Archaeologists have unearthed a two-foot-tall stone carving of a Vyala, a mythical creature also known as 'Yali,' at the Hazara Rama Temple complex in Hampi. The Vyala is a powerful figure frequently depicted in traditional Indian temple architecture and sculpture. Alongside this discovery, two more damaged Alwar idols and a 23-metre-long stone canal were found at the site.
Details of the Discovery
The findings emerged during soil excavation as part of temple precinct development work. K Ramakrishna Reddy, superintending archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), stated that this discovery confirms that Vyala sculptures were not confined to mural depictions at the Hazara Rama Temple. "This is evidence that Vyala sculptures were carved and installed at the temple's main entrance," he said.
Reddy added that two broken Alwar idols were discovered four days earlier, and two more idols have now been found along with the stone water canal. "The canal indicates that an organised water management system existed during the Vijayanagara period," he explained.
Significance of the Stone Canal
Tourist guide Virupakshi V Hampi noted that the narrow canal may have been constructed to channel water flowing from the Queen’s Bath through the Mahanavami Dibba area. This finding sheds light on the advanced hydraulic engineering of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The excavation continues to reveal important artifacts that enhance our understanding of the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
