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Located at a walking distance from the Vittala Temple lies one of the most visited Hampi place, Gejjala Mantapa.
Gejjala Mantapa is a must visit in a 3 days Hampi itinerary and also a recommendation of my Hampi travel guide.
The Mantapa is a spiritual refuge set amidst the banana tree plantations, and is a destination frequented by the pilgrims.
The magnificent Mantapa, which was constructed centuries ago (around 500 years!), still remains in an excellent shape.
Considered an architectural marvel, Gejjala Mantapa was mainly used for conducting religious events during the reign of Vijayanagara.
The use of this Mantapa remains a mystery, because of the lack of references, an absence of any documentation or inscription.
It is possible that it acted as a repository for idols during the Vijayanagara Temple Festival, given that it was constructed at about the same period as Vittala Temple.
Architecturally, the monument is a geometric building with a unique style that distinguishes it from the rest of the Hampi temples.
The carvings on the Mantapa are very detailed, a typical of the craftmanship of Vijayanagara style. A large portion of it, as well as several others in the Hampi region, is built nearly completely out of large cut stones.
A fountain sits in the center of a raised platform with an open pavilion around it. The pavilion itself is dotted with numerous pillars.
It is said that the bricks from Vijayanagara were utilized to construct its intricately carved ceiling.