The Vittala Temple Hampi Karnataka, is proof of medieval India’s rich culture and great architectural skill. Set among the ancient expanse of Hampi, this famous temple is known as the best part of the Vijayanagara Empire drawing in visitors from all over the world. Its detailed style, and timeless beauty make i͏t a must-see place for travelers. Known for its world famous stone chariot, musical pillars, and fine detail intricate carvings – the Vittala Temple is an unique mix of art, culture and spirituality. The exquisite stone chariot is cut out completely from hard granite and stands as a mark of prolific architecture of the era’s people.
The musical pillars, found in the temple’s Mantapas, produce musical notes mimicing different musical instruments when softly touched. Every pillar, mantapa share tales of faith, stories, and the greatness of Vijayanagara Empire.
Who built the Vittala Temple Hampi Karnataka?
The Temple was made during the reign of King Devaraya II, a prolific builder and general, in the first half of the 15th century. The temple then grew under King Krishnadevaraya, showing the wealth and architecture of this great era. A remarkable development for Hampi arrived with Krishnadevaraya’s expedition to Cuttack in 1513, when he visited the famous Sun Temple of Konark. He returned back with the inspiration of the Konark temple’s chariot and had it built in a limited form of the famous stone chariot of Hampi.
Even with the passing of time and attacks, the Vittala Temple Hampi Karnataka still mesmerizes visitors with its stunning carvings, and architecture. If you’re a history fan, a building lover or a traveler the Vittala Temple Hampi, Karnataka promises an big journey into India’s bright past.
Pathbeat’s Digital Guide to Hampi and Vittala Temple
Here is a brief note. If you are visiting Hampi, and looking for guides or comprehensive resources to help you make the most out of your visit, do explore our digital guide to Hampi here.
Our guide covers 13 monuments of Hampi, including the Vittala temple, more than 40 web stories covering different aspects of the temple and about 7 videos that describe the history of Hampi in story telling videos.
The total content is nearly 2 hours and will help you understand Hampi, tour through the different monuments of the town.
Additionally our guide contains ground level practical information like information on amenities, their locations such as parking lots, rest rooms, restaurants, timings, ticket information etc. All of these together will make your visit to Hampi memorable and easy. Here is a quick introduction to Pathbeat’s guide to Hampi.
The complete guide can be purchased at Rs. 499. Individual monuments may also be purchased at monument specific prices.
Who is Lord Vittala?
Lord Vittala, also called Vithoba or Panduranga, is a much loved god in Hinduism. He is mostly worshipped in Maharashtra and Northern Karnataka. He is a form of Lord Vishnu, Lord Vittala shows kindness, and approachability, showing the traits of faith and ease. He is often shown standing on a brick with hands on his hips in a stance named Samabhanga, meaning he is ready to connect with followers. Key to the Warkari Bhakti movement in Maharashtra, Lord Vittala is honored through bhajans by Purandardas and a number of other saints such as Namdev, who focused on love͏ and faith instead of rules.
It is believed, Lord Vishnu came to Pandharpur to see his follower Pundalik. Pundalik at the time was helping his folks. He asked Vishnu to kindly wait on a brick while he served his parents — a sign that shows how duty matters along with spirit. Vishnu was much pleased with Pandulik’s dedication.
The main temple dedicated to Lord Vittala is in Pandharpur in Maharashtra. In Karnataka, the Vittala Temple at Hampi, was made during the Vijayanagara Empire. It is possible the legendary Purandardas may have had spent much time in the temple here, given his devotion to Lord Vittala.
History of Vittala Temple in Hampi
The Vittala Temple Hampi Karnataka stand͏s as a lasting proof of the greatness of the Vijayanagara Empire, built in 15th century under reign of King Devaraya II.
It is not only a spiritual place but also a center for art and culture. Its style and architecture show the richness of the artisans of the Vijayanagara empire. There is little reason to doubt the achievements and skills of the empire from the era.
The temple grew a lot with the help from Emperor Krishnadevaraya, the best-known ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. Famous for his love and care for art and traditions, Krishnadevaraya added a lot to the Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, and further enhanced it into a work of great skill in those times. In his time, the temple thrived as a spot for religious-cultural events and royal meetings. However, the 16th-century Talikota invasion caused the destruction of Hampi, as well as this temple. It is believed that the idol of the deity was saved by the locals and taken from here to save from destruction.
Yet, even today, the Vittala Temple holds its grand beauty, with its famous stone chariot, detailed carvings and amazing music pillars still drawing in visitors today. As a UNESCO World Heritage Spot, the Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, remains a sign of India’s deep past and design skill, drawing tourists worldwide to see its never-ending gift.
