This is one of the many gateways to the walled city. The gate (a huge arch complex) is interesting with its style of construction and the carvings on it.
This gateway is a classic example of the Vijayanagara military architecture.
The gate got its name from the legendary Bhima of the Hindu epic Mahabaratha . A figure of Bhima - the strongest of the five Pandavas brothers - is carved on the gate.
Bhima with his club and the celestial flower. This gateway is named so thanks to this image of Bhima.
Though Yudhistra was the elder of the Pandavas , Bhima was known for his valor and physique. They were always pleased to fulfill Draupathi’s desires. One day she wants the celestial flower Kalyanasaugandhika, and Bhima sets outs in search of this ‘pure and charming lotus of unearthly fragrance’.
The interesting feature of the gate is its smart design. One cannot cross this archway in a straight line. You enter this gateway complex through its western arch. Straight ahead is a huge tall block of a wall like structure. You turn right, left and then once again left to go around this obstruction to reach the exit at the north.
In other words this works like a blind spot for the invading army. Also it’s difficult for the elephant mounted forces to take such quick maneuvers without facing some surprise attacks.
Bhima slaying Keechaka
Also there are carvings of Draupadi (Pandava’s wife) tying her hair. Slaying of Kichaka who tried to molest Draupathi is depicted next to it. All of these scenes are carved as murals on the gate. The lotus bud tipped brackets supporting the lintel is noteworthy.
A significant part of the epic Mahābhārata narrates rivalry between the princely cousins Kauravas and the Pandavas and the climax Kurukshetra War where Pandavas win over Kauravas.
Kaurava brothers were the 100 sons of Kuru. Pandava , the five sons of Pandu. Draupathi is married to the five brother Pandavas.
As they knew Pandavas can not be defeated in martial power, Shakuni tricks Yudhistra into a game of dice. Shakuni is the wicked character and uncle of Duryodhana the elder of Kauravas.
Draupathi ties her hair, after Bhima killed Dushasana
In a stumble of events Yudhisthira gambles away his kingdom, wealth, his four brothers and Draupathi.
The overjoyed Duryodhana asks his brother Dushasana to drag Draupathi into the court and strip her cloths, as he is now his property won in the dice game. As they are all now properties of Kauravas the Pandavas bow their head helpless, including the much stronger Bhima. Duryodhana even asks Draupathi to sit on his thigh.
Lord Krishna mystically appears to the helpless Draupathi and gives a boon. Dushasana finally collapses as could not disrobe Draupathi of the inexhaustible clothe. In the scuffle her hair gets untied. She wows to not to tie her hair until it is washed with Dusshasana. Bhima on his part wows to break the thighs of Duryodhana , as he asked Draupathi to sit on his thigh.
As per the condition of the dice game , the Pandavas and Droupathi were send to 14 years in exile, including 1 year in secrete exile.
During this secret period, they live in the court of King Virata. Draupathi disguises herself as the maid of the queen Sushena. Keechaka , her brother was lustful towards Draupathi and troubles her frequently. Draupathi asks help from Bhima , who is now pretending as a cook in the palace.
Bhima advices her to invite Keechaka to meet her in the night. Instead of Draupathi , Bhima waits for him and kills him.
Currently this is a live excavation site. You can spot the ASI’s (Archeological Survey of India) marks on the ground.
No admission fee. Usually the sites around here are devoid of big tourist crowds. Also you can spot a couple of more unnamed structures scattered around this area. Visit this on your way to Vittala Temple and Malyavanta Hill area from Kamalapura by the main road. You can spot the Ganigitti Temple on your right side just about a kilometer from Kamalapura . Bhima’s Gate is behind this temple.
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