The Legends of Hampi
STORIES OF KISHKINDA, PAMPA KSHETRA & LOCAL FOLKLORE
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STORIES OF KISHKINDA, PAMPA KSHETRA & LOCAL FOLKLORE
For pilgrims to Hampi the most important aspect of the site is the association with various myths and legends. Many of the granite hills, caves and boulders of the Tungabhadra valley are linked with these stories, which are still very much alive and attract a steady procession of devotees. Come with us on a journey through the landscape of Hampi, as we narrate stories drawn from Ramayana, Sthala Puranas & the local folklore. With help of sculptures, art and the landscape of Hampi, we will bring these stories alive on this virtual tour.
Long before Hampi became the capital city of one of India’s greatest empires, it was a place of pilgrimage. In fact the entire region was then known as Pampa-Kshetra, named after the patron goddess Pampa. The story of Pampambika‘s wedding to Virupaksha is what gives this place its name & importance. We will visit areas around Hemakoota hill, Pampa Sarovara & Virupaksha temple complex as we narrate this story.
Hampi & its surrounding villages are believed to be Kishkinda, the kingdom of Vanara King Vali. The fourth chapter of Valmiki Ramayana deals with the stories that occur at Kishkindha. According to the story, Rama and Lakshmana arrived in Kishkindha in search of Sita, who had been carried off in a flying chariot by Ravana, the king of the demons. Together with help of Hanuman, Sugreeva & Warriors of Monkey Kingdom, Rama is then able to locate Sita & wage war against Ravana. Many of the places associated with different events and characters from Kishkindha Kanda in the mythical landscape of Hampi. We will visit several of these places and narrate select stories of Kishkindha on this tour.
Creating legends around Kings and Kingdoms was a common practice in India. These legends were used to justify the rule of a dynasty or a King, to clarify their lineages and sometimes to show the King as larger than life and beyond reach of any challengers to the throne. Vijayanagara has many such interesting legends, on this virtual tour we will explore some of them including the founding myth of Vijayanagara City.
For the past 8 years, Arjun has been curating & executing immersive tours all around South India. He is invited to speak on topics related to travel, cultural heritage & responsible tourism.
In 2012 he quit his corporate job to pursue his passion in travel and founded Travspire Tours. The mission was to offer unique and local experiences to travellers, the kind of experiences that would change their perspectives and shape their world views. He founded Explore Hampi Tours in 2014 to promote community based local tourism at Hampi. Today it provides employment and income opportunities to over 24 families through its various tours showcasing the heritage, culture, wildlife, adventure activities & artforms of Hampi. In 2016 he started curating & executing immersive experiences for school children with innovative plans like “The Young Archaeologist Program” and “Multicultural Kerala”.
In 2020 most of the tourism Industry is in dire straits due to the pandemic. Travspire tours hasn’t been able to operate regular tours since mid-march of 2020. The virtual tours are one of ways they are trying to innovate & keep the dream alive. Afterall, Arjun & his team have been storytelling for years on their tours. Today with these virtual tours they continue to tell interesting stories of India, in a new and exciting format!
Focus Areas: South Indian History & Heritage, Dravidian Temple Architecture
An exclusive private virtual event for you and your loved ones at the time and date of your choosing. If you want to organise a private virtual tour for your family, friends or colleagues then fill this form up and our team will get back to you at the earliest.
