The Mahanavami Dibba

The royal enclosure is the nucleus of Hampi. Spread over an area of 59,000 sq m, it is believed to have once housed over 45 buildings, all used by the royal family. The most striking, and today, the only structure still standing in a recognisable form, is the Mahanavami Dibba. Rising to a height of 12 m, the platform is a three tiered structure, which was probably used for religious ceremonies. The name given to the platform, Mahanavami Dibba, is interesting, since it seems to specify that the celebrations on Navami―the ninth day of Navaratri were celebrated here. Usually, it is Dasara, or the tenth day which is celebrated on a grand scale, while navami celebrations were restricted to prayers to Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge. On second thought, it is reasonable to assume that the navami celebrations were considered so important, since the acquiring of knowledge was considered so important during the golden era of Vijayanagara.
The platform is believed to have built and extended over a period, by successive kings after their conquests, as a means of celebration. It is also believed that over this platform was built another covered structure, probably built of wood. The platform itself is not a solid block of stone, but has a passage and staircase inside, leading from the first tier to the top! The fact that it stands till today is a miracle! And as to the granite blocks which make up this impressive structure, each one is a work of art, depicting scenes from everyday life in the empire. They depict people, animals, hunting, wars, visitors, merchants, jesters… so many things that it’s impossible to enumerate them! Standing atop the Mahanavami Dibba gives you a beautiful view of the entire Royal Enclosure, and quite a bit of Hampi. It certainly must have been the preferred seat of the kings!