READ MORE: All about the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi
Architectural Brilliance of Vittala Temple Hampi Karnataka
1. The Famous Stone Chariot: A Wonder at Vittala Temple
The Stone Chariot at the Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, is a lasting sign of the architecture of the Vijayanagara Rule. This famous structure, found in the temple is a proof of India’s amazing artistic heritage. Chiseled all from granite, the Stone Chariot is a lovely image of a moving chariot.
It is actually house to Garuda, the holy vahana of Lord Vittala, is a form of Lord Vishnu. The chariot keeps an idol of Garuda in its carefully made recess. The chariot has designs that show sky beings, flower shapes, and old tales. It is believed that this chariot has similarity to the chariot shape of the Konark Sun Temple.
Placed within the Vittala Temple complex, the chariot is on India’s ₹50 cash note. It has gone on to become a much published image of Indian tourism globally. Visitors are drawn by its ageless charm, spiritual meaning, and fine details. A trip to Hampi is not complete without looking at the Stone Chariot, a real work of art of India’s ancient history.
2. Maha Mantapa and the Musical Pillars
The Maha Mantapa and the Musical Pillars of the mantapa are the second important attraction in the temple. The Maha Mantapa is the main part of the temple area. This striking building was held up by beautifully carved pillars and used for cultural and religious events. Its carvings show gods, tales from legends, and heavenly figures.
The roomy layout of Maha Mantapa served as a meeting spot for devotees and artists. In the Maha Mantapa, there are the Singing Pillars, or Musical Pillars. They are the most interesting parts of the Vittala Temple. These 56 finely carved stone pillars make musical notes when softly tapped. Known as Saptaswara Pillars, they are thought to copy the seven notes of classical Indian music.
Each musical pillar is in a group, with a main pillar that has smaller ones around it, which boost the sound, making a melody of stone. The mix of architecture and mysterious music from the pillars makes the Vittala Te͏mple a place to see for tourists.
3. Designed Mantapas in Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
The Vittala Temple is a place full of detailed designs and finely made mantapas showing the skill of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is famous for its beauty and cultural meaning, and shows a great mix of faith and art.
The mantapas has finely cut pillars showing tales from myths, heavenly creatures, and flower designs, showing the rich culture and story-telling ways of the era. The Kalyana Mantapa had an unique role in the temple. This is thought to have been used for holy rites and marriage events. The open shape of the Kalyana Mantapa, with nicely carved pillars and fancy designs pours a spirit of joyful festivity. The carvings here often show scenes of happy rituals, full of spiritual and cultural meaning.
The Utsava Mantapa is a special part of the temple. It was the place for big parades and religious events. The carvings on its pillars and walls depict music and dance in the temple’s traditions.
4. Main shrine of Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
The holiest section of the temple, is invariably the garbhagriha or the inner sanctum where Lord Vittala’s idol once resided. Made in the 15th century by the King Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara Empire, this temple shows the temp͏le’s worshipful and architectural beauty.
By the side of the main shrine are two doors from where to enter and exit the pradakshina path or path of circumabulation of the deity. The pradakshina path today is dark and could possibly be infested by bats. The ceiling of the path has holes from which sunlight would reach the dark interiors. On the floor are passages of water that would reflect the sunlight from the top and brighten up the place! Together with this, oil lamps would be placed for more light.
5. The Gopuram and Courtyard of Vittala Temple Hampi Karnataka
The gopuram (main gateway of the temple) and the courtyard of the temple are key parts of this impressive temple complex.
The Gopuram is in a dilapidated state. But it was once a tall spiritual structure dressed with detailed carvings and statues. Made in the Dravidian way of building, it acted as the mai͏n entrance to the temple. The remains of Gopuram still show fine skill, with pictures. The courtyard is wide and clear.
The path that leads up to the temple from the parking has long column of pillars on both sides of a very wide road. These pillars with shelter on top used to be a horse market. Arab and Persian horses were much in demand.
The mix of light and dark in the temple courtyard shows the fine points of the temple’s designs, making it a amazing place for photographer and history lovers. Entering into this spiritual place through the Gopuram and courtyard is a memory that you will carry with you.
Visitor’s Guide – Details on public amenities
The Vittala Temple parking area is about 1 kilometer from the temple’s entrance. Battery-Operated Buggies are available from the parking lot to the temple entrance.
About 500 meters from the temple entrance, rest rooms may be found. There are not any food stalls or eateries near the temple. It is recommended to carry water and snacks.
The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. And, the best time to visit during the day is as early as possible for serene views and photography.
Entry fees ₹40 for Indian citizens; ₹600 for foreign nationals. However entry is free for children below 15 years. The Ticket counter is located near the temple’s parking lot. Footwear is not allowed inside the main sanctum and temple premises of the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
Photography is allowed.
Conclusion
The Vittala Temple is a treasure of Indian past. As you stroll through its large courtyards and observe its detailed designs you’ll sense strong link to the great history of the once glorious Vijayanagara Empire.
Prepare your journey of Vittala Temple and carry back memories for years and years.
Happy Traveling!
