Sacred Center of Hampi

Hampi Sacred Center - The Sacred Center is a conglomerate of probably the oldest temples in South India.

The Virupaksha Temple: The sprawling Virupaksha Temple complex on the slopes of the Hemakunta Hill is dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be functional ever since it was built in the 7th century. The temple has grown in size since it was built, with new sub-shrines, gateways and pillars having been added by subsequent rulers.

The east facing gopuram with its wonderful art work opening up into the courtyard, the pillared hall added to the complex by Krishnadeva Raya in 1510 AD and the mural panel are some of the highlights of the temple.

The Virupaksha temple hosts annual festivals that draw pilgrims and tourists in large numbers.

Hampi Bazaar: The approach to the Virupaksha temple is lined with shops housed within the ancient two storied pavilions that were engaged in business in the past. Some of the structures also housed the nobles of that era. Along the street are other remnants – a large sized Nandi bull, an open platform now used for the annual Hampi festival with circular pillars, a block housing a primary school and the Achyuta Raya temple.

The Courtesans Street: This faces the Achyuta Raya temple, and believed to have been a market for ivory and semi-precious stones. Ruins of old stone pavements, unfinished and finished rows of pillars, a huge rectangular tank with a pavilion in its centre and the neighbouring Kodanda Rama temple and the Vittala temple are the major attractions at this site.

Sasivekalu Ganesha: This is an interesting 8 ft high figure of Lord Ganesha on the foothills of the Hemakunta Hill carved from a single piece of rock. As per the inscriptions at the pavilion, a patron of Narasimha II of the Vijayanagara Kingdom had this built in 1506 AD Also in the vicinity are the Kadalekalu Ganesha and the Vishnupada shrine.

Matanga Hill: This historic hill was chosen by Sugreeva as his hideout after being chased by his brother Vali, and where Lord Rama finally killed Vali. Lying at the heart of Hampi, Matunga Hill offers a panoramic view of the temples and monuments and is frequented by tourists to catch the sunrise and sunset.