What to expect
Highlights
- The tall twin carved pillars and stone crossbeam.
- The ritual weighing-against-gold history.
- Its position on the Vittala temple approach.
King's Balance
The King’s Balance (Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana) is a tall stone weighing arch near the Vittala temple. On holy days and at coronations the king was weighed here against gold, jewels or grain, which were then distributed to priests and the poor.
Practical guide
Plan King's Balance
Typeheritage
Nearest baseHampi
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed10 to 15 minutes
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseHampi
DistrictVijayanagara
Place typeheritage
Time needed10 to 15 minutes.
The King’s Balance (Tula Bhara or Tula Purushadana) is a tall stone weighing arch near the Vittala temple. On holy days and at coronations the king was weighed here against gold, jewels or grain, which were then distributed to priests and the poor.
Two carved granite pillars about 5 m tall support a stone crossbeam with three hanging loops from which the balance was slung — a quick but evocative stop on the way to or from the Vittala temple.
Visiting
King's Balance — at a glance
TimingsDaylight hours
Best timeOctober to February
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach King's Balance
Near the Vittala temple approach, east of Hampi Bazaar
A quick stop on the way to or from the Vittala temple.
Getting there
How to visit
- On the approach to the Vittala temple, east of Hampi Bazaar; walkable or by battery vehicle.
- Free; combine with the Vittala temple visit.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru340 km
- Hubballi145 km
- Hyderabad360 km
- Ballari65 km
- Badami140 km
Road km to Vijayanagara; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February.
Weather in King's BalanceSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- A short roadside monument — best paired with the Vittala temple.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where King's Balance is
Photos
King's Balance in pictures
Stay · eat · do · rent · see · shop
Stays, food & things to do near King's Balance
Verified hotels, homestays, restaurants, experiences, sights, shops and rentals around King's Balance — commission-free, with direct contact. Filter by what you need.
Verified inventory is being added here.
Verified places are being added. The category filters will fill in as approved stays, restaurants, experiences, sights, shops and nature listings go live.
List your placeRoampedia is commission-free — own or know a stay, eatery, guide or shop near King's Balance? List it and it appears here once verified.
Add a nearby businessNearby
What’s near King's Balance
Good to know
King's Balance — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit King's Balance?
October to February.
What are the entry fee and timings at King's Balance?
Entry: Free. Timings: Daylight hours. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach King's Balance?
On the approach to the Vittala temple, east of Hampi Bazaar; walkable or by battery vehicle. Free; combine with the Vittala temple visit.
How much time do I need for King's Balance?
10 to 15 minutes.
What else is near King's Balance?
Nearby you can pair Purandara Dasa Mandapa (190 m), Vittala Temple (220 m), Kodandarama Temple (810 m), Achyutaraya Temple (1.1 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Vijayanagara
Image credits
- King's Balance:Rupeshsarkar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0