PURANDARA MANDAPAM, HAMPI

To the west of the Vittala temple is an open expanse of sandstone pillars on the right bank of the Tungabhadra River. Built in the sixteenth century, this mandapam (Auditorium) is now known as PurandaraMandapam. It is called by the name of PurandaraDasa (1484-1564), a great devotee of Vittala.

Purandardasa was a follower of MadhvaYati and Vyasatirtha. He renounced wealth and became a saint, a devotee of Vittala and became a leader of the Bhakti movement. He is also known as the father of Carnatic music by singing Kirtanas in his own raga. It is also said that Purandaradasa used to sing his music while sitting in this mandapam.

Built in a rectangular shape with sixty pillars, this spacious mandapa has a simple structure of pillars, bodige and beams. The ceiling is covered with stucco. A relief sculpture of Purandardasa on one of the pillars in the middle of this mandapa was recently seen during the renovation, showing Purandaradasa holding a tambourine in his hands and singing Kirtans. This mandapam is completely submerged by the flood of Tungabhadra River during the rainy season. Worship is being celebrated every year in memory of Purandaradasa.

Hampiwhich is located 16 km from Hosapetetaluk

Near By Tourist Places:

• Tungabhadra Dam, Hosapete Taluk
• Daroji Bear Sanctuary at Kamalapura, HosapeteTq
• ATAL BIHARI VAJAPAYEE ZOOLOGICAL PARK KAMALAPURA

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