Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Crossing the granite slopes.
Picture taken on one of the granite outcrops of Hampi, Karnataka.
A River Runs Through It
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow”
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Hampi sits alongside a river used for ritual bathing
And the washing of sacred artefacts.
The expression of a very human desire:
Release from the taint of corruption.
An aspiration which transcends all religious traditions.
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Among The Temple Ruins
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Hampi is such a vast archaeological complex that exploring it requires transport, a sense of purpose
And several bottles of water.
Otherwise even the hardiest tourist tends to wilt.
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The site consists of a truly remarkable array of beautiful temples and palace ruins, built between the 14th and 17th centuries.
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Sic transit gloria mundi..
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Temple Traders
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Finally we had arrived in Hampi,
The primary goal of our travels.
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Hampi is a city long deserted.
All that remains are the ancient stone temples and palaces: some remarkably intact; others in various degrees of dilapidation.
But the vast site provides excellent opportunities for those wishing to make money,
From both tourists and pilgrims.
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Family businesses
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And children’s market stalls:
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Young men
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And old men:
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All ply their trades
In an exotic world where religious piety and financial profit seem reluctant to part.
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The Journey Is The Destination: Part 10
Entranced by colour.
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“I’ve dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they’ve gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind.”
Emily Bronte
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Picture of saris drying in one of the Hampi temples, Karnataka.
Time To Go
I am almost ready.
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Transportation is booked and confirmed.
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Sir is once more off on his travels:
This time across the Western Ghats to our neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu .
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The ancient city of Hampi is on the itinerary.
The Raja’s palace in Mysore will be experienced.
An excursion to exotic and mysterious places.
I may be gone some time.
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Other than the first picture, images have been taken from the web.
