Everyday Reflections

During my three-day exploration of Hampi, I realized that one could easily spend more than a week immersed in the grandeur and opulence of the Vijayanagar Empire at its peak. Hampi, the capital city, stands as a testament to the glory of a Hindu Empire that thrived for over two centuries. Spread across a vast 16 square miles, Hampi is rightly hailed as one of the world’s largest open-area museums. Its ruins, such as forts, gateways, palaces, lotus ponds, and more, bear witness to a time of magnificence and prosperity that has long passed.

The Hampi Museum has a lot of statues, artifacts, and relics from the Vijayanagar Empire. It shows how the city used to be. Even though it’s in ruins, you can still feel how magnificent it once was. It’s a sad reminder of a civilization that was once very powerful in the Deccan.

All said and done, whether you’re a leader, strategist, politician, government official, or judge, it’s important to learn from Hampi. The fall of the Vijayanagar Empire provides enough evidence of unity and long-term planning in protecting country and / or businesses from falling apart.

The Vijayanagar Empire was defeated in the Battle of Talikota because of weak leadership and internal divisions. The empire, known for its strong military and smart strategies, fell apart due to infighting and outside attacks. The aftermath was devastating—Hampi was destroyed, its monuments vandalized, and its people left to grieve the end of a great era.

The lessons from Hampi emphasize the priority of preserving our nation-state over individual rights. Unity is essential to protect our nation’s integrity and uphold its founding values.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln

A house divided against itself cannot stand

Abraham Lincoln

We need to listen to these words and work for togetherness when things are tough. Our country, grown from the hard work of our ancestors and made holy by the sacred places of our deities, deserves no less. As I think about our trip to Hampi, let’s hold on to the timeless wisdom found in the saying, “Mother and Motherland are superior to Heaven.”