The King’s balance is located near the Courtesans’ street and it is found on the way to Vittala temple in Hampi. The balance is a special one as it is about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The balance is made up of granite rock and it was probably built by the Krishna Devaraya of the Vijaynagar empire.
Abour The Kings’ Balance :
King’s balance at Hampi is about 5 meter tall. On special occasions like solar or lunar eclipses, the King would arrive and be seated on the scale of a balance hung from the pillar of the square arch by three loops. On the other scale would be placed special articles to balance the emperor’s weight. These articles would be distributed among the deserving. This ritual was known astulapurusha daanam.
Portraits of the emperor and his two spouses are sculpted on the pillar from where the balance is hung. Experts assume these portraits are of Krishnadevaraya, the great Emperor of Vijayanagara and his two queens.
Hampi was once the seat of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. It is situated on the southern banks of Tungabhadra River at Hospet village in Belleri district, Karnataka state.
Attractions Of The Kings’ Balance In Karnataka :
Situated within the Vijayavitthala Temple complex is the King s balance also known as Tula Bhara monument which consists of two lofty carved granite pillars about 15 feet high supporting a stone beam about 12 feet, provided with three hoops on the underside. One of the pillars has a bas-relief depicting a king and two queens, possibly Krishnadeva Raya and his consorts.
It’s believed that this had been done during the special ceremony seasons like solar or lunar eclipses. You can spot three loops on top of the balance, into which the balance actually hung. Also in one of the pillars you can spot the king’s image carved along with his concerts.
This structure almost appears like as archway at the end of the Kampa Bhupa’s Path just behind Vittala temple. The path in fact passes through this arch like structure
The renowned Kings’ Balance, otherwise known as Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana, is located to the southwest of Vijayavitthala Temple. This site is known has been named King’s Balance as the local monarchs used to weigh themselves in grain, gold, silver, gems and other such precious items. This was done during special occasions like solar and lunar eclipses and the material weighed against the king’s weight was then given to priests. The historic charm o this site makes it quite popular among tourists planning a trip to Hampi. Two 15 ft high granite pillars that are holding a 12 ft stone beam are present at this site, with three hoops that are located on the underside of the structure. Out of the two pillars, one is embellished with the bas-relief sculpture that illustrates a king and two queens, most likely Krishna Deva Raya and his wives.It is situated as an archway where the Kampa Bhupa’s Path ends near the VijayVittala Temple.
Location :
The King’s balance is located near the Courtesans’ street and it is found on the way to Vittala temple in Hampi. The balance is a special one as it is about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The balance is made up of granite rock and it was probably built by the Krishna Devaraya of the Vijaynagar empire. It has nice ornamental work and three small gopuras (towers) on the top. On one side of the pillar there is a image of the king with his consorts.
It is said that the king used to weigh himself against gold, silver and precious gems during special occasions and were distributed to the needy and Brahmins.
The King’s Balance History :
The balance was used to weigh the kings of Vijayanagar on certain occasions like solar or lunar eclipse, New years day and coronation day against precious diamonds, gems, gold, silver, etc. and distribute them to the Brahmins.
How to Reach The Kings’ Balance :
Getting around in Hampi is not that tough, and you can hire auto rickshaws and private taxis. Check with your hotel reception, though, for rates and fare methods. Public buses are also available, though you could avoid them if necessary. The best way to explore the city is on foot or to hire a bicycle or moped or scooter.