Dasara Dibba / Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi
Dasara Dibba is one of the most impressive structures in Hampi. The intricate carvings on the lowest tier of the structure are very beautiful.
The Dasara Dibba is an impressive stone platform found inside the Royal Enclosure at Hampi. The Dasara Dibba is a reflection of the traditional Vijayanagara architecture.
Dasara Dibba is also known as Mahanavami Dibba. It attracts a large number of visitors every day. Visitors are allowed between 6 am and 6 pm. There is no entry fee.
Dasara Dibba was built by King Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his victory over Udaygiri (situated in present-day Orissa). The original structure probably was a little different from the one we see today. Successors of Krishnadevaraya are believed to have made some changes to the original platform.
Archeologists are convinced that some stone additions in the front part of the structure are different from the other parts of it. Perhaps they weren’t part of the original Dibba.
Importance of Dasara Dibba or Mahanavami Dibba
Mahanavami Dibba or Dasara Dibba is a majestic stone platform found inside the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. This royal structure witnessed many a royal procession. It is in a ruined state now.
Dasara Dibba is impressively carved. Vijayanagara kings used to watch the grand celebrations of the nine-day Navaratri festival (Mahanavami festival) from this platform. Dasara (the day after Mahanavami) was the state festival of Vijayanagara Kingdom. Navratri – it is called Dasara in Karanataka – is still the biggest festival of the state.
The platform is a raised structure on which the king would sit and watch the royal procession, war games and army match-past held as part of the Dasara festivities.
Dasara Dibba is one of the tallest structures in the Royal Enclosure. The platform has a height of about 12 meters. When seen from a distance, the Dasara Dibba looks like an ordinary raised platform. But when you approach it, the beauty of the curved structure becomes visible. There are two stairways to reach the top – one at the front and the other at the back.
The stairway at the front is decorated with beautiful carvings of horses, elephants, stately processions and soldiers. You will get a nice view of the surrounding areas from the top of the platform. The stairway at the back is devoid of ornamental details.
There are beautiful engravings on all the 3 tiers of the platform. The carvings are an accurate description of the richness of the empire and its festivities.
Present condition of Dasara Dibba
The Dasara Dibba is in a ruined state now. Some carvings on the side of the platform are damaged. The platform still manages to attract a large number of tourists because of its intricate carvings.
How to reach Dasara Dibba?
Tourists can reach Hampi by road, rail or air. The nearest airport is in Bellary. It is about 64 kilometers from Hampi. Hospet is the nearest railway station. It is about 10 kilometers from Hampi. From Hospet, you can get a bus to Hampi. Hampi is well-connected by road. Tourists can board a bus or hire a taxi or another vehicle from Bangalore, Mysore, Hospet or other towns.
