Karnataka   

Depriving people of a breathtaking view

Exquisite: The interplay of light and shadow presents a dramatic picture of the finer aspects of Vijaya Vittala temple at Hampi.

BELLARY: Very few visitors to the Vijaya Vittala temple complex at Hampi have the privilege of witnessing illumination of the site. The temple complex is illuminated only during Hampi Utsav, the three-day mega cultural festival of dance, drama and music.

Hardly any visitor goes back without being impressed after seeing the illuminated musical pillar hall, the stone chariot, the dancing hall and other monuments in the complex.

Visitors to the complex, on seeing the golden lights between the pillars, sky blue light on the “gopuras” and white light around the monument, feel that they are in a different world.

The interplay of light and shadow presents a dramatic picture of the finer aspects of the monument.

“I visited the monument a couple of times during the day, and have enjoyed the art and architecture of the Vijayanagar period. But it will be a different kind of experience to look at the illuminated ancient monument,” says N. Veerabhadra Gowda, a tourist.

The entire complex was illuminated about four years ago by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at an estimated cost of Rs. 53 lakh. Except during Hampi Utsav and the visit of VVIPs, the monument is closed for public during the night.

The complex is situated away from the main monuments. People find it difficult to visit the complex owing to lack of proper transport facility and because of safety reasons.

No steps have been taken by the authorities concerned, particularly the Department of Tourism, to provide transport facility to the complex after sunset to help visitors enjoy the breathtaking experience offered by it.

Dwarakanath, another tourist, says Hampi is situated 13 km from Hospet. City buses ply between Hospet and Talwarghatta, Kamalapur and Hampi. The bus service can be extended up to Vijaya Vittala temple complex, at least during weekends and national holidays.

Official sources told The Hindu that if the Tourism Department took steps to provide transport facility from Hospet, the illuminated monument could be thrown open to public during weekends and on national holidays.

The illuminated complex, will be thrown open to the public during this Hampi Utsav from Saturday.

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