Badavilinga Temple is a wonderful temple in Hampi dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Hindu deity Shiva is worshipped as a Linga in this temple. The Badavilinga Temple is located near the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Tourists and devotees flock to the temple throughout the year.
Quick Facts
- Timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: No entry fee required
- Photography: Allowed
- Visit Duration: About 1 ½ hours
- Best time to visit: From November to February
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Significance of Badavilinga Temple, Hampi
The Badavilinga Temple in Hampi houses the largest monolithic Shiva Linga. The Shiva Linga has a three-eyed mark drawn on it in line carving. The three-eyed mark depicts the three eyes of Lord Shiva.
The beautiful Linga is made of black stone. It is 3 meters tall. It is believed that the temple has existed since the Vijayanagara Empire. Devotees come here from far and near to worship the Shiva Linga.
Legend Associated with Badavilinga Temple, Hampi
The name Badavilinga is a combination of two words – Badva and Linga. In the local language, Badva means poor, and Linga represents Shiva. Legend has it that the Shiva Linga placed inside the temple was commissioned by a poverty-stricken peasant woman. Hence, the temple came to be known as Badavilinga Temple.
Interesting Facts about Badavilinga Temple, Hampi
The huge Shiva Linga of the Badavilinga Temple is situated inside a small stone chamber. There is a single opening in front of the chamber through which devotees can get in. An interesting thing to note about the stone chamber’s design is that it has no ceiling. During the daytime, sunlight enters through the opening in the ceiling and floods the Shiva Linga with light.
The Shiva Linga has a large, circular pedestal. It is the yone pitha of the Shiva Linga. This circular pedestal draws into an outlet, also known as pranala. The pedestal of the Shiva Linga stands on a bed of water. This is because the shrine is always filled with water, as a water channel flows through it.
According to devotees, the base of the Shiva Lingam is submerged in water as it depicts the arrival of the holy river Ganges on earth, and its flow is controlled by Lord Shiva.
Present condition of Badavilinga Temple, Hampi
The Badavilinga Temple is a shrine that has not escaped the destruction that had befallen Hampi several centuries ago. However, the good part is that the Shiva Linga stands intact even today. The inner walls of the shrine, surrounding the Shiva Linga, have also escaped any severe damage.
Though the temple is a small, simple structure, it is a fascinating place to visit and see the large Shiva Linga.
The story of K.N. Krishna Bhat – The Priest of Hampi
Late K N Krishna Bhat was the picture of perseverance. The pandit recently passed away after spending the last 40 years worshipping the famous Narasimha idol in Hampi. His duties are now being carried out by his son, Raghava.
Krishna Bhat was born in 1935 and grew up in Kasaravalli. He went on to receive vaidik education at the Sharada Peetha in Sringeri. While he pursued priesthood, he also simultaneously ran a grocery shop.
In 1979, Krishna Bhat moved from the Teerthahalli taluk of Shivamogga to Hampi. He took over the reins of pooja at the Narasimha Temple from Lakshmi Narayan Bayar. He also served as a temporary priest at the Virupaksha Temple and other nearby areas.
The man was known to be independent in every sense of the word. He would start his day walking to the temple at daybreak and perform the Pooja and Abhisheka to the linga. He believed in making as much as he could – his coffee as well as his janivara, on his own.
According to this article, for his services he was paid a salary of Rs 300 per month and 25 kg of rice. This fee hasn’t changed in 1986. The temple is seen as a monument and not a ‘living temple’, which limits the salaries and support that may be offered. There is no state or central government support currently being offered. In fact, for the past two years, the priests have been spending their own money to meet daily pooja needs.
Krishna Bhat’s duties have now been taken over by his son, Raghava. Raghava is a tourist guide and fluent in French and Italian, but for now, Kannada and Sanskrit are the languages he works with.
How to reach Badavilinga Temple
Hampi is a renowned tourist destination. There are several ways to reach Hampi from various parts of Karnataka and beyond. Once a visitor reaches Hampi, they can reach the Badavilinga Temple with little difficulty, as it is easily accessible.
By Air
Hampi is a ruined village without an airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the closest town that has an airport. Ballari is located approximately 64 km from Hampi. Visitors can reach Ballari by flying to the small town, then travel to Hampi by local transport.
By Rail
Hampi does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is in Hosapete (Hospet), at Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hosapete is located about 10 km from Hampi. One of the easiest ways to reach Hampi from Hosapete is by bus. A few means of local transport also exist, and visitors can avail them to reach Hampi from Hosapete.
By Road
Hampi has a good road network and is well connected to many towns and cities. Several KSRTC buses travel between Hampi and other towns and cities in Karnataka. Visitors can reach Hampi by bus or by hiring private cars, cabs, or other vehicles from major cities such as Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore).
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