Maharaja’s Balance in Hampi for Tulabharam Ritual
Maharaja’s Balance in Hampi for Tulabharam was used as a physical balance meant to weigh the King. The structure looks like three granite beams, one resting on two vertical beams, 15ft tall. The horizontal resting beam is sculpted in a more detailed manner. Only on close inspection the loops to hang the balance are visible.
A two storeyed pavilion, which must have been gateway or gopuram. This was the southern entrance to the town of Vitthalapura of Vijayanagara Kingdom.
In all possibilities this balance was used to weigh the King against materials ranging from food grains to gold and gems. Kings of Vijayanagara kingdom then donated or distributed among the poor and needy. I am trying to imagine the riches available then. All was looted by Mughals who invaded from north of India.
Tulabharam a Hindu Ritual
This is a Hindu ritual and is called Tulabharam. Even today this is practiced, especially in temples of Guruvayoor, Dwraka, Udupi and Tirupati. People practice this ritual as a thanksgiving gesture to God and weigh themselves against fruit, sugar, rice or other grains. There are several mythological stories that highlight this ritual being practiced by kings.
How to reach Hampi
Hampi, though a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living town, it has no direct access by rail or air. You have to take different modes of transport and finally reach Hampi by bus. Nearest airport is Bellary 74km away. So the final leg of the journey has to be done by a private vehicle or state transport buses. Nearest Railway station is Hospet.
Hampi is my favorite place. Its the place where each stone tells a story. Thanks for sharing the information.
Excellent shot! I have heard about this one… great balance
Really, that is awesome..
Very interesting, Indrani. What an idea to have it outside & not inside. Am sure all people must have been onlookers when this was used…
wowao..!! Such a lovely place.
Hampi is it near Hospet? How to reach here? Photograph is very nice.
Awe inspiring and aesthetic shots:)
…. and I am trying imagine the number of times the Maharaja had to sit on a Taraju.
Fantastic structure!
Looks more like a magical gateway 🙂
Interesting !! and a brilliant photograph !!
such clean shot 🙂
Hampi is an interesting place to visit..and this photographis wonderful..
What a neat place to visit, wonderful post on the ruins..Have a happy weekend!
Only seen this in historical movies, thankyou for showing me a real one too.
Nice shot!
Beautiful, Indrani!
Love the composition…
Happy Easter and warm greetings,
Anna :-))
What amazing ruins. NIce shot!
Awesome captured
Hampi!! My favorite place to visit!
So sad to see history in action and how much is destroyed in the process. Nice shot.
Oh the places you travel and the things you see and share. Thank you for that.
This is very informative and so interesting.
Wonderful shot and looks like a perfect day for exploring.
What a fascinating bit of information. It's definitely an interesting way to get goods to distribute to the poor. Your photo is beautiful.
Ah, for a time machine. How I'd love to travel back for a while. Looking forward to my next trip to India, whenever that shall be.
Hampi, I read a lot about that place, when I could read properly. It looks like it would be a nice to visit it.
like an entrance to a kingdom!
Wow… amazing! A great place!
A wonderful, interesting look at the past, Indrani, and a great capture! Thanks so sharing — love your blue, blue skies, it's raining — hard here in Portland!! Have a great weekend!
Beautifully captured Indrani.. This one place is in my list to visit places for quite long..! Your picture reminds me of that fact again..!