Yeduru Basavanna or Eduru Basavanna is a huge sculpture of a monolithic bull. It is located at the east end of the Virupaksha Bazaar in Hampi. The sculpture is known and admired for its astonishing size.
The simple sculpture has been standing in Hampi for more than 500 years now. It is one of the prominent sculptures in the ruined town of Hampi and is a huge attraction among the tourists.
Monolithic Bull (Yeduru Basavanna) at east end of Virupaksha Bazaar, Hampi. Photographer Manikanteswar Madala
Quick Facts
- Timing: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM on all days of the week
- Entry Fee: No entry fee required
- Photography: Allowed
- Video Camera: Allowed
- Visit Duration: About 20 to 30 minutes
- Best time to visit: From November to February
History of Yeduru Basavanna, Hampi
The Yeduru Basavanna, also known as the monolithic bull of Hampi, dates back to the time of the Vijayanagara Empire. The impressive sculpture is believed to have been constructed by one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara kingdom during the peak of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The huge bull has been standing guard over Hampi for many centuries now. It has withstood the extensive destruction initiated by the Mughal attackers that led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara kingdom in 1565 A.D.
Throughout all the centuries it has stood solidly against the trials of weather and time. It is regarded as one of the most popular statues in Hampi.
Mythology Related to Yeduru Basavanna, Hampi
The monolithic bull of Hampi represents Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva. Nandi is also considered to be the gatekeeper of Lord Shiva. As such, Nandi is a much revered entity among the Hindus. This belief has paved the way for the monolithic bull to be considered as a sacred or holy sculpture in Hampi.
As per local legend, Yeduru Basavanna was regarded as the guard and protector of Hampi during the ancient times.
Architecture of Yeduru Basavanna, Hampi
The giant bull or Nandi is an impressive sculpture. It has been carved out of a single gigantic boulder and has been chiselled in a simple manner. The impressive statue displays all its features of a bull prominently. Though it does not have the elaborate carvings found in most other sculptures of Hampi, it has a unique charm and attraction of its own. Interestingly, the statue of the bull faces the Virupaksha Temple that is situated at some distance from the statue. The Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The statue of the bull is placed in a sheltered and elevated platform that stands against the backdrop of huge boulders.
Present Condition of Yeduru Basavanna, Hampi
The monolith bull is among those few structures in Hampi that was not ruined during the attack on the Vijayanagara Kingdom by the Mughals in 1565 A.D. However, the structure could not escape the clutches of time and weather completely.
Today the structure is in a semi-ruined condition. Though crude in its form and appearance, the monolith bull is a huge draw for tourists who visit Hampi.
How to reach Yeduru Basavanna
Hampi is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. There are a number of ways to reach Hampi from various parts of Karnataka and beyond. The Yeduru Basavanna or monolith bull is an easily accessible spot in Hampi.
By Air
Hampi, the ruined village, does not have an airport of its own. Ballari (Bellary) is the closest town that has an airport. Ballary is located at a distance of around 64 km from Hampi. Visitors can take a flight to the airport at Ballari and then proceed to travel to Hampi. There are several means of local transport to reach Hampi from Ballari.
By Rail
As Hampi does not have a railway station of its own, visitors can access the nearest railway station that is situated in the city of Hosapete (Hospet). It is called the Hospet Junction Railway Station. Hosapete is situated at a distance of around 10 km from Hampi.
One of the simplest ways to reach Hampi from Hosapete is to take a bus.
A few other means of local transport are also there to reach Hampi from Hosapete and visitors can avail them as well.
By Road
Hampi has a good road network. As such, it is well-connected to many towns and cities with the help of this network. There are a number of KSRTC buses that travel between Hampi and other towns and cities of Karnataka.
Visitors can opt to reach Hampi either by taking a bus or by hiring private cars, cabs or other vehicles from the major cities like Bengaluru (Bangalore) or Mysuru (Mysore).
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