Hampi’s Vittala Temple of Musical Pillars

Science and belief are two different things, but at times they collide and there is no explanation to it. Belief at times is supported by scientific findings, but then, there are no clear lines here. There are occasions when we see something that has no scientific explanation. Mystery is the only thing that defines them.

One such structure that has been fascinating people from time immemorial is the mysterious Vittala Temple in Hampi and its musical pillars. Referred to as the epicentre of Hampi’s attraction, this temple is actually a masterpiece in terms of grandeur and architecture. Words will fall short to explain the beauty of this place. The sprawling compound of this temple houses pavilions, halls and many other temples.
India, being a country rich in culture and heritage, has a history of thousands of years to boast of. Many rulers ruled it from time to time, built kingdoms to leave behind a heritage that eventually gave us the roadmap to ancient civilisation. Such rich history eventually gifted India many grandeur structures, majestic forts, temples and palaces that we hold our breath at their first sight.
While all such structures amaze us with their architecture and sprawling complex, some also shock us with their mysterious nature. There are places in India that defy all scientific laws and exist only because of some divine mystery or something else. While some believe these are just myths, others think otherwise. On those lines, we have more on the musical pillars of the Vittala Temple. Read on!
About the Vittala Temple
The temple was built in the 15th century during the rule of Devaraya II. He was one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Vittala and is also called Vijaya Vittala Temple; Vittala is also said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As per the legends, the temple was built for Lord Vishnu in his Vittala form, but when he found that the temple was very grand in nature, he returned to live in his modest home in Pandharpur.
The Vittala Temple has some gorgeous stone structures, such as the stone chariot and the musical pillars. Both these structure speaks a ton about the unmatched craftsmanship of that period. This temple in Hampi draws people from all part of the world, yet is mostly in shambles.

The architectural wonder
The Vittala Temple is one of the most magnificent and the grandest temple in Hampi. When you enter the complex, the very first thing that will amaze you will be the craftsmanship of the artisans of Vijayanagara Empire. Dravidian style adorns the built of the complex, which is further enhanced with elaborate carvings.
Among the several structures, the main hall or Maha Mandapa, Devi Shrine, Kalyana Mantapa, Ranga Mantapa, Utsava Mantapa and the very famous stone chariot are the notable ones.

The Musical Pillars of Vittala Temple

The large Ranga Mantapa is well-known for its 56 musical pillars, also known as SaReGaMa pillars. These have been attributed to the musical notes rising out of them. One can actually hear the musical notes if they tap the pillars gently. There is a set of main pillars and many smaller ones at the mantapa. Each pillar offers support to the ceiling of mantapa, while the main pillars are designed in the style of musical instruments. Each main pillar is wrapped with seven minor pillars, which emit the musical notes. Each note emitting from these pillars produce different sounds, which also change as the string, percussion and wind instrument being played. If the pillars are hit by sandalwood, they release rhythmic sounds close to SaReGaMa.

The reason behind the pillars producing rhythmic sound is not known yet, but they still continue to intrigue the visitors.

If the Musical Pillars have piqued your interest, do pay a visit to this place and try to play the musical chord for yourself.