Virupaksha Temple
Believed to functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th century AD, Virupaksha temple is the oldest and the principal temple in Hampi. This is easily one of the oldest functioning temple in India as well..
This temple is located on the south bank of the river Tungabadra, just next to where the local bus drops you. This area in general has been an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva. Virupaksha temple is equally sort after by the tourists and pilgrims. The annual festivals attract huge crowds of both the types.
The very origin of Hampis history as a sacred place revolves around the myths associated with this temple. It believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th century AD.That makes this one of the oldest functioning temples in India. The original worship place was only a few separate humble shrines (believed to be as old as 7th century) housing the image of the god and the goddesses. Over the centuries the temple gradually expanded into a sprawling complex with many sub shrines, pillared halls, flag posts, lamp posts, towered gateways and even a large temple kitchen. You access the temples main entrance tower through the chariot street in front now popularly called the Hampi Bazaar.
This east facing giant tower (Gopura) leads you the first courtyard of the temple complex. This pastel painted 9 storied tower with a pair of cow horn like projections on top is the most prominent landmark in Hampi. The lower two tiers of the tower is made of decorated stone work.
Vitthala temple
The Vittala Temple is the grandest of all temples and monuments in Hampi. The temple embodies the vast creativeness and architectural excellence of the sculptors and artisans of the Vijayanagara era. The temple has traits and features that are characteristic of classic south Indian temples. The magnificence of the temple is unmatched by any other construction in Hampi and others of the era.
The Vittala temple complex is a sprawling area surrounded by high walls and three towering gateways. The temple complex has numerous halls, shrines and buildings located inside it. Each of these structures is made of stone and each structure is a beauty in itself.
The Vittala Temple in Hampi is the highlight of the beautiful town. The ancient monument is well-known for its extraordinary architecture and craftsmanship. One of the largest and the most famous monuments in Hampi, the temple lures visitors with its magnificent beauty. Located near the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the temple is sited in north eastern part of Hampi.
Lotus Palace
The Lotus Palace in Hampi is one of the most iconic landmarks in the town. Named so for the way the structure looks like a lotus in bloom, this palace was the designated area for the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire and is found within the Zenana Enclosure. Known widely as one of the few edifices in Hampi that was not lost either to the Mughal raids of the town or to the ravages of time, the Lotus Mahal stands tall in its courtyard.
Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple
Just 2 km away from the Virupaksha Temple is the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple built by the Dwaita Philosopher and the Rajguru of the Vijayanagara Empire, Sri Vyasaraja about 500 years ago. The Temple is the second most important shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Hampi.
It is said that Sri Vyasaraja used to draw a picture of Lord Hanuman on the rocks every day before offering prayers using charcoal and the picture used to disappear after the rituals used to be completed. The Yantrodharaka Temple is believed to be the place where Sri Ram and Hanuman had met for the first time during the Ramayana period. It is the first installation by Sri Vyasaraja amongst the other 732 Hanuman Idol installations. Located on the top of the hill and on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, a part of the river flows into the divine land known as Chakrateertha.
The famous Yantrodharaka Hanuman Stotram was written at the Temple and it is believed that the devotees here chant the sloka thrice a day for six months fulfilling one’s wish. The idol of Lord Hanuman available is in a meditative state and the idol revolves with a hexagonal amulet. The idol is enclosed by 12 monkey idols explaining 12 days of prayer. Fixed on the inside of the amulet are the seed syllables on which the great ascetic had once prayed. All this is designed on a single flat stone boulder which is about 8 feet in height.
Close to 5 minutes of walk from the Yantrodharaka Temple is a small temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa ( incarnation of Lord Vishnu ), an idol that has been sculptured by Sri Vyasaraja himself.
Coracle Ride
When in Hampi, you absolutely have to get hold of a coracle and ride in one. It is one of the few places in the country where you can get such an experience and we guarantee that it is going to be a lot of fun. You can rent a coracle at really economic rates and cross the rates in the ferry that looks exactly like the one in olden days. Coracle rides can be arranged for Rs. 50 or around that price and this is one of the most definitive experiences amongst things to do in Hampi. Coracle rides can be arranged at Tungabhadra River boating area, Sanapur Lake, or at Sanapur waterfalls.