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Keshava Temple Somanathapura Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Keshava Temple Somanathapura is one of the most famous shrines of Karnataka, situated at the Mysore district. The holy Cauvery River passes by the small village of Somanathapura, while the lush greenery encircling the temple let prayers come deep from your heart at the serene environment.

As you enter the porch of the Keshava Temple Somanathapura, you are no more in modern India. The perfect carvings and well-defined sculptures take you back in time when South Indian temple architecture was at its peak. The Keshava Temple is one of the most well-preserved temples of the Hoysala reign.

Keshava Temple

History and Legend of Keshava Temple Somanathapura

The glorious history of Karnataka is treasured at the Keshava Temple.

  • The Hoysala Kingdom was one of the most prominent dynasties of South India. Their kingdom ranged from Karnataka, to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. South Indian art and architecture flourished during the reign of the Hoysala dynasty.
  • The Keshava Temple was constructed by General Somanatha of the Hoysala monarch, Narasimha III. The temple hence is also known as the Somanatha Temple.
  • The temple was built during the 1254 – 1291 AD. The inscriptions engraved on a slab outside the temple during 1269 – 1550 AD provide detailed information about the time of construction of the Keshava Temple.
  • It is believed that the Keshava Temple was the last major temple built by the Hoysala dynasty.
  • As per the information of Archaeological Survey of India, the original idol of Lord Keshava went missing and later it was replaced.
  • One of the myths state that the deities were removed from the temple by the Britishers and taken away.

Significance of the Keshava Temple Somanathapura

The Keshava Temple of Somanathapura is a must-visit for historians and tourists who wish to get back to the golden time of Indian architecture.

  • The Keshava Temple is an epitome of Hoysala architecture. Even the platform of the temple is unique in a star shaped layout. This layout is significant as it is believed that it was used for ‘pradakshina’ that is for circumambulation of the temple, a mandatory ritual of Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • The Keshava temple represents the Trikutchala form. There are three sanctums to the north, south and west of the temple. There are three antaralas and a navarang within the temple.
  • The Keshava temple is known for its fine carvings both at the interiors and exterior walls. Even the ceilings and the doors depict marvellous ornamentation.
  • The ceilings of the Keshava temple depict sixteen different types of Hoysala art and hence are no less than pieces of gems.
  • There is a relief sculpture of Narasimha on the outer wall of the Keshava Temple.
  • The images of Keshava, Venugopala and Janardhana adorn the ceiling of the sanctums and are surrounded by spectacular shikara images.
  • While the central sanctum is dedicated to Lord Keshava, the southern sanctum houses the deity of Lord Venugopala and the northern sanctum has the idol of Lord Janardhana.
  • Some of the fine sculptures found at the Keshava Temple are that of Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati.
  • There are also images of mythological figures and demons within the temple, like that of Rati, Manmatha and Mahisasura.
  • The Keshava Temple was built within a massive enclosure over a raised platform. This shrine comes with sixty four cells.
  • The basement of the outer wall of the exhibits friezes of finely carved elephants, scrolls, scenes from Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana and mythological stories, legends and folklores. All the events are sculpted in a clockwise direction, that is, in the direction of ‘pradakshina.’
  • Visitors can get a vivid picture of the religious beliefs of Hinduism as the images of gods and goddesses along with their vahanas remain frozen at the walls of the Keshava temple.
  • The presence of the line of elephants at the lowest course of the basement is symbolic as it presents that the elephants are carrying the burden of temple on their backs.
  • The battle field of the Hoysala times is depicted by the horse riding soldiers tampering the fallen warriors.
  • The daily life of ancient Karnataka
  • Another important fact about the Keshava temple is that you can get names of some of the sculptors engraved at the pedestals of the sculptures, like that of Mallithamma, Masanathamma, Chameya and Bhameya. From these details it can derived that Mallithamma is sculptor for most of the images and also have constructed the northern shikara of the Janardhana cell.
  • The seven feet tall stone slab which stores inscriptions in Kannada language related to the construction and upkeep of the Keshava Temple is also embellished with intricate cravings.
  • The rock windows of Keshava temple are amazing. While these rock cut windows provide ample amount of sunlight to enter the shrine, the lathe turned pillars characterise the Hoysala temples.
  • The entire temple is cloistered and it is believed that the numerous cells within the temple complex used to have idols of different deities of Hindu religion.
  • The southern colonnade consists of typical lathe tuned pillars while the northern colonnade is a mix of simple and lathe turned pillars. The western colonnade has just one lathe turned pillar and the rest are simple. This is just one asymmetrical flaw that is found in the planned complex of the Keshava Temple.
  • There is a red post box within the temple complex, attached to a large tree. If a visitor posts postcard in the box, it would be stamped with a unique Somanathapura stamp, which is one of its kind in the whole world.

Keshava Temple Somanathapura Timings

  • Keshava temple is open for visitors from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
  • It is advised to visit the temple during early morning hours as you need to walk throughout the temple bare footed.
  • Winters are the best time to visit the temple to avoid the scorching heat of the sun.
  • If you visit the temple just after the monsoons, you can also check out the enchanting beauty of the nearby Shivanasamudra waterfalls.

Keshava Temple Food Timings

As the Keshava Temple is just a sightseeing spot and is not functional at present, hence there is no arrangement of food or prasada at the temple.

Dress Code at Keshava Temple

Though there is no particular dress code to enter the Keshava Temple complex, there are restrictions related to footwear. Tourists need to keep their footwear outside the temple complex.

Festivals celebrated at the Keshava Temple

Keshava Temple bears the history of the 12th century Hoysala kingdom and it is no more used for worship. Hence at present there are no festivals that take place at this temple complex.

Poojas and Rituals at Keshava Temple Somanathapura

The Keshava Temple is a major sightseeing place at Karnataka. Worship of the deities does not take place here and hence visitors have no scope to witness any rituals and pooja at this temple complex.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Bangalore international airport is the nearest airport to Somanathapura.

