Temples of Hampi: Unveil The Secrets Behind Their Walls

Their unique carvings and stunning decorations attract not only pilgrims but also curious travelers from all corners of the globe. Some even hold mysteries that speak volumes when you step inside, turning your visit into an unforgettable adventure.

Some of these temples in Hampi are renowned for their unique features and intriguing stories, making them top places to visit in Karnataka. Curious about what makes the temples of Hampi so special? Well, get ready, because what you’re about to read will leave you amazed and make you want to pack your bags right away!

Unique Temples in Hampi

1. Vijay Vithala Temple

What makes this temple unique: It is famous for its “musical pillars” that magically produce different musical notes when you tap them. Imagine, in ancient times, these pillars were used as instruments, adding to the temple’s rich cultural and architectural wonder. The musical aspect of this temple makes it a mysterious temple of Hampi.

Right in front of the temple, you’ll find a stunning stone chariot—a powerful symbol of the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.

• Timings: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

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2. Virupaksha Temple

What makes this temple unique: The temple’s nine-story gopuram is a standout feature in Hampi, built in 1442. At Virupaksha Temple, Lakshmi the elephant is considered sacred and is believed to be a form of the god Ganesha. She blesses visitors by touching them with her trunk, and some say if you give her a ten-rupee note, she will offer a special blessing in return.

Somewhere towards the back of the temple, there’s a small opening in the wall that acts as a pinhole. This hole allows light to enter the temple and project an inverted image of the gopuram (tower) onto the opposite wall. This phenomenon is similar to how a traditional pinhole camera works, capturing an image without a lens. 

This unique feature is a result of the temple’s architecture and the way light interacts with the space. It’s a fascinating example of how ancient architecture can incorporate scientific principles, making it one of the unique temples in Hampi .

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

3. Badavalinga Temple

What makes this temple unique: This is the largest ‘linga’ in Hampi, measuring 22 feet. According to legend, a poor woman discovered this shivling while working and offered it with great devotion, which is why it is called the ‘poor’s ling.’ It is the biggest single-piece black stone ‘shivlinga,’ and it has no ceiling above it.

• Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

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4. Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

What makes this temple unique: Famous for its impressive statue of Narasimha, a form of Vishnu. This massive stone statue, carved from a single granite boulder, shows Narasimha sitting on the coil of a seven-headed snake named Adishesha.

• Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

5. Kodanda Rama Temple

What makes this temple unique: The temple features impressive idols of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman and his wife Sita, all carved from a single boulder. Rama and Lakshman are shown with bows in their left hands and arrows in their right. Additionally, the temple houses a statue of Sugriva, the monkey king, respectfully bowing to Rama.

• Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

6. Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple

What makes this temple unique: The Hanuman idol at the temple is shown in meditation, seated on a Srichakra, with his right hand in Vyakhyanamudra and his left in Dyanamudra. The temple features carvings of 12 monkeys holding tails, symbolizing 12 days of prayer by Sri Vyasaraja to Hanuman. The famous Yantrodharaka Hanuman Stotram, written here, is believed to grant wishes if chanted daily for six months. 

This Hanuman installation was the first of 732 by Sri Vyasaraja. According to legend, Lord Rama and Hanuman first met here. The temple is near the Tungabhadra River, offering beautiful views of the flowing water and surrounding mountains.

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

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Famous Temples of Hampi

7. Achyutraya Temple

The temple, built as the final grand creation of the Vijayanagara dynasty before its decline, is a stunning example of Vijayanagara architecture.

• Timings: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

8. Hazara Rama Temple

The temple’s walls are covered with thousands of sculptures depicting Lord Rama, making it among unique temples in Hampi and a visually stunning sight. The carvings on the temple walls illustrate scenes from the Ramayana, providing a rich cultural experience.

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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9. Saraswati Temple

Its location and peaceful ambiance make it a tranquil retreat for visitors. A rock opposite the temple has a carved image of the goddess Saraswati, and a shrine has been built around it.

10. Varaha Temple

The temple walls are adorned with beautifully carved images and bas-reliefs of boars. What’s particularly interesting is that some of these carvings symbolize the Vijayanagara Kings, making it one of the famous temples of Hampi.

• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

11. Chandramouliswara Temple

The temple showcases an early example of a unique style of Hindu architecture. It’s also remarkable for blending artwork from Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Vedic deities into a cohesive design.

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

12. Chandikesvara Temple

The temple is one of the few structures in Hampi that’s not been completely destroyed. The pillars have managed to conserve a wonderful part of the history in their construction.

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

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13. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple

It is a major pilgrimage site for Ganesha devotees and plays a key role in Hampi’s cultural heritage. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated here, highlighting its vibrant cultural significance.

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

14. Pattabhirama Temple

Dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire, it holds historical importance and celebrates festivals such as Rama Navami, marking its cultural and historical relevance.

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Best Time to Visit Temples of Hampi

• Pleasant Weather: The weather is comfortable and pleasant during these months, making it ideal for exploring the temples and the surrounding areas.
• Fewer Crowds: The temples are less crowded during the winter months, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed experience.
• Festivals: Some of the major festivals celebrated in Hampi, such as Mahashivratri and Vijaya Dashami, take place during the winter months.

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