It is one of the giant gateways of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is located between the Ganagitti Jaina Temple and the domed gate. Bhima’s Gate represents remarkable Hampi architecture. It is one of the strongest gateways of the fortified city that has passed the test of weather and time.
Some Facts About Bhima’s Gate
Timing
It remains open every day of the week for visitors.
Entry Fee
Visitors don’t need to pay anything to visit here
Photography
It is allowed
Visit Duration
Around 2 hours
Best Time To Visit
In winter, from November – February
Bhima’s Gate History
It is a perfect example of the defense system of the Vijayanagara era. This defense system consists of big walls and some large gateways. Most of those gateways had shrines, those shrines had carvings or sculptures of Lord Hanuman and Bhima. Both of them are symbols of valor and strength.
Bhima’s gate has a carving of Bhima on the gateway. The name of this gateway is probably because of the carvings. Another reason for calling this gateway by this name is because out of all the Pandava brothers Bhima was the strongest and this gateway is the strongest of all gateways in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Bhima’s Gate Hampi Architecture
The architecture of this gateway is a great example of the military architecture of the Vijayanagara empire. The structure of this gateway includes a big arch complex that has carvings on them. Its structure is unique but a little complex. The main purpose of such a structure is to build a blind spot for invading army. The interesting thing about this gate is that nobody can cross it in a straight line.
Visitors need to enter the gate through the western arch. At some distance a tall and large wall-like structure. In order to take an exit, one needs to turn right, left, and later again left in the north.
Bhima’s Gate Carvings
It has murals of Draupadi. She was the wife of the Pandava brothers. In this mural, Draupadi is tying her hair. Another part of this mural on Bhima’s gate portrays Bhima killing Kichaka to take revenge as Kichaka had tried to molestation of Draupadi. These murals are the major attraction of visitors till now. It is a perfect example to showcase the exceptional architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire.
How One Can Reach Bhima’s Gate
It is situated nearby Ganagitti Jaina Temple in the fortified city, of Hampi. This spot is easily accessible to visitors in Hampi. If you reach Hampi you don’t need to worry about visiting this place. It is pretty popular and a good place to visit in Hampi. You can reach Hampi by air, by railway, or by road. If you are traveling by air then take a flight and reach the nearest airport Bellary. If you are traveling by railway then take a train to reach the nearest railway station which is Hospet. Else you can take any vehicle to travel by road to Hampi.
Final Note
So this is all about Bhima’s Gateway. The strongest gate of the Vijayanagara Empire. The carvings and the structure of this place is the major attraction of Bhima’s Gateway. This is one of the places to visit when you visit Hampi. Happy Travelling!
