Temples in Hampi (Vijaynagar)

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Vitthala Temple

This very ornate 16th century temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, after the Deity in Pandharpur. It is on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra. It has musical pillars, which make different sounds when struck. On this temple there are sculptures of Varaha and other incarnations of Lord Vishnu. In the hall there arc pillars decorated with various carved forms of Narasimha. It is considered to be the most outstanding temple in Hampi. It was never finished because the city was destroyed in 1565, before it could be completed. This temple is a World Heritage Monument (one of three in South India).

Virupaksha Temple or Pampapati

This temple is located at the end of Hampi Bazaar. It is dedicated to 'Virupaksha (Siva). Pampapati mean Siva as the husband of the local river goddess Pampa. It was mainly built in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Bristappaiah Gopuram, over the main gate, is 10 stories or 52m (165 feet) high. There is a large tank next to the temple. This temple is still used for worship. Worship has been going on here for at least 500 years

Hampi Bazaar to Vltthala Temple

From the Virupaksha Temple, you walk east the length of Hampi Bazaar. At the end of the bazaar, there is a path that goes to your left roughly following the riverbank.


There is a natural cavern marked with painted stripes where Sugriva is said to have hidden the jewels that Sita dropped after Ravana abducted her. The nearby pool is also supposed to have something to do with Sita.

On your way, you pass the deserted Sule Bazaar. At the southern end is the Achyutaraya Temple, which has musical pillars.

At the Kodandaram (bow-bearing Rama) Temple there are large Deities of Sita, Rama, and Laksman. It is opposite the bathing ghat. This is said to be the place where Rama crowned Sugriva as the monkey king. There is a temple cart in the Sri Ranganath Temple complex.


The King's Balance (Tula Purushadana) is a granite arch, 15 feet high and 12 feet across, which was built as a scale. On certain festival days the king would weigh himself and then distribute his weight in gold and jewels to the Brahmins. This is located close to the Vitthala Temple.