hampi abounds in architectural and tranquil temples. The monuments here are a mixture of ruined, partially ruined and still intact structures. The Vittala Temple here has been listed among the elite list of World Heritage Monuments. The place Kishkindhya which has references in the great epic Raamaaayana forms a bridge between the ‘Puranic’ and the modern days. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

The headquarters of this district, also called Bellary is situated about 306 km on the northeast of Bangalore. Two rocky hills are found in the outskirts of the city and one of them called Balahari has a temple on it. There is a magnificent fort encompassing a hill, built by the Vijayanagar rulers. Among the places of worship, a temple dedicated to Goddess Durgamma and two huge Mosques can be seen.

Sandur
This scenic hill fringed region in a sumptuous valley has natural riches of iron and manganese ores. There is a massive fort which nestles a marvelous palace. This fort is a fabulous monument left behind by the famous Maratha rulers.

The gregarious hill range is graced by wonderful twins dedicated to Lord Kumaraswamy and Goddess Parvathi. Ideally located in serene surroundings these tranquil temples contain awesome element of art and sculpture. Captivating rose gardens from part of the temple environs.

There is wonderful temple here, dedicated to Lord Rama, on the cosy hill resort. This temple commemorates the historic personality Kumara Rama who fought till death, against the Sultans of Delhi.

Hampi
Founded by Harihara I also known as Hukka, and Bukks the Telugu princes. Hampi was the capital of the historically largest Hindu empire- ‘The Vijayanagara Empire’. ‘Vijayanagar’ literally means ‘The City of Victory’. The reign of the famous ruler Krishnadevaraya in the early 16th century noted as the golden era. During this period the empire extended from the south of the mighty rivers Krishna and Tungabadra to the Bay of Bengal in the east and Arabian Sea in the west. There was a marked growth In the fields of literature, arts, architecture and also military warfare. However, this glorious empire was ravaged by the combined army of five rulers of Bidar, BIjapur, Golconda, Ahmedangar and Berar in the later middle of the same century. Priceless monuments of the hard built city were crushed and the entire kingdom was thrown to ruins.

Pattabhirma Temple
This temple on the south of the sacred river Tungabadra, located in scenic hilly surroundings is the largest among the ruins. It was built between 1530 and 1542. This wonderful temple is noted for its largeness. There is a capacious hall in front of the temple.

Dussehra Dibba (or) Vijaya Bhavani: This architecturally wonderful temple was raised by Vijayanagraa, Krishnadevaraya, as an act of thanks-giving to the ultimate Supreme Being, after conquest of Orissa. There is also an embellished dais on which festivals like the Dussehra were celebrated. The remarkable relief’s deoict gutfully marching solidiers, beautiful damsels in various dancing postures, horses and elephants.

Virupaksha Temple
Also, known as the ‘Temple of Pasupati’ the construction of this temple is shrouded in uncertainty. According to a belief it was built in 1509 to commemorate the coronation of Krishnadevaraya. Contradictory to this, another belief says it was built by Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his triumph over the Bijapur and Gajapathy rulers. The huge holy image of Lord Siva in the Sanctorum is a sacred monolithic structure. The huge Mandapa or ‘Hall’ consists of marvelous monolithic pillars with intricate and ethereal artwork. The temple tower called the Bhistappayyana Gopura became the model for all the South Indian Vijayanagara Temple Towers. There are also known as Rajagopuras.

Vittala Temple
Situated on the banks of the holy river Tungabadra this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the extant holy monument of the Vijayanagar Empire, though the temple tower is dilapidated. This architecturally rich temple was built by Krishnadevaraya in the early part of the 16th century. There are as many as 56 sturdy pillars replete with fine artwork. Another spellbinding feature is the huge temple chariot made out of stone. The exquisite ’Musical Pillars’ which emit musical notes when tapped offer melodious enchantment. A noteworthy point is that the temple has rightfully entered the list of ‘World Heritage Monuments’.

Hazara Ramaswamy Temple
The presiding deity of this temple, Lord Rama was worshipped by the generations of the royal family. The ancient temple is adorned with wonderful carvings which recount the great epics and the pillars depict various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Besides, the ornate friezes include images of sacred animals.

Lotus Mahal
This grand edifice which is now an archaeological museum was the resting place of the kings in the past. This museum houses a good number of artifacts which have been unearthed from the excavations which started 1976 and going on even today. Among the excavated articles, ancient Chinese coins can also be seen.

Twin Temple
This twin temple portrays exquisite artwork of the Chalukyas on the exterior walls. There are 59 polished and gleaming pillars. The ‘Sikharas’ are of a unique style. Another important monument here is the temple complex known as Kalleswara mentioned in an inscription of 1013 AD.

Tungabhadra Dam
Situated about 7 km from Hospet and 20 km from Hampi, the beautiful dam which rises to a height of 49 m and runs to a length of 500 m across the ravishing water Tungabhadra. With its conscientiously laid Japanese style gardens and a captivating horticultural farms males an enchanting blossoms refulgent with a spectrum of hues beckon to the curious visitors. Besides, a tower, a net factory and a steel project can also be seen.