Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Hazaara Ram temple


The Hazara Rama Temple temple built within 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 now unused is situated in the royal enclosure of the city and was probably the king's private shrine. The enclosure walls of the temple are exceptional in that they are carved both on the outside and the 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 have very artistically coaxed filigree and lace out of Deccan stone.

Northeast of the Hazara Rama Temple is the Zenana enclosure, which may have been, used either by the king or his military commander. Recent excavations have unearthed remains of places to the west of the Hazara Rama Temple.

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