Lotus Mahal, Hampi
In Hampi Lotus Mahal is one of the most famous site. Even though the name suggests it is a pleasure pavilion, it is not so. The pavilion probably served as a meeting place of the emperor and his closest advisers.
It is built in Indo-islamic style. Architecture of Lotus Mahal is a successful fusion of temple-like elements of Vijayanagara styles and sultanate elements. If the curved eaves, pyramidal towers depict temple-like elements then the lobed arches, plaster designs depict sultanate elements. The base of the structure depicts a Hindu foundation of stone just like in the temples.
Lotus Mahal arches
It is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides. It is a two storied structure. It has lobed arched openings in multiple planes surrounded by elaborate plaster designs. The upper floors have balconies with arched windows. There are hook like structures on the wall close to the upper windows may be for hanging curtains. The arches of the ground floor are recessed and ornate.The walls are protected from Sun and rain by the curved eaves that run continuously around the building. There are 8 pyramidal towers rise over the central and corner bays of the building. The ninth tower is above the central bay similar to the other eight but higher.
Carvings on the arches
The exquisite carvings of flowers and delicate art work on the pillar arches is mesmerizing, especially with the Makara Torana on top of these arches that can still be seen on some of them.
41 comments:
It is interesting that the old master architects had everything laid out and planned and had to take into account so many religious and customary traditions.
Beautiful pictures of a stunning structure.
Can I ask a (most likely stupid) question; what does the word "Mahal" mean? Pavilion?
Beautiful carvings!
wow! thats nice.. the carvings are amazing!
i love the way u capture the nitty gritty...amazing architecture again!!
Rajesh: That is a wonderful look at the neat structure from your world.
Never tire of looking at and learning of the rich history of India and its wonderful architectural reminders.
Splendid post - thanks for showing:)
What an interesting and fantastic building! It must be very old. I like the decorations and carvings on the arches.
That's so beautiful. I love the detailed carving work. It's exquisite.
Such incredible architecture and those carvings are magnificent. Your part of the world is very beautiful.
What the close up shows is simply amazing.
The intricate carvings are wonderful. This is a lovely pavilion.
The details on these buildings are amazing! It must have taken so much time to build them.
Great design :)
I think this building must be the most beautiful you have showed us until now!
A beautiful place no matter who used to meet there.
Just how many beautiful temples does India have? What an incredibly rich cultural history. Lovely photos.
Great shots!
A very beautiful temple
Gorgeous post. Love the history and the carvings are spectacular.
Really nice pictures...very informative post! I love travelling as well but I haven't visited this part of our country yet!
What exquisite details on the the arches. The temple resembles a lotus too, don't you think?
Protege: Thanks, they did a marvelous job with very little resources they had. Mahal means building or house.
Kirigalpoththa, Swetha, Carver, Denise: Thanks, they are definitely beautiful.
Rush, fishing guy, Joo, Deepak, Elisabeth: Thanks for the appreciation.
ewok1993: Thanks, there is lot we have to learn from each other cultures.
Wil: Thanks, it is around 500 years old.
Swarna, Sally, Snap: Thanks, they are definitely beautiful.
Tammie: Thanks, they did a marvelous job with very little resources they had.
Arija, Indrani, Mo: Thanks for the appreciation.
Wolynski: Thanks, one can find from temples, forts, palace across the breadth and length of India.
Pra: Thanks, you should plan a visit. It is worth the visit.
LadyFi: Thanks, even I thought so, but I did not find any material supporting it. This is not temple. But a kind of small palace or house.
Gorgeous carvings! The amount of beautiful temples and historic sites in your country is truly amazing! Keep them coming, Rajesh!
I always love the intricate carving of temples there. Thanks for the tour.
Great post.
I'm completely in love with those intricate work atop the entrance in your 3rd pic...
My Travelogue
Very nice details on the structure and the pictures are apparent! great knowing about this place rajesh.
What a beautiful and special architecture !
Hi Rajesh:)
Lovely photos and fantastic description in minute detail. It looked as though I was standing there with you.
Many thanks for taking me to this wonderful place steeped in Indian history.
Have a good day Rajesh:)
Joseph
that was a lovely post! interesting info garnished with lovely images!!
Your lovely words are as ornate and perfect as the gem you describe!
Aloha from Hawaii-
Comfort Spiral
Great architecture!
I like the arches!
All wonderful pictures :-)
A beautiful post. I love the delicate carvings, and the Elephant Stables.
great architecture, I love the texture this brings to all your shots.
The carvings above the arches is equisite, but then the whole building is beautiful.
Great country and great shots. I like much that photo from carvings.
Regards.
This is great photo. The architecture in India is surreal. I absolutely love the workmanship. Thanks for sharing, great stuff as always. Anna :)
JM: Thanks. Very true they are in abundance.
Regina, Mitr, Pietro, Hildred, George, Anna: Thanks, they did a marvelous job with very little resources they had.
Jeevan, Gattina, magiceye, Cloudia, Carrizo: Thanks for the appreciation.
Joseph: Thanks, it is a great pleasure.
Gorgeous photos, especially that first one--makes me wish to be there!
i so love Hampi... been there 3 times but missed Lotus mahal each time...
Mary, Sneo: Thanks for the appreciation. This is one of the prominent attraction in Hampi.
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