• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • INDIA
  • Thailand
  • Bali
  • Maldives
  • Sri Lanka
  • Malaysia
  • Youtube Channel
  • About
  • Contact Us

World Ghoomo

World Travel Destinations

Hampi Sacred Centre – Group 2 – Hemakuta Hill | Virupaksh Temple | Sasivekalu Ganapati | Kadlekalu

December 4, 2017 by sarita

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the Tungabhadra river in Karnataka’s Bellary district. Hampi in the 14th Century, was declared as the capital of the glorious Vijayanagar empire and was the largest & richest cities in the World.
Hampi Tourism Virupaksha TempleHampi Tourism Virupaksha Temple
 
The Vijayanagar kings created a number of beautiful huge temples which were marvels of architecture. The Mughul invasion destroyed the city and demolished all the structures. The Ruins of Hampi, as it’s known today, is a huge open museum of religion, architecture and on display.
 

HAMPI ATTRACTIONS

Along with the surreal landscape, Hampi houses one of the oldest functioning temple not just in Hampi but in India as well – The Virupaksha Temple.
 

HAMPI RUINS

The Hampi ruins can be broadly grouped into 2 categories – The Sacred Centre & the Royal Centre. 
In part – 1 post/video, we gave you an overview of Hampi – it’s history, location and other useful information. We recommend you to watch and read part 1 post/video before watching this one so that it’s easier to understand this part.
 

WATCH VIDEO – Hampi Sacred Centre – Group 2

 

The Sacred Centre of Hampi

The Sacred Centre in Hampi is where most of the temple and religiously significant sites are located. We have further categorized Hampi Sacred Centre into 4 groups based on its proximity and each requires about 2 hours to explore.
In this post/video, we will cover the major Hampi tourist attractions that come under Group 2 of the Sacred Centre. All the sites are very close to each other.
 
We will cover –
  • Sasivekalu Ganapati
  • Kadlekalu Ganapati
  • Hemakuta Hill
  • Virupaksh Temple
  • Hampi Bazaar
  • Monolithic Nandi (way to Achutaraya temple)

How to Reach Hampi ?

From Bangalore to Hospet – 375 kms
From Hospet to Kamlapur – 12 Kms
 
Hampi can be reached by road, rail or air. However, road is the most preferred option. Hospet, a small town located about 12 kilometers from Hampi is the nearest railway station and has a bus stop too. It’s an overnight journey from Bangalore, Goa & Hyderabad and can be reached by car, bus or train.
From Hospet hire an auto-rickshaw or catch the local bus and in about 30 minutes you would be at the centre of Hampi.
 

How to Reach Group 2 Sites ?

From Kamlapur – 6 Kms
 

Time Required to Explore these sites in Hampi ?

2 hrs
 

How to Tour?

You can hire motorbikes and bicycles to cover a wider area, The local three wheeled taxi (Auto-rickshaw) or car is also available for hire at the site.
 

Sasivekalu Ganapathi

At a walkable distance from the main Hampi bus-stand, situated at  the foothills of Hemakuta hills is a giant Monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha called the Sasivekalu Ganesha. The statue of Sasivekalu Ganesha was built in 16th century by a mustard seeds merchant in memory of King Narsimha, the second of the second of the Vijayanagara Empire. Sasivekalu in Kannada means Mustard , hence the name of the statue.
Sasivekalu Ganapathi HampiSasivekalu Ganapathi Hampi
 
This 8 feet tall statue of lord Ganesh is seated in a half-lotus posture on an open mantap with square pillars all around.
Sasivekalu Ganesha statue has four hands, the upper right hand has a goad and the broken tusk is held in the lower right hand. The upper left hand has a noose and the lower left hand is broken and it has a sweet.
 
Sasivekalu Ganesha HampiSasivekalu Ganesha Hampi
 
You can see a beautifully carved snake around the Lord’s pot belly. It is believed that Lord Ganesh once ate a lot of food and to save himself from a belly explosion, he found a snake and quickly tied it around his cute belly. This temple was open for worship to the common citizens. 
 

Kadlekalu Ganapati

Another huge Ganesha Temple a bit North of Sasivekalu Ganesha called the Kadlekalu Ganesha was exclusive to the Royal family.
This 15 feet tall statue of Lord Ganesh was carved out of a huge boulder.  The belly of this statue resembles a Bengal gram in local language called Kadalekalu. Hence, the name.
 
There is an open porch  with slender long pillars right in front of the Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple. A sanctum is built around the statue with a pillared hall right in front.
 

Hemakuta Hill & Hemakuta group of Temples

The Sasivekalu Ganesha and Kadelekalu Ganesha are located on the southern foothill of the Hemakuta Hill. While it is not a tall hill, the Hemakuta Hill is one of the main attractions in Hampi offering spectacular Sunset views.
 
Hemakuta Hill group of TemplesHemakuta Hill & Hemakuta Group of Temples
 
The Hemakuta hill is just a 15 minute climb from the foothills of the Kadelekalu Ganesha. The top of the hill is a flat expanse of rocky sheet. A large number of temples, archways and pavilions referred to as Hemakuta group of temples are built on the hill. 
 
Most of the Hemakuta group of temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are among the oldest cluster of temples in Hampi belonging to the era before the Vijayanagara Empire. The architecture of these temples are different from Vijayanagara style architecture. These are compact triple chambered structures with pyramid like roofs made from granite.
 
There are over  35 temples on the Hemakuta Hill. The Mughal invasion has destroyed quite a number of temples while some are in comparatively better condition. The Virupaksha temple can be seen from the North side of the hill  offering a bird’s eye view of the temple complex. From here, we climb down the hill and proceed towards the Virupaksha Temple.
 