By Train: the nearest railway station to the Keshava Temple is the Mysore rail head. You can get frequent trains from Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi to Mysore. From Mysore railway station tourists can avail taxis to the Keshava Temple.

By Road: By road the Keshava temple is almost 2 hrs from Bangalore, lying at 180 km from the capital city. You can avail taxis to get to the site. The Maddur- Malavalli- Bannur- Somnathapura road is the best way to reach the Keshava Temple. Tourists travelling by road are advised to take the Malavalli road from Maddur, then a right turn from the Malavalli City Junction that goes towards Bannur. From the main junction at Bannur, a left turn takes the visitors to the temple.

Tourists can also opt for the Bangalore- Mysore road and take a diversion Srirangapatana bridge. The Keshava Temple is approximately 50 km from the district headquarters of Mysore. There are a number of private buses that ply between Mysore and Somnathapura, but it is advisable to visit the place via private cars as you have many sites to visit around the Keshava Temple.

Hotels in Somanathapura: Where to stay

Accommodation facilities are not available at Somanathapura. Tourists are suggested to stay at Bangalore or Mysore. United 21, Mysore, Regaalis Mysore, Hotel Dasaprakash, Mannars Residency, the Quorum, Royal Orchid Metropole are some of popular hotels located near the Keshava Temple. From budget to premium rooms, all types of rooms are available here.

Where to eat

There are no such restaurants near the Keshava temple. Tourists can have coffee, tea and cold drinks at a nearby canteen. Restaurants are available near T Narsipura. If you are travelling by road, you will also find some eateries on the Mysore road, serving authentic South Indian cuisines.

Nearby Temples

The district of Mysore is known for its quaint villages, each one treasuring a marvellous temple. Some of the nearby temples that you can check out on the way to the Keshava temple are:

  • Chennakesava Temple, Belur: One of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture, the Chennakesava Temple is located near to the Keshava Temple. Life seems to be frozen in the stone sculptures of gods, goddesses and mythological figures of this shrine.
  • Nanjanagudu: Lying on the banks of River Kapila, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is historically important as it is believed that the Shiva Lingum of the temple was placed by the famous Rishi Gauthama and was also worshipped by Parashurama when he was on his journey to cleanse his sin of killing his mother.
  • Talkadu– Located at 25 km from Somanathapura, this place lies at the banks of River Cauvery. Lord Shiva in the form of Vaidyanatheswara is worshipped here. The place is also famous for its sand dunes. It is believed that several temples are still buried under the sand dunes. Some of the famous temples found here are the Pateleshwara Temple, Viadeyshwara Temple, Maruleshwara, Kritinarayana, Gourishankara and Anandeshwara Temples. An interesting fact is that the Shiva Lingum of Pateleshwara Temple changes colour; it is red in the morning, black in the afternoon and white in the evening.
  • Sri Rudra Devasthana, Vijayapura: This temple is known to fulfil the good desires of the devotees and numerous pilgrims visit the temple every year to attain salvation, wealth, cure diseases and gain knowledge. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Sri Varadaraja Temple, Hammige: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple comes with a rich history.
  • Tirumakudal Narasipura: Located at the Mysore district, this site is famous for Kumbhmela at South India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is worshipped in the form of two Shiva Lingums, Someshwara and Markandeshwara.
  • Vishvanatha Temple, Krishnapura: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also consists of a chapel near it. Hence this quaint, ebony tree fringed village quietly preaches the message of unity among diversity. The place also has the Krishnapur Matha, one of the eight mathas established by Sri Madhavacharya, one of the famous Dvaita philosophers.
  • Ranganatha Temple, Sriranga Patna: Located at the Mysore district, this temple was built by the Ganga dynasty of the Vaishnavite cult. The temple showcases a blended architectural style of Hoysala and Vijaynagara temple designs.

Hence visit Keshava temple this vacation to witness how stone gained life in the expert hands of Indian artisans during the golden days of Indian architecture.

Halebidu Temples Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Halebidu is another landmark in the temple architectural history of Karnataka. Located at the Hassan District of the state, the name of the city means the ‘Old City.’ This city was the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century and hence is a treasure of architectural marvels. The most important shrines of the city are the Hoysaleswara temple and the Kedareswara Temple; both these temples represent the Hoysala style of architecture.

Located at the banks of a lake, the Halebidu Temple complex is beautiful and holy with its serene atmosphere and lush greenery all around. The temple complex is maintained perfectly and hence is neat and clean even in the rainy season. The Halebidu Temples are safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Hoysaleswara temple is a UNESCO world heritage site while the Kedareswara Temple has been proposed to be recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Halebidu

History and Legend of Halebidu

The Halebidu temples are witness to the glorious past of ancient India.

  • The Hoysaleswara temple was constructed by the Ketamala, the chief architect of that time, around 1121 AD.
  • The Hoysaleswara temple was dedicated to King Vishnuvardhana, the then ruler of Halebidu.
  • The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara, named after King Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and Queen Shantala Devi.
  • The Kedareswara Temple was constructed around 1173- 1200 AD.
  • The Kedareswara Temple was constructed by King Veera Ballala II and Queen Ketaladevi.
  • The Kedareswara Temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Ishwara.
  • The three Jain basadis located within the Halebidu temple complex were constructed at different times. While the Adinatha Swamy was constructed during the 1138 AD, the Shantinatha Swamy Temple was constructed at 1192 AD and the Parshvanatha basadi was constructed in 1133 AD.
  • The Halebidu Temples were almost ruined by Muslim invasion; the city was invaded twice by Malik Kafur, during the 14th  century
  • Halebidu was originally known as Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra. It came to be known as Halebidu after it was looted by the Muslim rulers of Delhi, at 1311 and 1327 and the city was completely destroyed. The word Halebidu means a ruined city.

Significance of the Halebidu Temple

The Hoysaleswara Temple and the Kedareswara Temple are popular tourist destinations of Halebidu. These temples are known for the intricate carvings which portray the golden age of Hoysala rule. Every sculpture is different from the other; the granular details of the postures are amazing.

