Word

Hampi

Sanskrit

In General

Hampi is a ruined city in Bellary district of Karnataka; It was the capital city of Vijayanagara Empire. The place was earlier known as Pampakshetra. The beautiful but ruined landmarks, fort and temples in the village make the place a tourist destination and archeologically important place. UNESCO has identified the place as a world heritage place.

The city was built by Harihara and Bukka Raya in 1343 CE under the inspiration of great sage Vidyaranya.

Krishnadevaraya was the most prominent king of the dynasty. Once few Muslim kingdoms made an agreement on religious ground and attacked the kingdom; the unexpected development brought Vijayanagara defeated. Following this, large scale massacre happened, the city got ransacked. The sight of the rich architectural monuments in ruin makes every Indian feel proud as well as outraged.

Veda

Sayana bhasya of four Veda Samhita was promoted and financed by this kingdom. Sayanacharya who coordinated the work was a great Vedic scholar and chief minister of Vijayanagara.

Purana

According to the local legends the place was originally known as Pampa, a name of goddess Parvati. She performed tapas here to get Siva as her husband and succeeded in achieving the goal. Lord Virupaksha (of main Siva Temple) was also locally called as Pampapati.

Local legends also identify the place with Kishkinda of Ramayana.