King’s Balance Hampi Sightseeing
The ruins of Hampi, with its 83 monuments spread across 26 square kilometers, are often explored by tourists in just one day. However, for a true traveler, one day is never enough to fully experience the wonders of Hampi. With so much to see and do, this destination invites deeper exploration and endless discovery. King’s Balance Hampi near Vittala Temple is one such monument standing tall and worth a trip. I happened to visit this place during my Hampi and Badami tour.
Significance of Maharaja’s Balance
During 14th to 15th century, the Vijayanagara Empire reached its zenith in terms of political, cultural, and economic prosperity, attracting travelers from all over the world. Today Hampi attracts tourists for the magnificent monuments still standing as mute testimony of its glorious past. Group of Monuments at Hampi was declared UNESCO site in 1986.
One of the most remarkable monuments in Hampi is the King’s Balance, a structure that exemplifies the delicate balance between power and humility that the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire maintained.
In all possibilities this balance was used to weigh the King against materials ranging from precious items like gold, silk, or grain, which were then distributed among the needy and deserving sections of society. This role of Kings of Vijayanagara kingdom reflect the empire’s commitment to justice, fairness, and the overall well-being of its subjects. It serves as a testament to the harmonious balance between power and humility that the kings of Hampi strived to maintain.
This practice was conducted on special occasions like the New Year’s Day, Coronation ceremony, solar or lunar eclipse, Dusshera, etc. Tulabharam symbolized not only the king’s wealth and generosity but also his duty to his people and the importance of maintaining balance in society. I am trying to imagine the riches available then. All was looted by Mughals who invaded from north of India.
King’s Balance Hampi for Tulabharam
Just compare their commitment to creating a prosperous and inclusive society to the role today’s politicians play. No wonder we call the past as glorious past! The balance is a symbol of the equilibrium between power and humility, justice and fairness, and material wealth and the welfare of society.
Architectural details of King’s Balance
The King’s Balance in Hampi for Tulabharam was used as a physical balance meant to weigh the King. The structure is almost intact today. It looks like three granite beams, one resting on two vertical beams, 15ft tall. The horizontal resting beam is sculpted in a more detailed manner. The beam rests on central stone pillars, which is intricately carved with statues and designs. Three loops are fixed on top of the balance, into which the balance actually hung. Only on close inspection the loops on the horizontal beam to hang the balance are visible.
When I last visited there was no enclosure for the structure. I touched the pillars trying to connect with history. I imagined this place to be a lively one. The exquisite craftsmanship that hasn’t withered off yet demonstrates the architectural skills and attention to detail prevalent during the Vijayanagara Empire.
The approach path to King’s Balance is through a two storeyed pavilion, which must have been gateway or gopuram. This was the southern entrance to the town of Vitthalapura of Vijayanagara Kingdom, at the end of the Kampa Bhupa’s Path. It was under hot scorching sun we treaded towards the structure. There is no shade around. I was glad that I planned the winter vacation of my kids to visit Hampi.
There is a general ticket to enter the Hampi Complex, but no special ticket is required to see the King’s Balance Hampi.
Tulabharam – a Hindu Ritual
Tulabhara, also known as Tula-purusha, Tula-dana Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana. The term Tula means scale, and Bharam means weight, Purusha means the offerer here. It is an ancient Hindu practice in which a person is weighed against a commodity, such as gold, grain, or fruits. The equivalent weight of that commodity is then offered as a donation. This ritual, known as Thulabharam, is performed to seek relief from distress, achieve a dream, or gain deliverance from an ailment. According to belief, Lord Krishna was the first to conduct this ritual, sitting on one platform of the balance.
Even today this is practiced, especially in temples of Guruvayoor, Dwarka, Udupi and Tirupati. People practice this ritual as a thanksgiving gesture to God and weigh themselves against fruit, sugar, rice or other grains.
Maharaja’s Balance in Hampi Karnataka
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. Other airports are Belgaum (190 km) and Bangalore (353 km). 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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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..!