Temple

The Vittala Temple also known as Shri Vijaya Vitthala Temple dedicated to Lord Vitthala is loacted in the famous historical town of Hampi, Karnataka. The Temple is situated at the end of the ruined Vittala Bazaar and can be easily reached easily from all parts of Hampi. The renowned Vittala Temple dates back to the 15th century. It was built during the reign of King Devaraya II (1422 - 1446 A.D.), one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Several portions of the temple were expanded and enhanced during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 - 1529 A.D.), the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Legend

Krishnadevaraya (1509 - 1529 A.D.), the most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty. He played a significant role in giving the monument its present look.
Legend has it that the temple was built as an abode for Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form. However, the Lord had found the temple to be too grand for his use and had returned to live in his own humble home.

Architecture

The Vittala Temple is presumed to be the grandest of all temples and monuments in Hampi. The temple exemplifies the immense creativity and architectural excellence possessed by the sculptors and artisans of the Vijayanagara era.The Vittala temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. It has traits and features that are characteristic of typical south Indian temple architecture. It is believed that the main shrine of the temple originally had one enclosed Mantapa. An open Mantapa was added to it in the year 1554 A.D.The temple complex is a sprawling area that is surrounded by high compound walls and three towering gateways. The temple complex has many halls, shrines and pavilions located inside it. Each of these structures is made of stone and each structure is a beauty in itself.Notable among these structures are the shrine of the Goddess (also known as Devi shrine), Maha Mantapa or main hall,Ranga Mantapa, Kalyana Mantapa, Utsava Mantapa and the famous Stone Chariot. The Maha Mantapa or main hall of the Vittala Temple is situated in the inner courtyard of the temple complex. The Vittala Temple Complex has the richly sculpted Stone Chariot, which is considered to be the most stunning architecture of the Vijayanagara kingdom. The Stone Chariot or Ratha stands in the courtyard of temple and is actually a shrine that has been designed in the shape of an ornamental chariot dedicated to Garuda. The Ranga Mantapa is one of the main attractions of the Vittala Temple. The large mantapa is renowned for its 56 musical pillars. These musical pillars are also known as SAREGAMA pillars, indicating the musical notes emitted by them when the pillars are tapped gently.

Picture Courtresy : karnataka.com, indianholiday.com

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM
Morning pooja and Harathi at 8:30 A.M
Aarchana starts from 9:00 A.M onwards

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing is preferred.

Famous Festival

Radha sapthami
Vykunta eekadashi

Culture

Hampi is one of finest historical sites of ancient age in the world. It was the initial capital city of famous historical Vijayanagara Empire located on the bank of Tungabhadra River about 11 km away from Hospet City. Hampi is a small location covered an area of 25 sq. km. and it is totally bounded by mountains by the three sites and rest one site is bordered by Tungabhadra River.

Temple Rituals

Morning pooja and Harathi at 8:30 A.M
Aarchana starts from 9:00 A.M onwards

Additional Info