Hampi, now a semi-urban village is situated on the southern bank of river Tungabhadra in Hospet Taluk, Bellary district, Karnataka played an important role as capital of mighty Hindu empire of Vijayanagara and stood as a bulwork against the onslaught of the northern invaders for nearly two and a half centuries (from 1336 to 1565 A.D.). The Vijayanagara rulers were tolerant towards all religions and constructed temples for Saiva, Vaishnava and Jains at Hampi and throughout their empire, thereby preserving are and culture of Karnataka. Hampi is noted for its magificient temples and gopuras as popularly known as Raya-gopuras. This work aims at presenting a detailed description of Temples of Hampi and its Evirons with plans and photographs. Chapters I and II deals with location, its environs and general history of Vijayanagar, Chapter III is on the main characterstic features of Vijayanagara architecture, Chapterr IV gives detailed descriptions of Pre-Vijayanagara temples at Hampi while Chapter V deals with detailed descriptions of select and important temples of vijayanagara period at Hampi and its Environs.
