Exploring Hampi : Tracing the Mythical Land of Kishkindha
- Deepak Kumar
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
(Footprints of Rama: A mythological Journey to the Ancient Monkey Kingdom of Ramayana)
Kishkindha was a mystical ancient monkey kingdom mentioned in the sacred epic Ramayana, in the fourth chapter. Monkey King Sugriva ruled it.
Tungabhadra River, existing caves, and hills, which are associated with Ramayana characters. Kishkindha, whose modern name is widely identified as Hampi, was the erstwhile royal capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, situated in the Indian state of Karnataka. The place is widely known for its ruins & boulders, and currently Hampi is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Importance of Kishkindha in Ramayana
It marks a pivotal point in the Ramayana, shifting the focus from Rama's exile to the organised search for Sita. It introduces the significant character of Hanuman, one of the key characters in the epic, and establishes the importance of the monkey army in helping Rama.
It also includes the rivalry of the vanar (monkey) brothers, Vali and Sugriva, as Vali seizes the throne and expels Sugriva, generating a fierce power struggle. Rama comes to Sugriva's aid, defeating Vali, who had ill-treated his brother by taking his wife. In this very chapter, Jambvant arouses Hanuman to awaken to his own incredible strength and hidden potential.
Matang Rishi's ashram on Rishyamukha Mountain
According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Shabari was a disciple of Matanga Rishi. His ashram was located on the Rishyamuk Mountains, also known as the Matang Hills. This area is near the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi.
Once, Vali killed a demon and threw its body toward the Matanga Hills. The demon's blood fell on Matang Rishi, who became annoyed with Vali's disrespectful and arrogant behaviour. In response, Matang Rishi cursed Vali, stating that if Vali ever came near the Rishyamuk Mountains (Matanga Hills) in the future, he would die immediately.
Because of this curse, Sugreev took shelter at the Matanga Hills to escape from Vali. Later, Lord Rama and Lakshman arrived at the hills, where they met Hanuman. Hanuman then introduced them to Sugreev, after which they devised a strategy to kill Vali and discussed forming a monkey army to rescue Sita from Lanka.
Anegudi—Birthplace of lord Hanuman
The area around Anegundi, situated north of the Tungabhadra River, is also considered part of the ancient Kishkindha kingdom, which was ruled by the Vanara king Sugriva and believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman's birthplace is on the Anjanadri Hill, or Anjanadri. According to the Ramayana, Hanuman was born to Anjana and is thus also called Anjaneya, and his birthplace is now known as Anjaneyadri (Anjana's Hill). Visitors can climb over 500 steps to reach the temple at the top.
Chintamani
The temple complex is called Chintamani, meaning 'Chintan.' It is believed to be the meeting point where Lord Rama and the monkey king Sugreev discussed their strategy to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana and planned how to defeat Bali and crown Sugreev as king.
The two caves are decorated with colorful graffiti art inside, showing the footprints of Rama at the spot where he shot and killed Valli.
Vali Cave
Vali, the monkey king, once chased the demon Mayavi into a cave. Their fight lasted for 28 days. After that, Sugreev noticed there was no sound coming from the cave and believed his brother Vali had been killed by Mayavi. To perform last rites for his brother, Sugreev blocked the cave entrance with a large boulder. Later, Vali emerged from the cave, proud of his victory, and saw what had happened. He thought his younger brother had betrayed him. This misunderstanding caused a rift between them, and Vali took Sugreev's wife.
Shabari Cave
Shabari was the daughter of a hunter from the Nishad community, which was considered a lower caste. When she was getting married, her father killed 1000 goats and sheep to celebrate. She did not like this cruel act and left her father's home to find a teacher. No teacher accepted her because of her caste, but later, Mathegya Rishi accepted her as his student. He was pleased with her service and devotion and blessed her, saying that one day she would meet Lord Rama and his brother Laxmana.
After waiting for many years, she became old while waiting for Lord Rama. During the 14-year exile, Rama & Lakshmana visited Kishkindha in search of Sita, and Shabari got the chance to meet Lord Rama and serve him berries. Later, she gives a clue about Sita to Rama that Sita dropped her ring inside the Pamba Sarovar, and the Lanka King Ravana kidnaps her, and Hanuman found this ring from the Pamba Sarovar
Shabari’s Cave, near Pampa Sarovar in Hampi, is the place where Shabari lived. There is an actual spot where Lord Rama and Laxman meet Shabari.
Last Take
Hampi is a place where history and nature come together beautifully. It is not only about the ancient temples and ruins but also about experiences that stay in your heart. One of the best is climbing Matang Hill early in the morning to see the sunrise. From the top, you can see rocks, banana fields, and old ruins spread out in every direction. The view feels calm, magical, and unforgettable.
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Wishing all readers a Happy Dussehra!
(All photographs were taken during my visit to the Hampi World Heritage Site in 2025. All images are copyrighted by Deepak Kumar.
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