Hampi - ruins of the Vijayanagar dynasty (07)

The Hazara Rama temple is one of the most exquisitely carved temples in Hampi. The grandeur of the architecture can be gauged by the beautiful carvings even on the compound walls of the temple. There are 2 versions to why the temple could have got the name Hazara Rama. One version is that there are 1000 carvings of Lord Rama (one of the avataaras of Lord Vishnu) in the temple, which could have led to its name. The other version is that the name Hazara Rama may have evolved from the Telugu word "Hazaaramu, meaning: A royal hall or chamber of audience; a place where persons of distinction sit or assemble". Perhaps, this makes a lot of sense because the Hazara Rama temple was used as a private chapel by the Vijayanagar rulers and the members of the royal family. This is the only temple located at the core of the royal enclosure, between the residential & ceremonial enclosures. This temple was mainly reserved for the royal ceremonies, which perhaps also explains the richness of the architecture. Although not a very big temple by Hampi's yardstick, it is by far the best in architectural accomplishments. 

There is a small Hanuman temple behind the Hazara Rama temple. We can also enter the temple complex from the rear through a small passage near this Hanuman temple. 

The carvings portray the processions of elephants, horses with attendants, military contingents, and dancing girls, as it used to take place during the Mahanavami festival  (during Navaraatri) and described in great detail by the foreign visitors of the time. 

Inscriptions inside the temple indicate that it was erected by Devaraya I in the early 15th century, dedicating the temple to Lord Rama under the name Ramachandra. The carving below is that of Ahalya (wife of the Rishi Gautama), being freed from the curse of turning into a rock for alleged infidelity. When Rama & Lakshmana come under the tutelage of Sage Vishwamitra, they are taught the art and science of warfare by the Sage. As they undergo learning under the Sage, along the way as they pass through the desolate aashram of Sage Gautama, they come across the rock which Sage Vishwamitra explains is actually Ahalya who had been cursed. Upon Rama touching the rock with his feet, Ahalya is liberated from the curse and freed.

 

The entire Ramayana has been carved in the Hazara Rama temple. We can notice Sita being attracted to the "golden deer" (actually, the demon Maricha in disguise), Rama leaving Sita in Lakshmana's care, shooting the deer, etc. Upon Rama hitting the deer with arrow, Maricha who till then was in disguise assumes his original form. This is very beautifully depicted in the carvings.   

We can also find the carvings of Rama tying the bow and readying the arrow to hit the target in the Sita Swayamwara, & taking Sita to Ayodhya on the elephant after winning her hand in marriage.

Below is the carving which captures the valiant fight of Jataayu the eagle, with Ravana, the 10 headed demon king of Lanka. As Ravana kidnaps Sita, Jataayu hears her screams and comes to her rescue. However, after putting up a valiant fight, Ravana cuts Jataayu's wings & takes away Sita.   

 

Narayana with Shankha (Conch), Chakra (Disc), & Gadha (hammer). Lord Vishnu, also called Narayana, is often addressed - Shankha, Chakra, Gadhaadhaari...one who wears the Shankha, Chakra, & Gadha. Venu Gopala can also be found below.