The Pan Supari Bazaar is a ruined market place of Hampi. It is located in the area opposite to the main entrance of the renowned Hazara Rama Temple, the only temple situated within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. The Pan Supari Bazaar is said to be one of the four main market places that existed during the Vijayanagara Empire.
Today the market place stands merely as a remnant of its glorious past. However, the ruined market place is still visited by a large number of tourists who love to explore the relics of the long destroyed Kingdom of Vijayanagara.
Pan Supari Bazaar, Hampi. Photographer Dr Murali Mohan Gurram
Quick Facts
- Timing: From dawn to dusk on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: No entry fee required
- Photography: Allowed
- Video Camera: Allowed
- Visit Duration: About 30 to 40 min
- Best time to visit: From November to February
History of Pan Supari Bazaar, Hampi
The Pan Supari Bazaar is believed to have been an important market place during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. Though it is not clear exactly when the market place started functioning, it is thought that the Pan Supari Bazaar was a significant trading point during the peak days of Hampi.
It was a flourishing market place where traders from far off and nearby places used to gather to sell their wares. The proof of the presence of the market place indicates that the Vijayanagara Empire was truly a very wealthy kingdom that attracted traders from even far off countries and kingdoms.
The name of the Pan Supari Bazaar can be found in an inscription by Devaraya II (1424-1426 A.D.), the 9th king of the Vijayanagara Empire. Reference of the market place is also found among the writings of many people who visited Hampi from far off places during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Meaning of Pan Supari Bazaar, Hampi
The name Pan Supari Bazaar clearly indicates that it is the combination of two terms – Pan and Supari. The terms Pan and Supari refer to betel leaf and areca nut respectively. As a combined term, ‘Pan Supari’ generally means a combination of betel leaf and a mixture of areca nut, select spices, sweeteners and a paste of lime stone powder and water.
There is no clear indication why the market place near the Hazara Rama Temple was named as the Pan Supari Bazaar. One of the reasons behind the unique name of the market place may be due to the presence of a large number of areca nut plantations in the area near the Royal Enclosure.
Structure of Pan Supari Bazaar, Hampi
The Pan Supari Bazaar is an evidence of Hampi’s presence in the trade and commerce scenario during the period of time when the Vijayanagara Empire flourished in the southern part of India. It is believed that the road passing through the Pan Supari Bazaar was once a royal street that reached up to the palace entrance.
The Pan Supari Bazaar starts from the front of the Hazara Rama Temple. A tall flag post stands near the area where the ancient market place used to flourish once. A ruined gateway that leads to the Royal Enclosure can also be seen near the remnants of the Pan Supari Bazaar.
The beauty and popularity of the Pan Supari Bazaar can be estimated from the fact that the market place had several pavilions, temples and water tanks on either side of the road passing through the market. Remnants of this stretch of the road can be seen even today.
It is believed that the market place once had an impressive gateway. However, the gateway does not exist anymore. Only traces of the gateway can be found near the market place now.
Present Condition of Pan Supari Bazaar, Hampi
The Pan Supari Bazaar is in a state of ruins today. The once-glorious market place is no longer functional. In fact, the exact position of this ancient market place can be seen more clearly on the maps of Hampi than in the real world. Just some portions of the market place can be seen among the ruins.
The battered market place can be counted as one of those structures and monuments in Hampi that suffered extensive destruction during the fierce attack of the Deccan Sultanates on the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565 A.D. The widespread ruins, broken structures and destroyed pavilions fill up the location of the once beautiful market place that was always teeming with buyers and sellers.
Even the gateway near the market place is in a ruined condition and only the basement remains today.
How to reach Pan Supari Bazaar
The Pan Supari Bazaar is situated near the Royal Enclosure, which is one of the most visited tourist spots in Hampi. The place can be easily reached by anyone who reaches Hampi. The road to Pan Supari Bazaar is accessible by vehicles.
By Air
Hampi is a famous tourist destination but it has no airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the nearest town to have an airport. Ballari is located at a distance of about 64 km from Hampi. Visitors can reach Ballari by flight and proceed to Hampi by means of local transport, which are easily available.
By Rail
Hampi is a town that is not directly connected by the rail network as it does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway station is situated in the town of Hosapete (Hospet). It has the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hosapete is located at a distance of just 10 km from Hampi. One can easily take a bus or avail other means of local transport to reach Hampi from Hosapete.
By Road
Hampi can be easily reached by the road network as it is well connected to many towns and cities of Karnataka by means of this network. There are several buses that operate between Hampi and several of the main towns and cities in Karnataka.
Visitors travelling to Hampi can hire private cars, cabs or other vehicles from major cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore).
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