The Kuduregombe Mantapa in Hampi is a prominent monument known for its architectural brilliance. The monument is situated near the Chariot Road, in an area that lies 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.
Horse pillars at entrance to water tank in Hampi by Dinesh Kannambadi
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 beautify the front pillars of the pavilion of the temple. This is a deviation from the entrances seen in most other temples of Hampi.
Normally the temples is 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 in a simple manner. 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 about it.
Present Condition of Kuduregombe Mantapa, Hampi
The Kuduregombe Mantapa is in a semi-ruined state now. The ceiling is no longer an intact structure. Sunlight can be seen filtering through the broken portion of the ceiling during the daytime. The pedestal inside the sanctum sanctorum wears a deserted look due to the absence of the idol.
There is a pond located near the temple. It is presumed that it used to be a source of water for the temple activities when the temple was functional in the ancient time. But now the area wears a neglected look.
However, the monument still retains its charm among visitors even after 500 years of its creation.
How to reach Kuduregombe Mantapa
Kuduregombe Mantapa in Hampi is situated near the Chariot Road. It can be easily reached by visitors when they arrive in Hampi.
By Air
Hampi is an ancient ruined area that has no airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the nearest town that has an airport. Ballary is situated at a distance of around 64 km from Hampi. Visitors can reach Ballari by taking a flight. 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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