Monday, August 17, 2009

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:

Zuzana said...

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?

Kirigalpoththa said...

Beautiful carvings!

Swetha said...

wow! thats nice.. the carvings are amazing!

Rush said...

i love the way u capture the nitty gritty...amazing architecture again!!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Rajesh: That is a wonderful look at the neat structure from your world.

Anonymous said...

Never tire of looking at and learning of the rich history of India and its wonderful architectural reminders.

joo said...

Splendid post - thanks for showing:)

Reader Wil said...

What an interesting and fantastic building! It must be very old. I like the decorations and carvings on the arches.

Carver said...

That's so beautiful. I love the detailed carving work. It's exquisite.

DeniseinVA said...

Such incredible architecture and those carvings are magnificent. Your part of the world is very beautiful.

Swarna said...

What the close up shows is simply amazing.

Sally in WA said...

The intricate carvings are wonderful. This is a lovely pavilion.

Tammie Lee said...

The details on these buildings are amazing! It must have taken so much time to build them.

Anonymous said...

Great design :)

Elisabeth's bright side said...

I think this building must be the most beautiful you have showed us until now!

Arija said...

A beautiful place no matter who used to meet there.

Wolynski said...

Just how many beautiful temples does India have? What an incredibly rich cultural history. Lovely photos.

Indrani said...

Great shots!

Mo said...

A very beautiful temple

Snap said...

Gorgeous post. Love the history and the carvings are spectacular.

Prashansa said...

Really nice pictures...very informative post! I love travelling as well but I haven't visited this part of our country yet!

LadyFi said...

What exquisite details on the the arches. The temple resembles a lotus too, don't you think?

Rajesh said...

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.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous carvings! The amount of beautiful temples and historic sites in your country is truly amazing! Keep them coming, Rajesh!

Regina said...

I always love the intricate carving of temples there. Thanks for the tour.
Great post.

Bhushavali said...

I'm completely in love with those intricate work atop the entrance in your 3rd pic...
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Jeevan said...

Very nice details on the structure and the pictures are apparent! great knowing about this place rajesh.

Gattina said...

What a beautiful and special architecture !

Joseph Pulikotil said...

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

magiceye said...

that was a lovely post! interesting info garnished with lovely images!!

Cloudia said...

Your lovely words are as ornate and perfect as the gem you describe!
Aloha from Hawaii-

Comfort Spiral

Pietro Brosio said...

Great architecture!
I like the arches!
All wonderful pictures :-)

Hildred said...

A beautiful post. I love the delicate carvings, and the Elephant Stables.

sujata sengupta said...

great architecture, I love the texture this brings to all your shots.

George said...

The carvings above the arches is equisite, but then the whole building is beautiful.

Carrizo said...

Great country and great shots. I like much that photo from carvings.

Regards.

myonlyphoto said...

This is great photo. The architecture in India is surreal. I absolutely love the workmanship. Thanks for sharing, great stuff as always. Anna :)

Rajesh said...

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.

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Gorgeous photos, especially that first one--makes me wish to be there!

S.. Diva said...

i so love Hampi... been there 3 times but missed Lotus mahal each time...

Rajesh said...

Mary, Sneo: Thanks for the appreciation. This is one of the prominent attraction in Hampi.