This holy man in Lakshmi Temple gestured to follow him when we had just entered into the temple compound after a long climb of steps. He took us up into a higher point which was surrounded by stone walls. It looked like a fort from the outside.
Skipping from massive boulder to boulder at the hill top, we finally arrived at this viewpoint. In the distance, we could make out Anjaneya Hill where the Hanuman temple stood. It is believed that the birthplace of Hanuman was at that very spot on Anjaneya Hill.
Both Lakshmi Temple and Anjaneya Hill are located at Anegondi, north of the Tungabhadra River, just across from Hampi.
This drain-like structure forms part of the aqueduct system in the ancient Hampi city in Kartanaka. The criss-crossing of rock aqueducts transports water across the city to palaces, royal residences and water tanks. Some of these were raised high above the ground to ensure that the water is carried across different terrains.
Hampi was once home to the ancient South Indian Vijayanagara empire. It was founded by two brothers on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in 1336. Hampi was a major centre of Hindu rule and civilization for 200 years. Today, one can still visit the ancient ruins of the city made of rocks and boulders, which are abundantly found across the landscape as far as the eyes can see.
The locals believe in the monkey god, Hanuman and his birthplace to be located at Anjaneya's hill in the center of Anegondi, just across the Tungabhadra River from Hampi. To reach the temple dedicated to Hanuman, one need to climb up the stairs from the foothill to the rocky hilltop for about half an hour.
The view from the top is superb where one can have a 360 degrees view of the plains below. Networks of paddy fields, coconut trees, temples, ruin sites and the arid landscape of uncountable huge boulders strewn all over as far as one can see. The strong breeze adds to the experience on the hilltop. Monkeys can be seen everywhere looking for a quick feed of bananas.
This image shows the small Hanuman temple at the top of Anjaneya Hill.
For some, it's shopping therapy. Others, movie therapy. Yet more, reading therapy. For me, it's writing therapy.