The Kuduregombe Mantapa in Hampi is a prominent monument known for its architectural brilliance. The monument is situated near the Chariot Road, midway between the Gejjala Mantapa and the famous Vittala Temple.
This monument is one of the outstanding stone structures in Hampi. It is a remarkable structure that is visited by a large number of tourists on their Hampi trail.
Quick Facts
- Timing: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: No entry fee required
- Photography: Allowed
- Video Camera: Allowed
- Visit Duration: About 30 min
- Best time to visit: From November to February
History of Kuduregombe Mantapa, Hampi
The Kuduregombe Mantapa is a beautiful monument that was built during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was built as a temple dedicated to one of the Hindu Gods that were worshipped by the people of Hampi in that ancient era. The presence of a pedestal inside the sanctum sanctorum does indicate the presence of an idol during those ancient times.
However, the temple is in a ruined condition and is devoid of any idol now. Due to the absence of an idol in the sanctum sanctorum, it cannot be stated with conviction which God was worshipped in the temple in the past.
Uniqueness of Kuduregombe Mantapa, Hampi
The uniqueness of Kuduregombe Mantapa lies in the fact that its entrance has sculptures of horses with riders mounting them. The sculptures adorn the front pillars of the temple’s pavilion. This is a deviation from the entrances seen in most other temples of Hampi.
Normally, the temples in Hampi have sculptures of elephants or lions at the entrances. In fact, the Kuduregombe Mantapa has been named after these horse sculptures. This is due to the fact that in the local language, a horse is known as Kudure, and horse riders are known as Kuduregombe.
Architecture of Kuduregombe Mantapa, Hampi
Kuduregombe Mantapa is a monument that showcases lovely architectural fineness. The large rectangular structure has many ornate pillars inside the hall. The front pillars have exceptional carvings accomplished on blocks of stone. The inner pillars are designed simply. The inner sanctum sanctorum has just a pedestal on which the idol used to rest in the past. The beautiful temple structure has a unique appeal.
Present Condition of Kuduregombe Mantapa, Hampi
The Kuduregombe Mantapa is now in a semi-ruined state. The ceiling is no longer intact. Sunlight can be seen filtering through the broken portion of the ceiling during the daytime. The pedestal in the sanctum sanctorum wears a deserted look in the absence of the idol.
There is a pond located near the temple. It is presumed to have been a source of water for temple activities when the temple was functional in ancient times. But now the area wears a neglected look.
However, the monument still retains its charm among visitors even after 500 years.
How to reach Kuduregombe Mantapa
Kuduregombe Mantapa in Hampi is situated near the Chariot Road. It is easily accessible to visitors upon arrival in Hampi.
By Air
Hampi is an ancient ruined site with no airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the nearest town that has an airport. Ballary is approximately 64 km from Hampi. Visitors can reach Ballari by flying. They can then travel to Hampi by means of local transport.
By Rail
The village of Hampi has no railway station to call its own. The nearest railway station can be found in the town of Hosapete (Hospet). It has the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hosapete is situated at a distance of around 10 km from Hampi.
A simple way to reach Hampi from Hosapete is to take a bus. There are a few other means of local transport that can be availed by visitors to reach Hampi from Hosapete.
By Road
Hampi has a good road network. Due to this network, it is connected to many towns and cities of Karnataka. There are a number of buses that travel between Hampi and several towns and cities in Karnataka.
Visitors can opt to hire private cars, cabs, or other vehicles from big cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore) to travel to Hampi.
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