  • The Temple complex consists of two Hindu temples, Hoysaleswara temple and the Kedareswara Temple and a Jain basadi, which has three temples within it.
  • There is also an archaeological museum within the complex which helps you understand the importance of the sculptures and carvings of the shrines.
  • This archaeological museum was built in 1970 and consists of almost 1500 sculptures and inscriptions that have been recovered from the nearby places.
  • Besides an enclosed gallery, there is also an open air museum, which displays an 18 feet image of a Tirthankara, Lord Krishna and Shiva in Tandava posture, Nataraja, Goddess Saraswati and dancing Ganesha.
  • These temples are constructed with soapstone.
  • The walls of the Hoysaleswara temple are adorned with carvings of Hindu mythology, images of flora and fauna, dancers and shilabalikas.
  • The temple is guarded by two monolith sculptures of Nandi the vahana of Lord Shiva, on each side.
  • The Jain basadi of the temple complex also exhibit fine sculptures, depicting the rich traditions and believes of Jainism.
  • One of the Jain basadi is known as the Parshvanatha basadi. This basadi consists of a large sculpture of Lord Parshvanatha, which is 18 feet in height and made of black stone. A seven headed serpent over the head of the idol is considered to be guarding the deity.
  • The 12 pillars of the Parshvanatha basadi are exquisitely carved out of a rock.
  • The Lakshmi Narayana idol of Hoysaleswara temple is famous due to its perfect carvings.
  • The outer walls of the Hoysaleswara temple are adorned with sculptures of various deities of Hindu mythology.
  • The entrance of the Hoysaleswara temple is also adorned with sculptures of decked up elephants in a battling mood. This sculpture represents the way of entertainment of ancient India, where elephant fights were common.
  • The Kedareswara Temple represents the Trikutchala layout.
  • The Kedareswara Temple also consists of a life size sculpture of Nandi.
  • The Ganesha sculpture of the Kedareswara Temple is erected outside the Kedareswara temple, which seems to guard the temple of Lord Shiva.
  • The relief of Lord Vishnu at the Kedareswara temple is in a standing posture, flanked with images of goddesses on both sides.
  • The relief of Arjuna at the Kedareswara temple depicts excerpts from the great Indian epic, Mahabharata.
  • The Kedareswara temple also exhibits different avatars of Lord Vishnu, like the Varaha and Bamana avatar.

Halebidu Temple Timings

  • The Halebidu temple complex is open from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. The best time to visit the temples is early morning.
  • It is suggested to visit the temple complex early morning as the weather is hot. There are experienced guides available at the complex who takes you back in the golden era of Hoysala kingdom when the shrines were constructed.
  • The Halebidu temple complex is open on all days of the week.
  • The best time to visit the Halebidu Temples is from November to March.

Halebidu Temple Food Timings

The Halebidu temple complex is now open just for sightseeing and regular Hindu worship and rituals do not take place. Hence the custom of serving food is not present.

Dress Code

There is no particular dress code at the Halebidu temple complex, but it is advised that most of the body part is covered. Cotton clothes are preferred due to the hot weather. Shoes have to be kept out before entering the temple complex.

Festivals celebrated at the Temple

No specific festivals are celebrated at the Halebidu temple complex.

Poojas and Rituals

The Halebidu temple complex is a heritage site and poojas and rituals are not performed here.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The nearest airport to the Halebidu Temple complex is the Mangalore airport. This airport lies at 185 km from the city of Halebidu. There are direct flights from Kozhikode, Mumbai and Bangalore to Mangalore. The international airport of Bangalore is another important airport near Halebidu. There are taxis and buses available outside the airport, which take the tourists directly to Halebidu temple complex.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Halebidu is the Hassan railway station, lying at 32 km from the city. You can avail direct trains from Birur, Shimoga, Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore, Dharwad, Karwar and Hubli to Hassan. There are auto rickshaws, taxis and buses available from the railway station which take you to the Halebidu temple complex.

By Road: Halebidu is easily accessible by the road. It is directly connected with the capital city of the state, Bangalore, major cities of Mysore and Mangalore. Tourists can avail direct buses to Hassan district. Halebidu is located at 149 km from Mysore, 211 km from Bangalore, 34 km from Chikmagalur and 31 km from Hassan. Belur, another important tourist destination of Karnataka is near to Halebidu (just 15 km) and hence you can cover the distance in private taxis.

Regular buses ply from the important cities of Karnataka to Halebidu. There is a bus stoppage at the Halebidu temple complex. Taxis and auto rickshaws are the other local transport facilities available here.

Hotels: Where to stay

There are decent staying facilities available near the Halebidu temples. The Sumukha residency and Vishnu Regency are located at 15.4 km from the temple complex. Hoysala Village Resort, Stay Simple Riverdale, Hotel Mayura International are to name a few. These hotels provide both budget and premium accommodation to the tourists, along with basic amenities and food facilities.

Where to eat

Tourists can enjoy Indian, continental and Chinese cuisines at Halebidu. Some of the well known eat outs near the temple complex are the Club House at Planters Court, Hotel Gokul Veg, The Meridian and the Shantala.

Nearby Temples

Besides the Halebidu Temple complex, there are other temples which are worth a visit.

  • Chennakesava Temple: Located at Belur, this temple was built during the Hoysala rule. Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is known for its fine sculptures and intricate carvings.
  • Sri Veera Narayana Temple: Located at 12 km from Halebidu, this temple is another gem of Hoysala architecture. The temple is mythologically important as it is believed that Bheema, the second brother of the Pandava brothers of the Great Indian epic of Mahabharata defeated demon Bakasura. Built in the 13th century, this temple is dedicated to three incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
  • Shravanabelagola: a popular Jain pilgrimage, this historical site is located at 50 km from the Hassan district. It is famous for the tallest monolithic statue, a Bahubali statue of 58 feet made of granite.
  • Chamundeswari Temple: Located at Mysore, the Chamundeswari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. With various sculptures and a glorious history, this is one of the most beautiful temples of the state.
  • Ranganathaswamy Temple: Situated at the Srirangapatna Island, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Within the massive temple complex of Ranganathaswamy Temple, there are precious relics exhibiting Hoysala and Vijaynagara architectural style.
  • The Mallikarjuna Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Parvati and is unique, being built by the Vijaynagara rulers using old materials.

