The Pushkaranis in Hampi are the sacred water tanks that are attached to the temples. Most of the major temples in Hampi have a pushkarani built near them. The pushkaranis were a prominent feature of the ruined town.
History of Pushkaranis, Hampi The pushkaranis in Hampi are a part of the ancient town’s planning and architecture. Many of the pushkaranis were built during the time of the Vijayanagara Empire. The water tanks related to the temples were used to serve the ritualistic purposes of those temples.
There are some water tanks that are not related to the temples. Some of the water tanks are situated within the Royal Enclosure and they were built for the use of the members of the royal family of Vijayanagara. There were a few large public water tanks as well that were for use of the general people.
Some people believe that like many other structures in Hampi, even this water tank was destroyed in the Mughal attack that led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565 A.D. Some others are of the idea that this tank’s construction was never completed. The archaeology department has restored some portions of this beautiful water tank.