Here are a few shots of Anjanadri Betta, the birth place of Hanuman known for his strength, unwavering devotion, and humility.
ಜೈ ಶ್ರೀ ಹನುಮಾನ್
The first picture was shot from ground and all the remaining from air. These pictures were shot on two different days- Dec 10th 2024 and Jan 30th 2025.
Jai Sri Hanuman
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In the ruins of Hampi there are quite a few stone-brick-mortar structures which have withstood the forces of Nature and meddling human hands too. Naming a few such structures- Lotus Mahal, Treasury building, watch towers of Zenana enclosure, Queen's bath house, Octagonal water pavilion, Domed gateway, watch tower at Dhandanayaka enclosure, and the Band tower. These are the ones I can recall, there could be a few more.
The Band tower is situated inside the Dhandanayaka (military commander) enclosure. The two tier tower is an octagonal structure with massive columns and arches. Attached to the octagonal tower is a cuboid structure housing the staircase. The staircase looks like an extra fitting. Maybe the original design did not have a staircase at all. One had to use ladders to reach the upper level which wouldn't be convenient for many. Then the aesthetics had to be sacrificed for the sake of safety.
Talking about the purpose of this building- this wasn't meant to be a band tower for sure. The building looks more suitable for personal relaxation. It seems like the commander's office and lodge since it's a part of the military compound. The lower level is to meet people and the upper level for confidential meetings, entertainment and rest.
It's architecture is similar to that of Kamal Mahal, the lotus palace, a mix of Hindu and Islamic ideas. In the background is another structure which happens to be a mosque built over a base which is was meant for a temple or a kalyana mandapa or a palace.
The structure is quite big. The side and rear walls have projections, probably roof beams.
So here's the mosque with three beautiful arches. Looks like there was a plan to expand the mosque hence the extending side walls. The roofing somehow did not happen I guess.
Both the side walls have arched niches. Looks like this was meant to be a grand structure. Now take a closer look at the lower part of the picture. Such sculptures are seen in Hindu structures like temples or mandapas.
Floral art and panels depicting elephants, lions and warriors. Unsure if it's a scene showing wild beasts being tamed.
Such sculptures can be seen on the side and front portion of the base. Wondering why the building plan changed. Surely an abrupt change that was.
Within the Dhandanayaka enclosure are few other structures which could be a store house for arms or a horse stable. Also there's a standalone wall with an arched niche. At the entrance of the enclosure is a watch tower. I'll cover those structures in the following post.
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Lokapavani, the stepped water tank of Pattabhirama Gudi is just 300 meters away. The rectangular tank has steps on all four sides. Also there are remains of colonnades at two corners. Going by the look of the colonnade, it seems like an incomplete project.
At the center of the tank is a four pillared mandapa with a Shikhara. The mandapa has been repaired in recent times by adding buttresses. I guess this tank was fed naturally i.e. groundwater. There's no arrangement of external source.
Many tanks of Vijayanagara times have central mandapa. Wondering what purpose it served. The water tank at Kanakagiri, close to Shri Kanakachala Lakshminarasimha Devastana, too has a mandapa at its center.
An incomplete colonnade along the western edge.
As seen from the eastern side. Beyond the vegetation in the background is Pattabhirama Gudi.
This water tank is need of maintenance. I think government must come up with a scheme which lets ASI employ tourist volunteers for cleaning projects. That way tourism will have another dimension. Perhaps the volunteers can be rewarded in a way of discounts at state owned lodges & restaurants.
Amazing that these free standing pillars and beams are in equilibrium for the past five and half centuries.
In the present day, men cannot make use of these historical water tanks but no one can stop creatures of Nature. A cormorant relaxes on the steps. Looks like that spot is a favorite.. the white stains of droppings say that.
Cormorants are waterbirds hence they are seen near waterbodies. They are expert swimmers, divers and good at flying too. A gifted creature indeed. These two are having a peaceful moment on the mandapa's canopy.
Done with the watertank, we head towards the Domed Gateway, a five minute walk away.
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