 |
| View from Hanuman Temple |
Met Ali from Iran as I walked toward the boat dock early this morning. We stopped to chat over chai and decided to share a bike to go to the Hanuman Temple. After mounting 572 stairs, we marveled at the view from the temple. Below, the river wound its way through the rock-strewn landscape reflecting the morning sun...so beautiful! The white painted temple itself was not all that, but the location could not be beat!  |
| Virupaksha temple |
On the way back across the river on the ferry boat, we noticed 2 motorcycles coming across the river in one of the round boats we saw on the other side. The boats appear to be made of split bamboo, straw, and tar to seal them. We watched as they stood the cycle on its back tire and rolled it toward the edge of the boat. Then dropping the front tire on the bank, they rolled it all the way off to the ground - all in all an amazing feat!
Ali had to catch the 4pm bus, so I wandered around town and visited the Virupaksha temple in the middle of town. It is considered the most sacred temple in Hampi and has an elephant as a permanent resident. It is taken to the river daily for its bath, then returned to the temple complex where he is stabled. The 52 meter high gopura is the main entrance to the temple. It is a well proportioned, nine storied structure, with a 2-tiered stone base and a brick superstructure. Both its ornate carvings and large size make it a noteworthy entrance to this fascinating temple compound.
Ali had to catch the 4pm bus, so I wandered around town and visited the Virupaksha temple in the middle of town. It is considered the most sacred temple in Hampi and has an elephant as a permanent resident. It is taken to the river daily for its bath, then returned to the temple complex where he is stabled. The 52 meter high gopura is the main entrance to the temple. It is a well proportioned, nine storied structure, with a 2-tiered stone base and a brick superstructure. Both its ornate carvings and large size make it a noteworthy entrance to this fascinating temple compound.