Hence be at the Halebidu temple complex to witness the meticulous artwork that was created almost 900 years back. If tired, just rest your feet over the green grass, basking in the celestial atmosphere.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a cave temple located in the natural surroundings of Kempegowda in Bangalore. The temple is situated in the capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore. Due to its location within a cave, the temple is also known as the Gavipuram Cave Temple.

Dedicated to Lord Agni, the god of fire in Hindu mythology, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (Bangalore) Karnataka is one of the distinguishing temples of South India. The temple also houses a large Shiva Lingam and Lord Shiva is worshipped with great pomp and glamour. While the deity of Lord Agni is an amazing piece of religious architecture with a couple of heads, seven heads and three legs, the Shiva Lingum is an impressive monolithic idol.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (Bangalore) Karnataka is a heritage site of Karnataka and protected under Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961.  Built in the 16th century, the temple exhibits unique rock-cut architecture of India. While the two giant stone discs within the temple premises represent the sun and the moon, the exact location of the discs permits direct sun rays to fall on the temple at a certain phase of the day. The engraved shikharas of the Shiva temple also demands your attention with its grace.

One of the oldest temples of Bangalore, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is majorly constructed of granite and has four monolithic pillars. This temple is known for its architectural excellence.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

History and Legend of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

The ancient shrine of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple narrates the golden history of ancient India.

  • It is believed that the temple was carved out of a rock in the 9th Saint Gowthama took shelter in this cave to perform penance.
  • Later in the 16th century, Kempegowda reconstructed this temple. He was the founder of Bangalore and he revamped the shrine to show his gratitude towards Lord Shiva after he was released from prison; Kempegowda was imprisoned by Rama Raya for five years.
  • The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is considered to be miraculous as the devotee who looks at Lord Agni at the temple is believed to be cured of all eye sight problems.
  • Another myth related to the temple is that there are two channels going through the sanctum. One of the tunnels extends to the city of Varanasi while the other is directed towards the Gangadhareshwara temple, which is situated at the Shivagange Hilltop, approximately 10 kilometers from the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.
  • It is also believed that the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple was previously known as Gowthama Kshetra, as the saint is said to have performed penance here.

Significance of the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a landmark in the religious map of Karnataka.

  • The temple is associated with a miraculous phenomenon. On the festive day of Makar Sankranti, the interior of the shrine is illuminated with the sun rays during sunset; this light stays for one hour.
  • The Shiva Lingum represents the monolithic style of architecture. The sculpture of Lord Agni is also unique, believed to be only one of its kind in entire South India.
  • There are numerous sculptures within the cave temple. The temple yard houses the Damaruga, that is, a drum, the large sun and moon discs and idol of Nandi, vahana of Lord Shiva.
  • The long passage of the temple is adorned with sculptures of Saptamatrika, Sri Devi and Bhudevi.
  • There are also small shrines of Lord Ganapati, Goddess Parvati and Ma Durga. These deities come with twelve hands.
  • Moreover, it is one of the rare temples of Bangalore, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Timings

Devotees can visit the temple throughout the year. But if you want to experience the miracle of sunlight, then January (usually 14th) is the best time to visit the temple.

  • The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is open every day.
  • Visitors are allowed within the temple from 6 am in the morning to 12.30 pm.
  • Again devotees can enter the temple from 5 pm to 8 pm in the evening.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Food Timings

Though there is no facility of lunch or dinner at the temple, devotees are offered ‘prasada’ after worship of the God. The prasada is offered both in the morning and evening and constitutes mainly fruits.

Dress code at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

If you are visiting Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, then it is best to wear traditional Indian dress. Footwear is also not allowed within the temple.

Festivals celebrated at the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is known for its festivities, which reflect the true colors of South Indian culture and traditions.

  • Makar Sankranti festival: Celebrated at the month of January, this festival is marked by the presence of thousands of devotees. The crowd is there to check out the amazing phenomenon, where the sunrays at the dusk pass through the horns of the stone idol of Nandi to fall directly on the Shiva Lingum inside the shrine. This phenomenon takes place between 5 pm and 6 pm.
  • Shivaratri Festival: This is another important festival of the temple. Thousands of pilgrim line up in front of the temple to bathe Lord Shiva with milk at all the four phases of the day. The festival takes place every year in the month of February or March.

Poojas and Rituals at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Devotees can witness unique customs and rituals of worship at the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

  • Besides the daily pooja, devotees can ask for special offerings.
  • A curtain guards the passage of the temple during Mangal aarti.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is located in the capital city of Karnataka and hence is easily accessible from all parts of the state and other states.

  • By Air: The international airport of Bangalore is the nearest airport to the temple. The domestic terminal of Bangalore is also located here. The airport is located approximately at 38 kilometers from the temple. There are many types of transport facilities available outside the airport, like taxis, bus and auto rickshaws which can take you to the temple.
  • By Train: The Bangalore railway station has several trains plying to and fro, linking the temple to the other cities and states of the country. The railway station is located 5 kilometers from the temple. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and Hyderabad are directly connected to the city via rails.
  • By Road: The local buses, cabs and auto-rickshaws can take you from the railway station, airport or other parts of the two directly to the temple. The temple is located 13 kilometers from the bus stop.

Hotels in Kempegowda: Where to stay

There are multiple hotels located near the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple. While some offer budget accommodations, the others are premium hotels with modern amenities. Clarks Exotica Airport Hotel, Best Western La Marvella, 31 South Park Hotel and Bangalore Gate Hotel are some of the stay options near the temple.

Where to eat

There are a number of hotels around the temple. These hotels generally serve vegetarian food, as most of the devotees prefer to have vegetarian food after pooja. These food stalls are hygienic and the food is quite tasty. You can get low-cost food here.

