The architectural mystery of Market Streets, and temples of world heritage site; Hampi.

Vijay Vitthal Gopuram

Vijaya Vitthala Temple complex of Hampi is one of the most famous for its enormous beauty and the iconic stone chariot. The East Gopuram and the first innermost North Gopuram mark the entryways to this temple. The internal temple complex is accompanied by a large number of temples and Pushkarnis outside, which were a part of the market street bustling during the glory days of Hampi. Even though only the plinth and a few columns remain standing today, the market street holds much architectural mysteries in the world heritage site Hampi in its temples, and market streets.

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The temple’s market is aligned along a path that is slightly tilted compared to the temple axis. After the entire temple complex was designed to follow a perfect perpendicular grid, it is surprising that the market street lies at a particular angle. Even if we assume this is due to the geographical conditions of the area, how do we understand its resemblance to other market streets outside two other temples? This path is perfectly parallel to those streets of Virupaksha Temple and Krishna Temple. It is believed to follow the natural topography while also addressing ritual movement and connectivity.

I want to think about it from a different perspective. There is a famous optical illusion used in Athens, Greece, where no two structures align with the geographical path and are not parallel to each other, designed to create a particular impact on the viewer entering through the main entrance.

Gopurams were often constructed taller or more elaborate than the previous king's additions, symbolizing the grandeur and impact of the current ruler’s empire. What if this particular angle in the market street is meant to change the view of people approaching the Gopuram through the long street?

What if this is an optical illusion?

Making the Gopuram appear in perspective, rather than straight on, as one approaches the temple?

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Reference books:

Architecture Conceptual to the Manifest

Hampi Vijaynagara

Athens

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Vijay Vitthal Temple Gopuram, Hampi, Karnataka

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