HAMPI in Bellary, Northern Karnataka, India is the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It continues to be an important religious centre and the Group of Monuments at Hampi are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There were many important sites at and near Hampi. One among them is VITTALA TEMPLE, which is most extravagant Architectural showpiece of Hampi. The temple is built in the form of a sprawling campus. The presiding deity of the temple is Vittala, a form of Vishnu.
The highlight of Vittala temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone chariot. The stone chariot located inside the campus is almost an iconic structure of Hampi. The fact is a shrine built in the form of a temple chariot. The stone shrine was built with many giant granite blocks with the joints smartly hidden in the carvings and decorative features. The chariot is built on a rectangular platform and all around this platform is carved with mythical battle scenes. The four giant wheels were attached with axis shafts and brakes. Floral motifs decorate the wheels. The stone chariot represents the sparkling creativity of the artistes of the 15th century.
The India Post, commemorated the Heritage site by:
• Releasing a 70p stamp on 15th March 1967
• Releasing the pictorial cancellation of the Stone Chariot on 2nd Jan 1978
Contributed by K.Sridhar, Life Member. DKPNA.
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