But if you are looking for non-vegetarian food, then there are several food joints around the city that can provide you with a wide array of food.

Nearby Temples

There are several temples located near the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

  • Bull Temple: Dedicated to Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva, this temple is located at Basavanagudi. Constructed in the 16th century, this temple exhibits one of the largest statues of Nandi; 15 feet high.
  • ISKCON Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, it is one of the spectacular temples of the city. The gold plated Dwajastambha and Kalash Shikhara specially draw your attention.
  • Gangamma Devi Temple: dedicated to Goddess Ganga, this temple is another shrine of the 16th Devotees can perform different havans at the temple premises.
  • The Dodda Ganesha Temple is another popular temple of the town. While the large, 18 feet statue of Lord Ganesha is believed to be growing on its right side, the idol is impressive with stunning decorations.
  • Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Kalika Durga Parameshwari, this temple is situated at Vidyaranapura of Bangalore. The Mahabhishekham performed very Sunday is one of the major attractions of the shrine. Hence, be at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple to the witness of the architectural wonders of India.

Hoysaleswara Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Hoysaleswara Temple of Halebeedu is another masterpiece of Indian temple architecture. Located at the banks of an enchanting lake, this temple is encircled with manicured gardens, while the atmosphere is serene. The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and exhibits Hoysala architectural style.

History and Legend of Hoysaleswara Temple

The Hoysaleswara temple of Halebeedu narrates the glorious history of ancient India and hence is a must-visit.

  • Temple was constructed in the 12th century, within the time period of 1120 CE and 1150 CE.
  • Temple was built by the Hoysala ruler King Vishnuvardhana. It is believed that the temple was named Hoysaleswara Temple after Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara.
  • When the Hoysaleswara temple was built the place was known as Dwarasamudra.
  • Temple was ransacked twice by the Delhi sultans in the 14th This led to the name of the city as Haldebeedu, which means the ruined city.
  • The construction of the Hoysaleswara temple was financed by the Shaivas (devotees of Lord Shiva).
  • It is believed that the Chennakesava Temple was built during this time and was a Vaishnava temple. The Hoysaleswara temple was constructed by the Shaivas as a competition to the Chennakesava Temple.

Significance of the Hoysaleswara Temple

Hoysaleswara temple is known for its exquisite architecture and is one of the important temples of South India.

  • Hoysaleswara temple is one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva in South India.
  • The temple structure of the Hoysaleswara temple is considered to be very complex due to the presence of projections and recesses.
  • While the exteriors of the temple are adorned with fine sculptures, the interiors of the temple are comparatively simple.
  • The temple complex has couple of temples within it; one is dedicated to Hoysaleswara and the other is dedicated to Shantaladevi, the queen of King Vishnuvardhana, who built the temple. The temples consist of Shiva Lingum.
  • There are other shrines within the temple complex, dedicated to other gods and goddesses. One of the shrines is dedicated to the Sun God. This temple has 7 feet tall statue of the Sun God along with a massive stone bull (Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva).
  • Another marvel of the Hoysaleswara temple is the set of sculptures of Lord Ganesha. While the right part of the external wall of the temple starts with an image of a dancing Ganesha, there are almost 240 images of Lord Ganesha in different poses.
  • The four pillars which lie within the temple are characterized with images of Madanika, within brackets.
  • The Garuda Pillar is an important part of the temple. Garudas refer to the bodyguards of the monarchs and their queens. These inseparable guards used to commit suicide with the death of their master. This complete story is depicted at the Garuda Pillar, where the guards are seen cutting their heads with knives. There is also an inscription engraved over the pillar which commemorates the death of one such guard, Kuruva Lakshma, the bodyguard of Veera Ballala II.
  • The ceiling of the temple is also unique. Known as Sunakasi, this part of the temple is decorated with miniature roofs and attics which are in a ruined state.
  • The layout of the Hoysaleswara temple is also well defined and hence every sculpture is easily visible.
  • The museum within the temple complex is another important part of the site. This is a treasure house of the excavated sculptures, wooden handicrafts, maps and photos of the deities and the temples.

Hoysaleswara Temple Timings

  • Hoysaleswara Temple opens at 6:30 am and closes at 9:00 pm.
  • Tourists can visit any time of the year to the Hoysaleswara Temple.
  • The museum located at the temple premises is open only Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Hoysaleswara Temple Food Timings

Hoysaleswara Temple is open to tourists for sightseeing and the deities are not worshiped here. Hence there is no ritual of serving ‘Prasada.’

Dress Code of Hoysaleswara Temple

  • Tourists are suggested to be in long dresses to maintain the decorum of the temple. As the weather is hot here, hence light-colored dresses are preferred.
  • Shoes have to be kept outside the temple premises. There is a shoe keeper at the entrance where you can keep your shoes for a nominal rate.

Festivals celebrated here

Hoysaleswara Temple is visited by tourists for its spectacular architecture and festivals do not take place at its premises.

Poojas and Rituals at Hoysaleswara Temple

The deities of Hoysaleswara temple are not worshipped at present and hence no pooja or rituals take place here.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

The Hoysaleswara temple is easily accessible from all parts of the country.

By Air: The Mangalore airport is the nearest airport to the Hoysaleswara Temple, located almost 168 km from the temple. This domestic terminal is approximately 222 km from the international airport of Bangalore. Mangalore airport has direct flights from Chennai and Bangalore and is also well connected with the other airports of the country. There are direct taxis available from the airport to the temple.

By Train: The Hassan railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple. It is located approximately at 27 km from the temple, while the other nearby stations are the Mangalore and Mysore railway stations. If you are travelling from Kerala, then Thalassery and Kannur railway stations have direct trains to Hassan. This station is well connected with the other parts of the country. Dharwar, H Nizamuddin, Kannur, Karwar, Mysore, Shimoga Town, Talguppa and Yesvantpur Junction are some of the major railway stations from where there are trains to Hassan railway station. Smet Mysore Express, Mys Shimoga Express, Sharavati Express, Kannur Express and Dwr Mysore Express are the major trains that regular take you to the site. Tourists can also avail direct taxis, auto rickshaws and buses outside the station to the Hoysaleswara Temple.

