Hazara Rama Temple

Hazara Rama Temple

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The Hazara Rama Temple built within a 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 Vishnu. Around the exterior walls of the hall are three rows of sculptures illustrating the main events from the Ramayana. This temple is situated in the royal enclosure of the city and was probably the king's private shrine, however, currently is it unused. The enclosure walls of the temple are exceptional in that they have intricate carvings both on the outside and inside. The outer friezes depict horses, elephants, dancing girls and infantry in procession. The inner panels show scenes from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. On the walls of the god's sanctum are two rare depictions of Vishnu as the Buddha. Though the temple is small in size, it is a fine example of the skills of Vijaynagara sculptors, who very artistically coaxed filigree and lace out of Deccan stone. This temple for Lord Rama is popularly called "Hazara Rama Temple" because of the large number of Ramayana panels on the walls. The Hazara Rama is the only temple in Hampi where the exterior walls have boldly chiselled bas-reliefs, which are narrative in nature. The Ramayana epic is carved out in detail, with incidents in the story such as Dasaratha performing a sacrifice to beget sons, the birth of Rama, his exile into the forest, the abduction of Sita and the ultimate fight between Rama and Ravana, all carved in a vivid manner. In these panels, the story of Rama is brought out, along with the evident depiction of the triumph of good over evil.