District: Bellary
Town: Hospet
Temple: Vishnu Temple
This temple is situated on the way to the Vitthala Temple from Kamalapura.
Vishnu Temple – Overview
There are many temples dedicated to the various forms and avatars of Lord Vishnu in and around Hampi. This particular temple is a large and ruined granite structure. Unlike most Hindu temples, the temple tower is not decorated with a lot of carvings.
Except for a few icons carved on the lintel and a Yali on the tower, there are relatively few images on the tower and walls. There is a brick towered shrine next to this temple. This temple is located to the south of the Ahmed Khan Mosque.
Vishnu Temple – History
Hampi is a name that evokes pictures of beautiful temples amidst grand ruins, the legacy of one of the most magnificent empires to rule medieval India – the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vijayanagara kingdom (reputedly founded by the brothers Harahara (Hakka) and Buck), flourished for around two centuries, reaching its peak during the period of Krishnadevaraya.
It stood as a fortress against the invading Muslims and halted their progress into the south for a long period of time. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The rich history and cultural heritage of this empire can be seen all over South India. But nowhere is its magic more evident than in the ruins of Hampi. These grand ruins speak of a lost age, a period of rich cultural and architectural heritage that can be still seen in the ruins, the still standing temples and the restored monuments.
For Hindus, besides the cultural and religious significance of the temples here, it also has another special significance. For, traditionally, Hampi is believed to be the beautiful Kishkintha, the monkey kingdom described in the Ramayana.
How to Get to the Vishnu Temple
The nearest Railway station, Hospet is well connected through train routes. From Hospet, Hampi is just 13 km away. You can easily get a bus to Hampi from Hospet. The nearest airport is located near Hubli. The Vishnu temple is behind the Ahmed Khan mosque. It is situated behind a few privately owned plantations.
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