[Updates from March 2024] We visited Hampi during end of March 2024. It was a 2 day trip. During the trip we visited the Anjaneyadri (Anjanadri) hill, the Pampa sarovar and Shabari gufa (Gufa = Cave).
Hampi is one of the most important historical places in India.
Back in ancient history where we no longer have track of time, the important Kishkindha kaand (episode) of Ramayana happened on the northern lands of the Tungabhadra river. These are the lands where Lord Rama and his brother Lakshman met Hanuman ji, Sugreev, and the legendary devotee Mata Shabari. More of this in the next sections.
Hampi then regains importance in medieval India when the the Turkic Islamic Sultans of the Bahamani Sultanate in middle India came into conflict with native Indian resistance that represented by the Vijaynagara empire. Hampi’s ruins have lived on for centuries whisper the tales of this important part of the Indian history.
The Kishkindha Kaand (episode) in Ramayana
The Kingdom of Kishkindha in Ramayana was the abode of many heroes of Ramayana. Sugreeva – Lord Rama’s ally and the king of the Kingdom that helped Rama in the seige of Lanka, Bali – elder brother to Sugreeva with whom he had a mortal conflict, Angad – Bali’s son, Rama’s ambassador to Ravan to avoid the war and one of the most fearsome warriors in Ramayana.
Walking through the forests in search of mother Sita, Rama’s consort, both brothers Rama and Lakshaman arrived in Kishkindha thousands of years ago in search of Shabari, a prominent lady devotee and spiritually advanced personality. She awaited Rama’s arrival in her later years as her guru Sage Matang instructed her. Shabari guided Rama to meet Hanuman ji (one of the most loved Hindu gods, who is fierce, benevolent, simple, wise and devoted) and form an alliance with Sugreev.
Many events in this episode of the Ramayana happened here.
Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple: This is where Rama and Lakshman stayed through the monsoons when waiting for Sugreev to arrange an expedition to search for Mother Sita. This temple is dedicate to Lord Raghunath or Rama.
Kodandarama Temple: Kodanda meaning ‘bow’, Rama’s weapon. Kodandaram meaning, Lord Rama holding a bow.
It is believed it was here Rama performed the coronation of Sugreev.
Sugreeva’s Cave: It is believed it was here that Sugreeva stayed with his followers when pursued by his brother Baali. The conflict between the two brothers was borne of an unfortunate story and misunderstanding. It was here Sugreeva met Rama & Lakshman.
Pampa Sarovar: It was here that the two brothers met Shabari. Mother Shabari was spending the last years of her life here waiting to meet Rama and guide them in their search for Sita. This is where the beautiful association of Lord Rama and Hanuman ji begins.
The place also has the Shabari Gufa. This was the cave where it is said Shabari mata used to stay and meditate. It may have been this place where she famously hosted Rama and Lakshman.
READ more about Shabari in Ramayana today.
Anjaneyadri Hill: Without doubt the most visited place in Kishkindha. This is the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, the supreme devotee of Lord Rama. It is here that Hanuman ji was born to his mother Devi Anjaneya. Hanuman ji (ji denotes a mark of respect in Indian languages) is referred to as Monkey god in English. He is much loved and is seen as a source of strength, courage, devotion and righteousness.
There is a temple atop the hill, called the Anjaneyadri Hill where there is a non-stop chanting of Ramayan. You will see a number of monkey’s here. From the top of the hill you see an awesome panoramic view of Hampi.
From the standpoint of Ancient India and Indic religions, this place is one of the most important destinations of the Epic Ramayana.
Since this part is on the northern front of the Tungabhadra river and will require you to climb stairs and hilly terrains, you can plan to spend at least 1 day covering Kishkindha.
