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.

2 storeyed gateway Vitthalapura Hampi

A  two storeyed pavilion, which must have been gateway or gopuram. This was the southern entrance to the town of Vitthalapura of Vijayanagara Kingdom.

Maharajas Balance in Hampi for Tulabharam Ritual

Maharaja’s Balance Hampi for Tulabharam

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.
Maharaja's Balance Hampi for Tulabharam

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.

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