Situated in Karnataka, Hampi is a historical delight for travellers, surrounded by beautiful temples, ancient monuments, and the captivating remains of the Vijayanagar empire. Also referred to as Kishkinda Kshetra, the temples in Hampi were built during the reign of the Vijayanagar Empire.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a spiritually important location in India as it is believed that this is the place where Rama first met Hanuman. Besides its unique history, the religious significance of this region makes Hampi a location of global repute. Tourists from all over the world travel to see these architectural wonders which have their presence over a vast area.
A visit to these ancient temples of Hampi that stand as a reminder of the great medieval era will re-impose your faith. Here are the top 12 temples in Hampi that you must not miss out.
Also Read: A complete guide to what to see and do in Hampi
The Top 12 Temples In Hampi
1. Featuring Modern Architecture: Achyutaraya Temple
The Achyutaraya Temple, also famo as the Tiruvengalanatha Temple is one of the major temples in Hampi. It was built during the Vijayanagara empire in 1534 AD. Present between Matanga and Gandhamadana hills, it is Tiruvengalanatha’s temple, a form of Lord Shiva. Featuring modern architecture, many carvings are present on walls, pillars, and monolith blocks of the temple narrating mythological legends. Although the temple is in ruins, it does not fail in grandiosity even today.
Timings: 5.30 AM-1 PM and 5.30 PM-9 PM
Entry Fee: None
2. Housing The Largest Shiva Linga: Badavilinga Temple
Housing the largest monolithic Shiva linga in Hampi, the Badavilinga Temple is one of the most famous Hampi temples. A major attraction in Hampi, the big Shiva Linga is located close to Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Believed to exist since the Vijayanagara Empire, the Shiva linga stands at a height of 3 metres and is carved from black stone. It also has a three-eye mark to depict the three eyes of Shiva and the Shiva linga’s construction is in such a way that the whole chamber becomes flooded with light.
Timings: 5 AM-9 PM
Entry Fee: None
3. An Abode To Lord Virupaksha: Virupaksha Temple
Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river at Hampi, the Virupaksha temple, or Prasanna Virupaksha temple was built during the 7th century. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the temple is abode to Virupaksha, another form of Shiva. Constructed with Lakkana Dandesha’s assistance under King Deva Raya II, this temple of Hampi is a haven for architecture enthusiasts. Adorned with the carvings of Vishnu and Shiva, the walls of this temple also depict mythological representations from the epics Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’.
Timings: 9 AM-1 PM and 5 PM-9 PM
Entry Fee: None
4. An Iconic Symbol Of Architecture: Vithala Temple
Dating back to the 16th century, the Vithala Temple is a splendid example of rich architecture. The famous iconic symbol of the architecture of Hampi, the stone chariot is present inside this temple. Located just behind the chariot, the main temple also has beautiful carvings. With an impressive arch of carvings depicting various gods in different forms, the main gate of this temple in Hampi opens into a large courtyard.
Timings: 8.30 AM-5 PM
Entry Fee: None
5. Home To The Largest Monolithic Statues Of Lord Ganesha: Kadalekalu Ganesh
An important religious attraction and famous temple in Hampi, Kadalekalu Ganesh is located on Hemakuta Hill. Featuring traditional stone architecture, it has one of the largest monolithic statues of Ganesha in the world, at a height of 15 feet. It is named Kadalekalu because the belly of the deity is chiselled to look like the Bengal gram (kadalekalu).
Timings: 6 AM-6 PM
Entry Fee: None
6. A 500-Year-Old Temple: Monkey Temple
Present on top of the Anjaneya Hill, the Monkey Temple also popular as Yantradharaka Hanuman Temple is dedicated to Hanuman. Situated inside a cave, this sacred temple in Hampi for Hindus is 500 years old. Furthermore, Sri Vyasaraja, the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Kingdom installed the idol of Hanuman. To reach the temple, you’ll have to climb 570 steps. Also, in front of the Hanuman Temple, there is a fig tree where some snakestones are worshipped.
Timings: 6 AM-9 PM
Entry Fee: None
7. Featuring The Biggest Effigy Of Narasimha: Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a major tourist attraction in Hampi and a large number of tourists visit throughout the year. This temple in Hampi features the biggest effigy of Narasimha seated upon the sheshnaag (the seven-headed snake) beside the goddess Lakshmi. Built in 1528 AD, the statue is currently present at the Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura.
Timings: 6 AM-6 PM
Entry Fee: None
8. Dating Back To the 15th Century: Hazara Rama Temple
Dedicated to Rama, Hazara Rama Temple is located in Hampi. A World Heritage monument, its intricate carvings of gods and goddesses attract tourists from all over the world. This beige granite temple of Hampi dates back to the 15th century and depicts illustrations from the ‘Ramayana’. As you stroll leisurely through the magnificent temple, don’t forget to click pictures to cherish moments.
Timings: 6 AM-6 PM
Entry Fee: None
9. One Of The Oldest Temples In Hampi: Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex
Situated in the southern side of Hampi, the Hemakuta Hill houses a temple complex dedicated to Shiva. Constructed between the 9th and 14th centuries, they are one of the oldest temples in Hampi predating the famous Vijayanagara Empire. With more than 35 distinct temples made with stone walls, the carvings at these temples reflect the religious history of India.
Timings: 6 AM-6 PM
Entry Fee: None
10. Located In Hemakuta Hill: Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
Located in the southern part of Hemakuta Hill, Sasivekalu Ganesha is a temple in Hampi that has a giant monolithic statue of Ganesha which is over 8 feet tall. Created in memory of King Narasimha II, the statue was carved out of a single block of rock. As the legend has it, the belly of Ganesha resembles the shape of a mustard seed and hence this temple is popular as Sasivekalu (mustard seed).
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fee: None
11. A Well-Renowned Temple: Ganagitti Temple
A Jain temple, Ganagitti Temple in Hampi is located on Kampli road. It was one of the earliest structures constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. A large number of tourists visit this temple. Standing strong since 1386 AD, Ganagitti Temple is a well-renowned temple among the locals.
Timings: 6 AM-6 PM
Entry Fee: None
12. Intricately Designed: Saraswati Temple
Dating back to the 13th century AD, the Saraswati Temple situated in the district of Bellary in Hampi is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati. The crawling baby Krishna’s carving is visible on the temple tower. Full of minute carvings, the walls, and pillars of this temple in Hampi tell the tales of history. The terracotta figures of this Hampi temple are now almost in ruins.
Timings: 6 AM-9 PM
Entry Fee: None
Why Should You Visit These Temples?
The breathtaking scenery in Hampi is a magical and ideal setting for the temples of the Vijayanagara Empire. One can find numerous temples all across Hampi, as Hinduism is the most practised religion here. Each Hampi temple has been preserved for centuries to retain the glory of its past. You can walk through the town or even better—rent a bicycle and pedal through the city of ruins.
Here are a few tips for a pleasant experience at these temples in Hampi:
- Make sure to take your shoes off before entering the main shrine and dress modestly.
- Try waking up early and going on weekdays to get some alone time in these temples.
- You can not take pictures inside the temple premises unless you take permission.
- If you hire a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to understand the architecture and the sculpted details of the temples much better.
An epitome of architectural finesse, these old medieval ruins including ancient temples are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. For your getaway in Hampi, do keep these temples in your itinerary to ensure a memorable travel experience.
Also Read: 11 incredible ancient temples in India that are worth a visit