By Road: There are regular buses and taxis available that can directly take the tourists to the temple. There are regular buses by KSRTC that ply between the major cities and Halebeedu. Private buses from the Majestic bus stand of Bangalore ply directly to Hoysaleswara temple. The temple is located at 16 km from Belur, 31 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore. Tour the city of Halebeedu in auto rickshaws to get the local vibe.

Hotels in Halebeedu: Where to stay

Halebeedu is a hub of the rich heritage of Karnataka and hence several hotels have developed near the temple. These hotels not only provide decent accommodation to the tourists but also offer premium services, depending on the needs of the visitors. You can avail of both budget and deluxe accommodation at Halebeedu. Hotel Mayura Shantala, Sumukha Residency, Vishnu Regency are approximately 15 km from the temple, while the Hoysala Village Resort, Gateway Hotel, Stay Simple Riverdale, La Flora Pavanputra Resort and Spa are almost 24 km from the site.

Where to eat

Visitors can relish authentic South Indian food at the nearby hotels. There is a government hotel opposite the temple, just at 100 meters from the bus stand, where you can get both South Indian and North Indian food. This eats out is open from morning till 10 pm and is both cost-effective and hygienic. Customers can choose to eat at the patio or at the garden. Shankar hotel is another popular food joint at Halebeedu, which is open from 7 am to 9.30 pm and serves South Indian food. Tourists can also relish non-vegetarian dishes like chicken and fish curry at a nearby restaurant, located beside the Canara Bank.

Nearby Temples

The Halebeedu temple complex consists of some of the most famous temples of Karnataka.

  • Kedareswara Temple: This temple lies at 400 meters from the Hoysaleswara temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in 12th The temple architecture is amazing with a star-shaped layout and intricately designed sculptures, portraying incidents from the great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
  • Jain Basadi: Halebeedu is a popular Jain pilgrimage. The Jain Basadi is located at 1 km from the Hoysaleswara Temple. There are three Jain temples in this complex, namely, Parshwanath Swamy Temple, Adinatha Swamy Temple, and Shantinatha Swamy Temple. These temples are a treasure of exquisite carvings, like a black stone sculpture of Parshwanath Temple with a serpent carved head, which seems to protect the deity.
  • Shravanabelagola: Located at 50 kilometers from Hassan district, this South Indian pilgrimage is known for its Jain temple. The site is famous for its 58 feet high, granite Bahubali statue. There are several temples located at the twin hills of the place, Vindhyagiri, and Chandragiri, like the Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi and Chennana Basadi.
  • Belur: Another temple town of Karnataka, Belur lies at 40 km from the Hoysaleswara Temple. The city is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of this shrine are adorned with perfect carvings of gods, goddesses, mythological figures and scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishad.
  • Lakshmi Devi Temple: Located at Doddagaddavalli, this temple is just 16 km from the Hoysaleswara temple. This is one of the oldest temples built during the rule of the Hoysalas. This soapstone temple stores some precious Kannada inscriptions, well-defined sculptures of Lord Shiva in the form of Bhairava and Bhoothnatha, Goddess Kali and Lord Vishnu.

Hence be at Hoysaleswara temple to feel proud of the rich heritage of India. Not only the temple is beautiful with its fine sculptures, these perfect carvings also take you back in the golden days, narrating the incidents from the golden times.

Virupaksha Temple Hampi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Virupaksha Temple is located in the historic village of Hampi. The village of Hampi (historically called Hampi) lies within the limits of the ruins of the Vijayanagara city. The word Hampi is derived from the name Pampa (Lord Brahma’s daughter and the old name of River Tungabhadra), and one of the regions around Hampi is still known as Pampa kshetra. As one makes a foray into the ruins of Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one cannot escape the popularity and prosperity of the bygone era that existed in the empire of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

The holy Virupaksha Temple stands in the center as the symbol of this greatness and grandeur of the empire that flourished during the 14th – 16th century. The architectural wonder is a testament to the times of a great, well developed and well-administered city.  The history of the Virupaksha Temple is inseparable from the story of the great city. The name Virupaksha means “with oblique eyes”. Some also believe that the word means “misformed eyes” referring to the third eye of Lord Shiva. It can also be inferred that “Virupa” meaning “Distorted” and “Aksha” meaning “Eyes” refer to the occurrence of three eyes for Lord Shiva and consider that itself as a distortion.

Virupaksha Temple is also known as the Pampapathi Temple. The presiding deities of Virupaksha Temple are Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampa, his consort. This is only fully functioning Temple among several ruins of other Temples in the Hampi area.

Vijayanagara architecture is a mixture of Chalukya, Pandya, Hoysala and Chola styles. Virupaksha Temple Complex consists of the Sanctum, three Ante-Chambers, two pillared halls, a pillared quadrangle walkway known as the Cloister, three Gopurams, courtyards and several smaller shrines. Besides the main shrine dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, other shrines are dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneswari and saint Vidyaranya is located within the Temple Complex.

The pillared Mandapam was built under Krishna Deva Raya in 1510 AD as per scriptures on the walls. This Mandapam contains paintings and murals of several avatars of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The murals on the ceilings also depict scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Among the three Gopurams of the Temple, the Eastern Gopuram is the main entrance to the Temple. The Gopuram is nine-storied and has a cuboidal structure. The Northern Gopuram is five stories high and the inner-eastern Gopuram is three stories high.

The main sanctum houses the deity, Lord Virupaksha in the form of a Linga. The smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Pampa and Goddess Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva are situated to the north of the Sanctum and are much older than most of the Temple.

The “Ruins of Hampi” or the “Hampi Complex” consists of several civil and religious buildings. The important Temples inside the complex that one must visit to experience the spirituality of the great kingdom are Vittala Temple, Ramachandra Temple, Underground Shiva Temple, Kodandarama Temple, Krishna Temple, and the Chandramouleeshwara Temple.

