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The Vittala Temple is in Hampi, Karnataka. The temple is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and stands as a testimony to the exve Vijayanagara kingdom, once one of the greatest Indian lineages of great kings and rulers. It is on the southern banks of the river Tungabhadra. Many people visit this temple, and It attracts a lot of people across the globe.

It is believed that the Sanskrit word Pampa, was changed into Hampa, which later became Hampi. There is a river, Pampa, which flows near the temple. Goddess Parvati was also called Pampa Devi. Since Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, he was called Pampapathi. Lord Vittala is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who is also worshipped as Lord Krishna. This temple is even believed to be visited by Sage Adisankara who was a great sage and introduced many reforms in Hinduism.

The Hampi Festival in December is one of the biggest events. Purandaradasa Aradhana is a classical music festival to commemorate the Sage Purandaradasa, who was also a great singer and poet. Other important festivals are Deepavali, Maha Shivaratri and Makar Sankranti. The current structure is a specimen of great architecture and the grand life of Kings like Krishnadevaraya. However, this temple is considered more like a monument than a place of worship.

As the epicenter of Hampi's attractions, Vittala Temple is the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. No amount of words can explain this spectacle. The temple is built in the form of a sprawling campus with compound walls and gateway towers. There are many halls, pavilions and temples located inside this campus. Vittala, after whom the temple is known, is a form of lord Vishnu. This aspect of Vishnu was worshiped in this part of the country as their cult deity by the cattle herds. The highlight of Vittala temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone chariot. The halls are carved with an overwhelming array of sculptures on the giant granite pillars. The stone chariot located inside the campus is almost an iconic structure of Hampi.


Architecture

 

The Vittala Temple is presumed to be the grandest of all temples and monuments in Hampi. The temple exemplifies the immense creativity and architectural excellence possessed by the sculptors and artisans of the Vijayanagara era.

The Vittala temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. It has traits and features that are characteristic of typical south Indian temple architecture. It’s elaborate and artistic carvings and magnificent architecture is unmatched by any other structure found in Hampi.

It is believed that the main shrine of the temple originally had one enclosed Mantapa. An open Mantapa was added to it in the year 1554 A.D.

The temple complex is a sprawling area that is surrounded by high compound walls and three towering gateways. The temple complex has many halls, shrines and pavilions located inside it. Each of these structures is made of stone and each structure is a beauty in itself.

Notable among these structures are the shrine of the Goddess (also known as Devi shrine), Maha Mantapa or main hall (also known as Sabha Mantapa or congregation hall), Ranga Mantapa, Kalyana Mantapa (marriage hall), Utsava Mantapa (festival hall), and the famous Stone Chariot.


History

 

The renowned Vittala Temple dates back to the 15th century. It was built during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 – 1446 A.D.), one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 – 1529 A.D.), the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty. He played a significant role in giving the monument its present look.

The Vittala Temple is also known as Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vitthal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. An idol of Vitthala-Vishnu was enshrined in the temple. Legend has it that the temple was built as an abode for Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form. However, the Lord had found the temple to be too grand for his use and had returned to live in his own humble home.


Important Information About Vijaya Vittala Temple

 

  • Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on all days of the week
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee required
  • Photography: Allowed
  • Video camera: Allowed
  • Visit Duration: About 3 hours
  • Best time to visit: From November to February

How To Reach

 

By Air: The Bellary airport is the nearest airport to Hampi. The airport receives only domestic flights from major cities, with regular flights from Bengaluru. The airport is located approximately 64 km away from Hampi.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is the Hospet Junction, which is around 10 km away from Hampi. The railway station is connected to all the major towns and cities across the state and to a few places across the country.

By Road: One of the best ways to reach Hampi is by road. The place has excellent connectivity by roads. The KSRTC and KSTDC offer plenty of package tours that start from Bengaluru.


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