Hazara Rama (HAMPI) : An intricate temple shrine of Lord Shri Rama

The magnificent Hampi needs no introduction for its alluring monumental beauty and the legend of the Vijayanagara kingdom behind each temple complex dating back to centuries.

In the many trips to Hampi and having spent days exploring these temple complexes - I have come to understand that there is so much more to this beguiling beauty – where one can get swayed in learning more about the ancient times of kings, the culture, the art, the intellect and their ruling that had the entire empire graciously give them a demi-god status for their benevolence and love for people.

In this blog – I will try and write about the little details of one such wondrous temple complex called Hazara Rama.

Literally translating to ‘a thousand Rama’ and refers to stories carved out on the long arrays depicts the reigning deity of the temple – Shri Rama. The name depicts the then rulers ‘secular’ state of mind and inclusiveness of the then rulers.

The small yet intricately decorated is centrally located and is considered to be a private temple for the kings of Vijayanagara empire.

For someone who is interested in history, I find our epics and mythology truly captivating and the Hazare Raama temple complex truly encapsulates the life, experiences, learnings and journey of Lord Rama and his followers in its true beauty with symbolic representations through the sculptures at the complex.

One needs an eye for detail (a tad bit of patience too 😊) to go around the temple complex and searching for hints to put the dots together.

The Dwara / the entrance are surrounded by captivating sculptures and decorative figurines which were handcarved by sculptors representing the life and legacy of Lord Shri Rama.

As I take you along the temple – I will try and explain a few main stories from the Hindu Epic Ramayana, which are intricately showcased all across Hazaare Raama temple complex.

This part of Ramayana starts with the premise where Sage Vishwamitra who foresees the fate of Shri Rama, the incarnation of Vishnu and to is bestowed to take upon himself the duty to lead the young prince Rama to fulfil his legacy.

There is King Dasaratha, who has angered Sage Vishwamithra and is left with no option but to let go of his beloved sons Shri Rama and Lakshmana to pacify the sage. The sage is overwhelmed by the brother’s humbleness and gladly accepts Shri Rama and Lakshmana as his students – to whom he teaches various skills sets and gives them directions to ensue Ramayana.

Thataki Samhara – The Demoness

Once a beautiful princess - who was said to be wooed by and married Sunda, an Asura/demonic King. She finds herself wrecking havoc when sage Agastya curses her husband to death. She is further cursed for her deeds along with her two sons (Maricha and Subahu), which transforms both mother and sons into hideous demonic creatures.

Thataki with the loss of her beautiful physique turns cruel and cannibalistic with her sons and begins to terrorize people, devouring anyone especially the sages who dared to set foot in a forest near River Ganga.

When Sage Vishwamitra wants to end the terror, Shri Rama hesitates but, after advise from his master that as a prince, he had to carry out his duty regardless of his own personal reservations.

Swayamvara

The above image is a representation of Rama and Sita’s swayamvara at Janakapuri . With many characters like Rama, Lakshmana, Sage Vishwamitra and Parashurama in play. The story in summary is about the groom-choosing event for Sita.

The King Janaka, had arranged the swayamwara for the kings of various lands who could win over his daughter – Sita’s hand if anyone of them could break the mighty bow of Shiva – The Shivadhanassu.

After many fail, at the will of sage Vishwamitra, Shri Rama goes towards the Shivadhanassu and lifts it up with great ease. He draws the bow string and the bow breaks into two - The heavens resound with the loud crackle like the skies hit by powerful thunder and lightning. Parashurama touched by the humble polite stance of Rama –after he breaks his own bow, calls him the Vishnu incarnate – God of the universe. Thus the silent wish of Sita came to reality when she garlands the ever enchanting Shri Rama.

Battle of the mighty

According to Valmiki Ramaayana , there was a long drawn fight between the Rama’s and the Ravana’s army. There are many opinions on what encompassed through the battle between Indrajit and Lakshmana and this is one such mythical representation.

As per the imagery – When Indrajit (eldest son of Ravana) enters to fight in the battle field – he sees that the opposition army will not be easy to be taken down and decides to use his field of expertise –‘magic and tantra’ to fight against the enemy.

Although, he is the only warrior to have possessed the three ultimate weapons of Trimurti i.e. Brahmanda astra, Vaishnavastra, and Pashupatastra. He was initially able to hit Lakshmana by his special weapon named Shakti – that nearly kills Lakshmana if not for Lord Hanuman who travels to the Himalayas to get the medicinal hillock of Sanjeevani and saves Lakshmana.

The Dasara festivity or the celebration of good-over-evil ‘NAVARATRI’ are brilliantly portrayed on the relics that depict -  processions of horses, elephants, attendants, soldiers and dancing women taking part in the dasara procession back in the century . It is said, the relics are among the most extensive ones to be found anywhere in India.

Although Hazara Rama is one of the main shrines and an important temple complex,it has seized of all its religious activities yet remains one the most visited temples – especially during the dasara and ramanavami times.

If you are visiting Hampi – this complex is a must visit and be lost in old world charm!

Have you visited this place? Do comment your thoughts!

P.S. Please note that all stories are a part of our legendary epic mythology (not mine) and the stories may differ based on different perspectives and narratives. I am presenting here my understanding and perspective of the same in a condensed format to keep the blog short and interesting.
You could comment below if you wish to know more in detail about any specific mythical portion of the story/ photographs mentioned.