History and Legends of  Virupaksha Temple

  • The origin of the Virupaksha Temple predates the origin of Vijayanagara as a city and as an Empire. The main sanctum is believed to date back to the 7th century. Several inscriptions mentioning the greatness of Lord Shiva can be found on the walls of the Temple. They date back to the 9th and the 10th century.
  • Several additions and renovations were carried out by the Chalukyas and the Hoysalas. However, Virupaksha Temple flourished under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Hampi was the capital of the Empire and was known as Vijayanagara. According to most of the historians, the founders of the Empire Harihara I and Bukka (popularly known as the Sangama brothers) were commanders in the Hoysala military. They were patronized and supported by Sri Vidyaranya, a Saint belonging to the Sringeri monastery. Their main aim was to thwart the invasion of the Deccan regions by the Muslim invaders from the North.
  • The Empire reached its peak during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529 AD). During his reign, the whole of Southern India was brought under his control. His army fought off invasions by the Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar. The Empire retrieved areas from the Deccan Sultanates in North and East regions.
  • The prosperity of the Empire began to decline after the death of Krishna Deva Raya. Rama Raya, his son-in-law took control of the Empire and made some ill-advised decisions on the political affairs of the Deccan Sultanate. Eventually, in 1563, the rivals from the North who were bitter with the Empire formed an alliance and declared war on the weakened Vijayanagara Empire.
  • During the famous Battle of Talikota, Rama Raya was captured and killed. The Sultanate’s army attacked Hampi and destroyed it into the present state of ruins. The Empire ceased to exist after the reign of Sriranga III in 1646. The Empire split into the Mysore Kingdom, Keladi Nayaka, Nayaks of Madurai, Nayaks of Tanjore, Nayaks of Chitradurga and Nayaks of Gingee.
  • Virupaksha Temple has been named after a local deity named Pampa, who is believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati. The origins of the Temple can be traced back to the references in various Puranas of the Daksha Yagna episode in Hindu beliefs. To refute the insult meted out by Daksha to Lord Shiva, Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife self-immolates. Hearing this, Lord Shiva becomes extremely angry and performed the Tandava Dance with Sati’s corpse in his hands. He destroys everything in his path. Eventually, to calm himself, he reaches Hemakuta in Hampi and starts meditating. All the Gods decide that the only way Lord Shiva could be happy again was to marry him again to Goddess Parvati.
  • The locals in Hampi believe that Pampa was the incarnation of Goddess Parvati who took up meditation on the opposite bank of the River Tungabhadra. The Kama, the God of Love and attraction brought Pampa to the attention of Lord Shiva. Pampa expressed the desire to marry Lord Shiva and he eventually agreed. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampa married at the place now known as the Virupaksha Temple.

Significance of the Virupaksha Temple

  • The main deity of the Virupaksha Temple, the Shiva Linga is believed to be one of the 64 Jyotirlingas that exist as per the Hindu religious beliefs. The Linga is believed to be Swayambhu meaning self-manifested. 5 of the 12 jyotirlingas are in the state of Maharashtra in India.
  • Virupaksha Temple is only a fully functioning Temple belonging to the Vijayanagara area. Other popular sites nearby such as the Vitthal Temple are masterpieces of architecture but the worshiping of Gods and Goddesses have been discontinued at these places.
  • The Eastern Gopuram which is the main entrance of the Temple is constructed in such a way that the inverted shadow of the structure falls on the western wall of the Temple through a small hole inside the Sanctum. The Gopuram is 160 feet tall. The Gopuram was constructed in the first half of the 15th century and was renovated by Krishna Deva Raya.
  • Virupaksha Temple has been constructed in such a unique way that River Tungabhadra flows along its terrace, descends to the Temple Kitchen and then flows through the outer courtyard of the Temple.
  • A three-headed statue of Nandi can be seen installed near the main temple entrance. This statue is unique and rare in India.
  • The ancient city of Vijayanagara was inhabited by about 500,000 people during the 15th century. That was 0.1% of the total world population. It was the second-largest city in the world after Peking in Beijing. The importance of the city can be inferred from the fact that the size of the city was about three times the size of Paris during that time.
  • The region of Hampi has been described in ancient scriptures as Kishkinda, the kingdom of Vanaras (Monkeys). It is believed the Hanuman Temple in Hampi was the cave where Lord Hanuman, his mother Devi Anjana, Kesari and Shabari resided. The holy pond Pampasarovar houses the cave where Sugriva, King of the Vanaras is believed to have made his home.
  • The Kodandarama Temple near the Virupaksha Temple marks the spot where Lord Rama crowned Sugriva as the King of Vanaras or Monkeys.
  • The Stone chariot among the ruins of the Vittal Temple is considered as one of the three finest chariots in India, the other two being in Konark and Mahabalipuram. The wheels of the chariot could be rotated. But to prevent the damage caused by curious visitors, the Government has now cemented the wheels. Another wonder of the Temple is the 56 musical pillars of the Temple. They are also fondly called as the SaReGaMa pillars. Each of the pillars that support the roof of the main Mandapam represents a musical instrument. Seven pillars surround this pillar. When struck, these seven stone pillars emanate seven notes of music from the respective main instrument.
  • The Badavi Linga is the largest Linga among the ruins of Hampi. The Linga is situated inside a chamber and the sanctum is perpetually filled with water. The Linga has three eyes carved on it representing the three eyes of Lord Shiva.
  • The Chakratheertha, a holy Theertha in River Tungabhadra is a sacred place for devotees to take a dip. It is believed that Lord Shiva gave the Chakra, a weapon to Lord Vishnu at the very spot.

Virupaksha Temple Timings

  • Virupaksha Temple opens at 9 AM and closes at 9 PM.
  • The Darshan remains closed from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Dress Code

The ruins of Hampi lie on barren open land and it gets extremely hot during the summers. Hence, it is recommended to wear light, airy cotton clothes for the visit. The Temple does not follow any strict dress code. However, it is recommended that decent and clean clothes should be worn to visit the holy site.

