Asar Mahal

Asar Mahal in Vijayapura was put up in 1646 by Mohammed Adil Shah to serve as a hall of justice. It later took on a religious role when it became the keeper of two hairs said to come from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad, and Muslim devotees now visit it as a place of prayer.

The building follows the Indo-Islamic style and is known for its painted walls and frescoes. On the east side an open portico held up by four wooden pillars looks out over one of three man-made tanks. By tradition women are not allowed into the upper floor. An Urs held in September draws thousands of devotees. The citadel lies about a kilometre away, and the Jama Masjid is also close.