About

Mahanavami Dibba (The Great Platform) also called as Dasara Dibba is a beautiful stone platform located within the Royal Enclosure of Hampi. Mahanavami Dibba is built by Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagara dynasty to celebrate his victory over Udayagiri. Mahanavami Dibba, a huge stone platform in three tiers, about twelve meters high, with its massive base measuring 35 square meters. It was meant for the Vijayanagara monarchs sat upon their gem studded golden throne to watch the army march-pasts, war games, aquatic sports, shows of the royal animals, musical performances and also the most important Navarathri celebrations, the nine day-nine night state festival. And this was the annual occasion the governors of various provinces under the king visited the capital to pledge their loyalty to the king’s dominion. For the king, it was an event to demonstrate the imperial pomp and power at his disposal.

The 12 meters high Dasara Dibba consists of a massive square granite-faced base in three diminishing tiers, the lowest being 40-meter square and the topmost 24-meter square. The structure faces north. The stone stairs are a little tough for climbing for elderly persons and kids as it is quite high to ascend. This unique monument is one of the highest spots within this zone. The entry point for King to this point is different from that of the commoners. The walls are covered with auspicious carvings of horses, elephants, warriors, caravans, hunting games scenes, dancers, musicians and many other royal cultural scenes of the by-gone culture. The top of the platform provides a splendid view of the surrounding areas.

There are mainly two stairways to reach the top. The front one (east facing) is highly decorated on either side with carvings of elephants, horses and a host of other things. On the top, there is nothing special to see except the great views on the campus around it. At the back of the platform, a twin staircase is located. Probably this was used as a service staircase during the ceremonies. Generally, one climbs up through the front stair & get down through the rear, though there are no restrictions.

However, The Dasara Dibba is in a ruined state now with damaged carvings on the side of the platform. UNESCO and the Government have taken proper steps in preserving the heritage for future generations.

Pushkarni

The stepped water tank, excavated in the mid-1980s, was originally a part of the palace complex. Almost lyrical in its beauty, the tank is a tiered structure crafted from rectangular pieces of granite.

Tips

Climb to the top of the platform and you won't regret it! You'll be able to see a 360-degree view of the Royal Enclosures from the top. Breathtaking!

Timings