Festivals celebrated at Virupaksha Temple

  • Mahashivaratri – The day is celebrated with great spirituality and reverence. Thousands of devotees observe fast and pray to God for good health and prosperity. The devotees take a dip in River Tungabhadra and then visit the Temple for the divine darshan and blessings from Lord Shiva. Bhajans and cultural programs are held at night. The uniqueness of the celebration is that a huge Gold crown studded with rubies and diamonds is placed on the Shiva Linga. The Linga is believed to be donated by the mighty Krishna Deva Raya himself to commemorate his coronation. Shivaratri is one of the four special days on which the crown is displayed to the public.
  • Annual Ratha Yatra – The annual Ratha Yatra of the deity, Sri Virupaksha and his wife Goddess Pampa takes place during the months of March-April. The deities are placed in a huge wooden chariot and taken in a procession along the main chariot street in Hampi. This festival is the largest religious festival celebrated in the town of Hampi and is attended by thousands of devotees from nearby areas.
  • Phalapuja festival – This festival is held in December every year. Special Poojas are performed for the deities and Prasadam is distributed to the devotees. The day is celebrated as the engagement day of Lord Virupaksha with Pampa. The celebrations take place for three days. The Teppotsavam is conducted for the deities on the first day by taking them around the Manmukha Kunda in a small boat like a vehicle. A grand procession of the deities takes place on the third day to the Kodandarama Temple in silver Vrishabha Vahana.

Poojas and Rituals at Virupaksha Temple

  • Bilva Pathrarchana – The Archana is performed for the deity with the Bilva leaves on behalf of the devotee.
  • Karpoora Aarti – The Aarti is performed for the Lord with Camphor known as the Karpoora on behalf of the devotee.
  • Panchamrutha Abhishekam – The Lord is bathed with Panch Amrit (five elixirs) that are Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar on behalf of the devotee.
  • Sahasranama Archana – The Lord is worshiped by reciting his 1008 names and singing chants praising him on behalf of the devotee.
  • Maha Rudrabhishekam – This Abhishekam is done by reciting the four ancient holy texts; Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and the Atharva Veda in front of the Linga.

How to reach Hampi

  • By Air – The nearest airport is situated in Bellary, 60 km away. However, the Airport does not operate commercial flights. The Vidyanagar Airport, also known as the Jindal Vijaynagar Airport located 40 km from Bellary operates sightseeing charter flights to Hampi. The Hubli airport, located 3 hours away from Hospet connects Bengaluru and Belgaum.
  • By Train – The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet, situated 13 km away. Several trains connect Hospet to cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, Goa, Vizag, Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada, Howrah, Kolhapur, Tirupati, Belgaum, Surat, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Raichur, and Hyderabad. Other nearby stations are Guntakal and Hubli which are well connected to the rest of the country like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. One can hire a taxi or board a bus from Hospet, Hubli, and Guntakal to Hampi.
  • By Road – The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation runs several buses from cities like Hospet, Bengaluru, Mysore, Mangalore, and Bellary. Several interstate buses also operate out of neighboring states like Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Private operators also run buses daily to Hampi.

Where to stay

There are no hotels situated in the immediate vicinity of the Temple. However, several hotels, lodges, and resorts have opened up in the surroundings of Hampi ruins. Some of the popular ones are Sri Lakshmi Golden Beach Resorts, Royal Orchid Central, Hampi’s Boulders Resorts and Hotel Malligi.

Where to eat

The town of Hampi is becoming a major tourist attraction lately. Hence, a lot of restaurants have been set up surrounding the world-famous ruins. The cuisine offered by these restaurants varies from simple south Indian to exotic cuisines like Italian and Portuguese. Some of the most popular restaurants are Mango Tree, Laughing Buddha, New Shanthi, Ravi’s Rose and Sagar Hotel.

Nearby Temples

  • Vittal Temple – The Temple is one of the most popular attractions of Hampi. The Temple is famous for the movable stone chariot and the musical pillars. The architecture of the Temple is immensely intricate and a wonder in itself. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vittala, a form of Lord Krishna.
  • Chandramouleeshwara Temple – The 900-year-old temple is one of the most popular temples in Hampi. The intricately carved Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Achyutaraya Temple – The architectural wonder is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The unique feature of the Temple is that it consists of two enclosures instead of one.
  • Hazara Rama Temple – The Temple is believed to be the site where Lord Rama killed Vali, the Vaanara King, and the Son of Indra. The sanctum lies empty. But the murals depicting the Ramayana are worth visiting.
  • Besides these Temples, several monolithic statues depicting Lord Shiva (Badavi Linga), Lord Vishnu (Lakshmi Narasimha) and Lord Ganapathi  (Kadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha) are a must-visit.
  • Anjeyanadri Hill – The shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated atop the hill. The small Temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Hampi. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was born here to Mother Anjana. It is one of the important pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the country.
  • Badami Cave Temples – The world-famous cave temples of Badami are located 100 km away from Hampi. This historic group of five cave temples located on the banks of the Malaprabha River dates back to 578 CE. The beautiful cave temples display remarkable architecture and follow the Chalukyan style of sculpturing and construction. These Temples are some of the earliest known Hindu Temples in the world. Caves 1 to 3 is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The fourth cave is dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and the fifth cave is dedicated to Buddhist monks.
  • An Aihole group of Temples – The Aihole group of Temples located about 140 km away from Hampi, consists of about 125 Temples constructed under the Chalukyan period. According to the legends, Aihole was the place where Lord Parashurama washed his ax after annihilating 21 generations of Kshatriyas.
  • Pattadakal Temples – The Pattadakal group of Temples are situated 97 km away from Hampi. The most prominent temple among a string of architectural wonders is the Virupaksha Temple. The Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal is a declared UNESCO world heritage site. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built around 740 AD. The Temple was constructed by Queen Lokamahdevi to commemorate the victory of her husband Vikramaditya over the Pallavas.

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