Harihara

Harihara, also written Hari-Hara, is a form in Hinduism that fuses Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara). In iconography, Harihara is typically depicted as a single figure with two identities—often shown with one half representing Vishnu (holding attributes such as the conch and discus) and the other half representing Shiva (often with the trident and damaru). The figure symbolizes the unity and coexistence of Vaishnavism and Shaivism and appears in temple sculpture and art across parts of South Asia, with strong associations in Karnataka and surrounding regions.

In religious practice, Harihara has been revered in certain regional traditions as a composite deity that embodies the reconciliation of two major strands of Hindu worship. In other contexts, Harihara may be interpreted symbolically as an emblem of the harmony between the Vaishnava and Shaiva paths rather than as a separate, independent cult.

Historically, Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I founded the Vijayanagara Empire in the mid-14th century, establishing their capital at Vijayanagara (now Hampi) in the Deccan. They belonged to the Sangama dynasty and are credited with laying the foundations of a powerful South Indian realm that endured for centuries. A later king named Harihara II belonged to the same lineage and ruled during the 15th century. The empire expanded under successive rulers and became a dominant power in the region, spanning present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The Vijayanagara Empire declined after the pivotal Battle of Talikota in 1565, leading to fragmentation and eventual downfall.

Today, Harihara’s legacy persists in devotional imagery and temple art, while the ruins of Vijayanagara at Hampi stand as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects the empire’s cultural and architectural achievements.