Virupaksha Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiv, Virupaksha Temple is believed to be functioning ever since it’s construction in the 7th century A.D making it one of the oldest functioning temple not just in Hampi but in India as well.
Virupaksha Temple Hampi KarnatakaVirupaksha Temple Hampi Karnataka
 
The first thing that you will notice about this temple is 165 feet tall Gopuram or the entrance making it the second highest in India, the first being that in the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. The huge Gopuram leads you the first courtyard of the temple complex with a lot of open space. This courtyard houses a pillared hall called 100-column hall at the far left corner and a Kalyana Mantapa at the far right corner. It also has administrative offices, ticket counter &  a police outpost.
 
Virupaksha Temple Hampi Karnataka GopuramVirupaksha Temple Hampi Karnataka Gopuram
 
Further forward you will enter another gopuram that leads to the second courtyard. Just before entering through the gopuram towards  left is a shoe safekeeping and a ticket counter. As you enter the inner complex you will see  the temple of the other end with long pillared corridors on the either sides of the huge empty space. In the middle of the empty space, you will see a sanctum with 4 nandi statues in it facing the entrance of the main Shiv Temple. Photography is not allowed beyond this point.
 

Hampi Bazaar

When you come out from the Virupaksha temple main gopuram, towards the left side of the lane is Hampi Bazaar also called as Virupaksha Bazaar.
There are numerous shops lined on both sides of the lanes, selling colourful artifacts, gypsy clothes, lambani handicrafts and musical instruments that you can buy. 
 

Monolithic Nandi 

A huge monolithic Nandi, the mount of lord shiv facing the Virupaksha Temple is located on the opposite end of the street in front of the Virupaksha temple.
The nandi statue is housed in a double storied pavilion built on an elevated platform. 
Monolithic Nandi Virupaksha Temple HampiMonolithic Nandi Virupaksha Temple Hampi
 
A number of huge boulders behind the statue add an interesting backdrop.  Towards the left side of the pavilion, a number of steps takes you to the Achutaraya’s temple which is on the other side of the hill.
We will cover Achutaraya’s temple in Hampi Sacred Centre – Group 3 post. 
 
So that was all about the Hampi attractions that come under group 2 of the sacred centre.
I hope you found this post/video useful. Subscribe our channel India Ghoomo for more travel videos. Thanks for watching.

Hampi Travel Tips:

  • Carry some snacks and a water bottle while touring around in Hampi
  • While photography is allowed at almost all the places, there are a couple of sites which require special permission.
  • Don’t miss the sunset from Hemakuta Hills
  • Monopods and tripods are not allowed at most of the sites
  • Hampi maps are easily available. It’s recommended to buy a copy
  • Photography is not allowed inside the Virupaksha Temple main sanctum.

Hampi Ruins KarnatakaHampi Ruins Karnataka

SHARE IT ON
TwitterFacebookGoogle+BufferPin It

Filed Under: Hampi Tourism Tagged With: hampi, India, Karnataka, pilgrimage

Related Posts

Nubra Valley Travel Guide
Nubra Valley Travel Guide | Everything You Need To Know
Vande Bharat Express on Delhi-Katra route to Begin from October 2019
Vande Bharat Express on Delhi-Katra route to Begin from October 2019
Rudra Cave - Kedarnath Booking in Uttarakhand
Rudra Cave – Kedarnath, is the New tourist Attraction in Uttarakhand | How to Book

Thekkady Travel Guide | Everything You Need to Know
Wayanad Travel Guide
Wayanad Travel Guide | How to Explore Wayanad in 2 Days
Bikaner Travel Guide - Rajasthan
Rajasthan – Bikaner Travel Guide | Things to Do

Primary Sidebar

Bali Travel

Banyumala Twin Waterfall Bali

Banyumala Waterfall in Bali | Bali Attractions

Bali Bird Park

Bali Bird Park Guide | Everything You Need to Know

Tibumana Waterfall Bali

Bali Waterfalls – “Tibumana Waterfall” the Best Waterfall in Bali

Bali Itinerary 10 days

Bali Travel Guide – 10 Days Bali Travel Itinerary | Bali Maps

Ubud Monkey Forest Bali

Ubud Monkey Forest Attractions | Bali Wildlife Experience

Bali Reptile Park Guide

Bali Reptile Park Guide | What Not To Miss

Bali Waterfalls Nungnung waterfall

Nungnung Waterfall in Bali | Bali Attractions

Bali Travel Guide - For First Timers Traveling to Bali

Bali Travel Guide – For First Timers Traveling to Bali

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Bali Unesco

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in BALI | Bali Attractions | Things to Do

More Bali Travel Posts

Thailand Travel

Khao Sok National Park Travel Guide Thailand

Khao Sok National Park TRAVEL GUIDE

Apart from the stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and breathtaking landscapes, Thailand is also popular for it’s alluring tropical rainforests. There […]

Hong Islands Tour Guide - world ghoomo

Hong Islands Tour Guide | Hong Island – Lading – Phak Bia | Thailand

  Krabi is a popular and most preferred starting point for the various island hopping tours in Thailand. The alluring […]

James Bond Island Tour Thailand

James Bond Island Tour Guide | What to Expect | Thailand

From Pristine beaches and gleaming turquoise waters to fascinating caves and lush rainforests, Thailand has a lot to offer. Out […]

Krabi 4 Islands Tour

4 Islands Tour OR 7 Islands Sunset Cruise ? Krabi Guide

With some of the worlds most alluring islands – Krabi, Thailand is famous for its island hopping tours. Out of […]

7 Islands Sunset Cruise Krabi

7 Islands Sunset Cruise | Krabi Guide

Located on Thailand’s southern west coast, Krabi is home to more than a hundred offshore islands. One can visit the […]

More Thailand Travel posts

Footer

Site Information

  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 World Ghoomo