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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. There an impressive carving of Bhima with a flower called Saugandhika. See the Saugandhika flower episode for the narrative of this story.

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.

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 (see the mythical story narrating the Keechaka episode ). All of these scenes are carved as murals on the gate. The lotus bud tipped brackets supporting the lintel is noteworthy.

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.