http://secretsandmysteriesofindia.blogspot.com/2015/10/hampi-land-of-mystery-and-wonder.htmlI visited the beautiful city of Hampi on my birthday a week ago. The place amazed me. The gorgeous citadel of Hampi, right from the Hampi boulders to the mind-blowing architecture, the dynasties that lived here, the stories prevalent and the hidden mysteries made for a perfect trip at just the right time of the year.

This article is long, but please understand that if I wrote this in two parts, I would never finish the second part! :P

Origins - Name and Mythology
Hampi earned its name from Pampa - the original name of the river Tungabadra that separates the main temple area from the northern side of the river. The place was called Pampa-kshetra (kshetra meaning patch, field or area) or Kishkinda-kshetra. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Kishkinda is the name of the monkey kingdom ruled by monkey king Sugriva, whose brother was Vali.

Pampa is also the name of Brahma's daughter, the creator in Hindu mythology. Pampa worshipped Shiva and when Shiva noticed her dedication, he rewarded her with one blessing. Pampa chose to marry the God himself! All the Gods were very pleased with Shiva and Pampa's union in marriage. They showered gold over the place of their wedding, givi

ng the Hemakuta hill its name. Hemakuta literally means 'Heap of Gold'.