The Tenali Rama Pavilion is located near the Zenana Enclosure of Hampi. It is an elevated area that stands close to the Royal Centre of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the many structures in the ruined city that attract tourists till this date.
The pavilion still reminds people about Tenali Ramakrishna, the witty and impressive court-poet of King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Quick Facts
- Timing: Open on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: No entry fee required
- Photography: Allowed
- Best time to visit: From November to February
Tenali Rama Pavilion -A Reminder of the Legendary Tenali Rama
As the name indicates, the Tenali Rama Pavilion refers to the legendary personality of South India, Tenali Ramakrishna. Apart from being a renowned poet, he was also a very wise man and a scholar.
Tenali Rama was a master of several languages, including Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Kannada. He was known for his remarkable poetry written in the Telugu language.
Ramakrishna was called a ‘vikata kavi’ and he was one of the Ashtadiggajas (Eight Wise Men) of King Krishnadeva Raya’s court. It is said that the king was quite fond of Tenali Rama who was also the court jester.
Legends have it that Tenali Rama had a solution to every problem that befell the kingdom—from the mundane to the bizarre. It is believed that it was his humour and wit that endeared him to the king.
Perhaps the Tenali Rama Pavilion was built by the king to show his fondness for his court-poet and to let everyone know about his talent.
Structure of Tenali Rama Pavilion, Hampi
The Tenali Rama Pavilion is a small stone structure constructed in the Vijayanagara style of architecture. It is a pillared hall situated on a rocky area. It offers a bird’s eye view of the market place that used to flourish in the surrounding area near the pavilion during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The pavilion cannot be described as an exceptional structure in terms of architecture or beauty. In fact it is a simple hall on an elevated area that overlooks a street.
However, it retains its significance for the visitors as it reminds people about the tales of the legendary Tenali Rama. It is believed that the pavilion was an important structure during the ancient times as it is situated near the Royal Centre and is named after one of the notable personalities of King Krishnadevaraya’s court.
Present Condition of Tenali Rama Pavilion, Hampi
The fate of Tenali Rama Pavilion is similar to the other structures of Hampi that were destroyed long ago. The pavilion stands as a partially collapsed structure.
However, visitors enthusiastic of having a look at the pavilion can easily do so as it is not very difficult to find due to its known location. Traces of the stone pathway that served as a street near the pavilion can also be seen.
How to reach Tenali Rama Pavilion
Tenali Rama Pavilion is situated about 100 meters northwest of the Zenana Enclosure in Hampi. The pavilion can be simply marked out due to its prominent location and is easily accessible for the visitors.
By Air
The ancient city of Hampi has no airport of its own. The nearest town to have an airport is Bellary. Any visitor who wishes to reach Hampi by air can fly to Bellary or Ballari and then avail local means of transport to travel to Hampi. Bellary is located at a distance of around 64 km from Hampi.
By Rail
For those visitors who want to reach Hampi by the rail network, the nearest railway station is located in the city of Hospet or Hosapete. The Hospet Junction Railway Station is situated at a distance of about 10 km from Hampi.
The ruins of Hampi can be easily reached from Hospet through one of the many buses that travel regularly between the two places. Visitors can also avail other means of local transport to reach Hampi from Hospet.
By Road
Hampi is well connected to a number of places by means of the road network. The old town can be easily reached by bus from several major towns and cities of Karnataka. Visitors can also hire private cars, cabs or other vehicles from major cities like Bangalore (Bengaluru) or Mysore (Mysuru) to reach Hampi.
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