GET QUOTES

Locally known as Yeduru Basavanna or Nandi, this monolithic bull marks the east end of the Virupaksha Bazaar. The statue is housed in a twin storied pavilion built on an elevated platform. A heap of gigantic boulders behind the pavilion offers an interesting backdrop. Though partially mutilated and carved in a coarse style, this Nandi attracts visitors owing to its giant size.

Monolithic Bull pavilion Nandi is the mount of lord Shiva and it's symbolic that this one faces the Shiva shrine (Virupaksha Temple) located at the opposite end of the street, about a kilometer from it. At a little distance in front of the Nandi you can also spot a tall stone lamp post with metal spikes over it.

A flight of steps along the left side of the Nandi pavilion leads you to the Achyuta Raya's Temple located across the hill. Placed like a guard, the Monolithic bull in Hampi is a grand piece of architecture. The impressive and huge structure of the Monolithic bull is locally named as Yeduru Basavanna or Nandi. As per Hindu mythology, Nandi is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Contrary to its rough texture, the gigantic statue of Nandi attracts a lot of visitors. The statue of the Monolithic bull is placed just opposite to the Virupaksha temple in Hampi. The significance of the bull arises from the fact that the bull was the mode of transport that Lord Shiva took according to the Ramayana. Found towards the east end of the Virupaksha Bazaar, the sculpture is widely known for its massive stature. The sculpture is known to be over 500 years old and is amongst the most widely visited tourist attractions in Hampi.


History of Yeduru Basavanna, Hampi

 

The Yeduru Basavanna, also known as the monolithic bull of Hampi, dates back to the time of the Vijayanagara Empire. The impressive sculpture is believed to have been constructed by one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara kingdom during the peak of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The huge bull has been standing guard over Hampi for many centuries now. It has withstood the extensive destruction initiated by the Mughal attackers that led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara kingdom in 1565 A.D.

Throughout all the centuries it has stood solidly against the trials of weather and time. It is regarded as one of the most popular statues in Hampi.


Architecture of Yeduru Basavanna, Hampi

 

The giant bull or Nandi is an impressive sculpture. It has been carved out of a single gigantic boulder and has been chiselled in a simple manner. The impressive statue displays all its features of a bull prominently. Though it does not have the elaborate carvings found in most other sculptures of Hampi, it has a unique charm and attraction of its own. Interestingly, the statue of the bull faces the Virupaksha Temple that is situated at some distance from the statue. The Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The statue of the bull is placed in a sheltered and elevated platform that stands against the backdrop of huge boulders.


Important Information About Yeduru Basavanna

 

  • Timing: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM on all days of the week

  • Entry Fee: No entry fee required

  • Photography: Allowed

  • Video Camera: Allowed

  • Visit Duration: About 20 to 30 minutes

  • Best time to visit: From November to February


How to reach Yeduru Basavanna

 

Hampi is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. There are a number of ways to reach Hampi from various parts of Karnataka and beyond. The Yeduru Basavanna or monolith bull is an easily accessible spot in Hampi.

By Air- Hampi, the ruined village, does not have an airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the closest town that has an airport. Bellary is located at a distance of around 64 km from Hampi. Visitors can take a flight to the airport at Ballari and then proceed to travel to Hampi. There are several means of local transport to reach Hampi from Bellary.

By Rail- As Hampi does not have a railway station of its own, visitors can access the nearest railway station that is situated in the city of Hospet. It is called the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hospet is situated at a distance of around 10 km from Hampi.

One of the simplest ways to reach Hampi from Hospet is to take a bus.

A few other means of local transport are also there to reach Hampi from Hospet and visitors can avail them as well.

By Road- Hampi has a good road network. As such, it is well-connected to many towns and cities with the help of this network. There are a number of KSRTC buses that travel between Hampi and other towns and cities of Karnataka.

Visitors can opt to reach Hampi either by taking a bus or by hiring private cars, cabs or other vehicles from the major cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore).


OUR PACKAGES

image description

Leh Ladakh 16 Day Adventure Bike Tour from Delhi

from INR 100000

A bike trip to Leh-Ladakh is one of the things that many people aspire to experience at least once in their lifetime. Known to have the highest motorable road in the world, experience world's m

explore
whatsapp