Anjanadri Betta

Anjanadri betta was in my bucket list from quite some time. Though visited Hampi multiple times before, didn’t get a chance to visit Anjanadri betta. This time main intention of visiting Hampi was mainly to visit Anjanadri Betta.

Anjanadri betta is said to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Its around 30 Kms from Hospete & 3 Kms from Anegundi village.

Plan was to visit Anjanadri betta after 3.00 PM so that we can witness sunset also from here(very famous for sunset). After having lunch at Hospete, we headed towards Anjanadri betta and it took almost 1 hour for us to reach our destination. But after reaching there only we came to know that due to wild animal attack at this place, visitors are only allowed from 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM (this was temporary timings). So headed back to Hospete without climbing the hill.

Next day again we reached hill around 10.00 AM. There is a neat space for parking our vehicles roadside.

First look of Anjanadri betta from parking place.

We must climb about 500 steps the summit. The climb is quite easy, and the entire path is covered for shadow from the base all the way to the top. The view of river tungabhadra during climbing is quite cherishing. The hilltop gives heavenly feeling, refreshing cool breeze and beautiful surroundings.

There is a small temple for Lord Hanuman at top of the hill and won’t take more than 10 mins for Darshana. The place is well maintained and i think newly they built a viewpoint behind temple.

Though we could not witness sunset from here, we just walked around the hill. Spent some relaxing time around, clicked few pics.

We can see Sri Virupakshaswamy Temple from here 😊

We took another route to decline (there is another way to reach the hill but rarely used).

Finally, long awaited wish came true. Got a chance to visit the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

Hampi Zenana Enclosure

Once we explored Prasanna Virupaksha temple we headed towards Zenana enclosure, beautify of this place is we can reach out our next destination hardly with 10 minutes’ walk. The Zenana enclosure is located near the Royal Enclosure at Hampi. This was a fortified and secluded area reserved for the royal ladies of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The structures of the Zenana Enclosure are designed in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Zenana Enclosure has several structures such as the Lotus Mahal, Basement of the Queen’s Palace, Water Pavilion, Treasury Building and the Watch Towers. The major attraction inside the enclosure is the Lotus Mahal. Apart from this, there are remains of water pavilion with a decorated platform in the center and Elephant Stables. The Queen’s Palace is located at the middle of this area. This is the largest palace base excavated in the Hampi ruins so far. The Royal Treasury Building is a rectangular structure that is located in the north-western corner of the enclosure.

Lotus Mahal:

It is one of the fine architectural designed palaces that are commonly identified by its lotus look like structure. This glorious building is used by the royal women of Vijayanagara Dynasty.

Basement of Queen’s Palace:

The Queen’s Palace is a ruined structure that has only the basement as a proof of its existence. The basement is located in the centre of the Zenana Enclosure. The basement has an area of about 46 x 29 meters. It is the largest palace base excavated among the Hampi ruins so far.

Watch Towers:

Watch Tower is one of the security sources during the period of Vijayanagara Dynasty, it is specially meant for the guards to quarantine the Royal palace.

Elephant Stables:

The Elephant Stable in Hampi is an impressive structure that was used to provide shelter for the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The elephant stable is located in the area that lies just outside the Zenana Enclosure.

There is an entrance fee to enter this Zenana Enclosure, its Rs.30/- for Indians and no extra charges for still camera. To use Video camera we need to buy a ticket. To cover complete Zenana enclosure it will take close to 1 hour.

Hampi Prasanna Virupaksha (Underground Shiva) Temple

Prasanna Virupaksha temple is one of oldest temples in Hampi. Built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple is located near the main road to Hampi bus stand. After visiting Lakshmi Narasimha Temple visited Prasanna virupaksha temple.

About Temple: The Prasanna Virupaksha temple dates back to the 14th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple stands amidst a beautiful lawn covered in green.

The temple has remained buried for over four hundred years before it was discovered in the 1980’s decade. It is believed that Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya had donated extensively to this temple.

Prasanna Virupaksha Temple is also known as Underground Shiva Temple. The temple is dedicated to Prasanna Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple stands amidst a beautiful lawn covered in green. Temple was built many meters below the ground level hence, it is famous as Underground Shiva Temple.

The temple is believed to be a private shrine for the members of Vijayanagar Royal family only. The temple has remained buried for over four hundred years before it was discovered in the 1980’s. Prasanna Virupaksha Temple has a simple and elegant design. it has been constructed following the Vijayanagara style of architecture. It has the main hall (Maha Mantapa), Ardha Mantapa (courtyard), Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) along with antharala (a small hall leading to inner sanctum). Not many carvings can be seen on the pillars or inside the temple. However, it is believed that the shrine was used for private ceremonies. Prasanna Virupaksha Temple does not have a Gopura but consists of a flat roof. Visitors have to climb down the stairs to reach the temple from the entrance. The temple is surrounded by a lush green lawn and visitors can relax and enjoy their time at this place.

