Places to visit in hampi- monolithic statue temples
Hampi is renowned and notorious for its temple of monolithic statues.
Monuments like Kadalekalu Ganesh temple, Sasivekalu Ganesh temple, Lakshmi Narashima temple, Badavilinga temple, and Monolith Bull temple are noted for their monolith sculptures.
Monolithic Bull Temple:
Monolith Bull or the huge Nandi, facing Lord Shiva of Virupaksha Temple, located at the opposite end of the streets.
The first stop was at Kadalekalu Ganesh Temple located on the north- eastern slopes of Hemakuta Hill, where we saw a huge statue of Lord Ganesh. It is one among the largest sculptures, of almost 15 feet, housed within a closed sanctum in Hampi.
Sasivekalu Ganesh Temple is located on the Hemakuta hill closer to Kadalekalu Ganesh Temple in Hampi.
And, next we went to Lakshmi Narashima Temple, dedicated to Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The protruding eyes are the iconic image of Ugra Narasimha, delicately balancing destruction and creation. It’s yet another large monolithic statue that stands at a height of 6.5 metres.
At a walkable distance from Lakshmi Narashima Temple, we entered Badavilinga Temple.
A large Shivalinga, almost three meters tall, fills the sanctum with water.
Krishna Temple and the Bazaar in Hampi:
King Krishnadevaraya built the Krishna Temple and the Bazaar, and the next stop was it.
Impressively, it’s a huge campus with intricate carvings on lots of pillars captivates every architecture enthusiast. On the other side of the Krishna Temple, the bazaar is located.
As you walk along the long-pillared hallways, it opens to a beautiful Phuskarani or temple pond. From the amount of hydrilla spread throughout the pond says that it’s not in use right now.
We had tender coconuts outside Krishna temple as it was so hot before moving to the underground Siva temple.
Prasanna Virupaksha (Underground Siva) Temple:
Prasanna Virupaksha Temple dates back to the 14th century AD. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as an underground Siva temple.
The archaeologists excavated the temple in the 1980s. Water was always in the sanctum. During monsoons, it will be submerged in water. The beautiful carvings on the pillars of the mantapa are so impressive.
After spending 20 minutes in Prasana Virupaksha Temple, we headed to Zenana Enclosure to see the Lotus Mahal.
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With luv,
