lakshmi-narasimha-temple-hampi-karnataka-2-attr-hero

lakshmi-narasimha-temple-hampi-karnataka-3-attr-hero

lakshmi-narasimha-temple-hampi-karnataka-1-attr-hero

January

18 - 31 °C

February

17 - 34 °C

March

22 - 36 °C

April

24 - 39 °C

May

24 - 39 °C

June

23 - 36 °C

July

21 - 30 °C

August

24 - 33 °C

September

23 - 34 °C

October

22 - 34 °C

November

19 - 30 °C

December

17 - 28 °C

Major Airports :

Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru

Jindal Vijayanagar Airport (VDY), Vidyanagar

Hubballi Airport (HBX), Hubballi

Nearest Railway Station :

Hospet Junction Railway Station (HPT)

Behold the monolith of a fierce deity

As you venture to the southern side of Hampi's Hemakuta Hill, you'll encounter the striking Lakshmi Narasimha Temple that houses the awe-inspiring lion-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Narasimha.

Standing proud as the largest monolithic statue in Hampi, the imposing figure depicts the deity in his wrathful form referred to as Ugra Narasimha. The protruding eyes and the intense facial expression of Lord Vishnu serve as the inspiration behind this name. You will be surprised to know that the statue is meticulously carved from a single rock, towering at a height of 6.7 meters. Stand in awe as you gaze upon the deity seated in a cross-legged Yoga posture atop the coils of the mighty seven-headed serpent, Adishesha.

Narasimha, symbolising the divine fusion of man and lion, stands as one of the ten powerful incarnations of Lord Vishnu. In the presence of this divine manifestation, you can’t help but feel a sense of reverence wash over you.

Upon the King of Serpents

The Narasimha statue mesmerises with its brilliance, standing as one of the finest examples of the architectural might of the Vijayanagara Empire. You'll be captivated by the Narasimha's finely chiselled broad chest, the flowing mane, and his headgear, as he sits cross-legged, upon the coils of Adishesha, the King of all snakes. Seven hoods of Adishesha rise behind him, forming a stunning canopy over Narasimha's head. A lion mask is also set above, within a Makara torana or an arch. It’s this attention to detail that elevates the statue into an intriguing masterpiece of architecture.

The missing statue of Goddess Lakshmi

Built during the 15th century by the visionary King Krishnadevaraya, the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. The original sculpture featured a small figure of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Narasimha, seated on his lap. However, the statue suffered damage during a Mughal raid in 1565 AD. During this attack, the limbs of Narasimha's statue were shattered, and the figure of Goddess Lakshmi was detached from his lap. As a result, one of the idol’s hands was broken, and to this day, the broken hand of the goddess can be seen resting on the back of Narasimha as a poignant reminder of the temple's tumultuous history. The damaged statue of Goddess Lakshmi was eventually found and today it can be seen in the Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura.

Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Explore nearby marvels

Just next to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, you will find the famed Badavilinga Temple, known for its 3-meter-tall Shiva lingam, widely acclaimed as the largest in Hampi! Head next to the renowned Krishna Temple where you’ll witness the idol of Balakrishna (Lord Krishna as an infant). Of course, no trip to Hampi is complete without a visit to the majestic Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest Lord Shiva shrines in the region, and the Vitthala Temple Complex, home to the iconic Stone Chariot.

Prepare to be enchanted as you wander through the vibrant markets of Hampi where amazing souvenirs offer glimpses into the rich traditions and craftsmanship of the place. You will also find the intricate jewellery and textiles crafted by the nomadic Lambani people. Their creations are a testament to centuries of artistic heritage and cultural resilience.

As the sun sets over the majestic ruins of Hampi, the Laxmi Narasimha Temple invites you to explore its magnificent architecture and the grandeur of a bygone era.