Temple is open for the visitors from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for this temple. No restriction on photography. It will take 30 minutes to 45 minutes to cover this temple.

Hampi Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

After exploring Krishna Temple headed towards Lakshmi Narasimha temple. Which is walk-able distance from Krishna temple.

About Lakshmi Narasimha Temple:

This magnificent monolithic lakshmi narasimha the fourth incarnation of lord vishnu stands at a height of 6.7 mts. It is one of the finest examples of Vijayanagara sculpture. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of adishesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The god sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees.

The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But this statue has been damaged seriously during the raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara. Even the damaged portion of such a large statue of Lakshmi carved on his lap is missing.

Lion face of Lakshmi Narasimha also sometimes called as Unganarasimha (the ferocious Narasimha)

Badavilinga Temple:

This is the largest Linga image in Hampi. Located next to the Lakshmi Narasimha statue the Linga is housed inside a chamber with an opening in the front. A close look on this icon can reveal three eyes (depicting the three eyes of Shiva) carved on it. Legend has it that this was commissioned by a peasant woman and hence the name (Badva means poor in local tongue).

The sanctum in which the Linga is installed is always filled with water as a water channel is made to flow through it.

Both Lakshmi Narasimha & Badavi Linga shrines can be visited together.

Photography allowed and no entrance fees to visit.

Hampi Krishna Temple

This temple was built by Krishnadevaraya in 1513 AD to celebrate victory over Udayagiri (Orissa).

This is one of the must-see sites in Hampi. The carvings are especially spectacular with the Yalis (the mythical lion) on the pillars and the entrances to the temple hall flanged with impressive carvings of elephant railings.

The main tower at the east is an impressive sight with numerous carvings on it (now the tower is under restoration work). You can see the carvings of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu in this temple. This is one of the few temples where the epic stories carved on the walls of the tower. This is fairly an intact specimen of a Vijayanagara era temple.

The main temple hall The main road to Hampi passes through the temple campus. You can spot a small pavilion with a rectangular stone container in front of the temple across the road. This was used to store grains for the ritual purpose in the temple festivals. The position and design of the vessel suggests devotees used to donate food grain as offering at the temple.

The long pavilions were shops in the market street. . Said to be one of the ancient bazaars, where traders from across the country sold their wares, it is amazing to see how well planned it was, and how much of it survives after centuries.

Hampi Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha temple is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra river at Hampi. Built during the 7th century, the beautiful architecture and history of the temple have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and one of the 2 most important sites in the Hampi.

The temple is still funcational and is one the oldest living temples of Inida. The main entrance is though the East Gopuram, there’s a stand for shoes and the ticket counter near the entrance.

One should not miss to view the inverted shadow of the main tower falls on a wall inside the temple.

Once we come out of South Gopuram we can see a beautiful Kalyani.

Timing: Virupaksha Temple complex is open between 9 AM till 1 PM and 5 PM till 9 PM.

How to reach Hampi:

Hampi is 350 kms from Bengaluru and can be reached via road, rail or air. Vidyanagar airport (Code: VDY) is the closest airport (40 kms from Hampi) and has daily flights from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Once in Hampi, Vijaya Vittala temple can be reached by hiring a taxi, renting a bike or bicycle. Electric carts are available at select attractions.

Hosapete is the nearest railway station (15 kms from Hampi). Several buses are available from Bengaluru to reach Hampi.

Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple

After having darshana at Mantralayam we headed towards Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple which is around 20 Kms from Mantralayam, Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple is situated at Panchamukhi in Karnataka, on the other side of River Tungabhadra. Panchamukhi is said to be the place where Raghavendra Swamy has performed meditation for 12 years before settling in Mantralaya. This is an important pilgrimage site for devotees visiting Mantralayam.

It is said that Panchamukha Anjaneya, Kolhapur Mahalakshmi, Lord Venkateswara and Lord Vishnu as Varaha appeared to Raghavendra Swamy at this location after his meditation. This famous five headed Anjaneya Temple is situated on a hillock and is very ancient. The idol of the Hanuman is believed to be self incarnated on a huge rock.

This place attracts large crowd during special days and Hanuman Jayanthi. Several devotees who visit Mantralayam pay a visit to the Hanuman temple here. Few shops near the temple sell food & drinks. There is a huge rock formation on eastern side of the temple in the shape of a bed and pillow.

Buses and private vehicles run regularly to this place from Mantralayam at affordable prices.

Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM (Sun – Fri). 6 AM – 8 PM on Saturday.

Here also darshana was quick, hardly it took 30 mins time for darshana. Spent some time around the temple and headed towards hospete.