Elephant God Sasivekalu Ganesha Hampi

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)

Historic moments carved in stone

As you stroll across the ancient lands of Hampi, breathtaking scenes await. Behold the majestic Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, a tribute to the exceptional artistry of ancient craftsmen. Within its sacred spot stands an 8-foot-tall statue of Lord Ganesha, carved from a solitary block of rock. An iconic symbol of the region, this monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha will leave you feeling blessed with its presence.

The temple was made as a tribute to King Narasimha II of the Vijayanagara Empire, as evidenced by the inscription found on its premises. The statue's design is nothing short of a work of art and represents divine energy. Its four arms symbolises the four directions of the universe, while the majestic trunk embodies spiritual power.

Divine craftsmanship for the eyes

The prominent statue of Lord Ganesha, seated in a half-lotus position, is designed with four arms. The intricate details, where each arm holds symbolic attributes - a goad, a broken tusk, a sweet (modak), and a noose, put light on its spiritual significance.

The statue is also complemented by a spacious mandapa, offering a sheltering canopy over the divine figure. The rough-hewn pillars add to the temple's allure. As you wander through the temple complex, the rich history and significance of this ancient site take over. The informative installations provided by the Archaeology Department guide you through the heritage and legacy of the revered Ganesha statue.

The legends behind the statue

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha's fondness for food led to a unique incident. As the story goes, Lord Ganesha once indulged in an excessive feast, causing his stomach to swell dangerously. In a bid to prevent it from bursting, he tied a snake around his abdomen, acting as a makeshift belt. This act is depicted in the statue at the temple, with the snake coiled around his stomach serving as a reminder of this mythological tale.

Another legend states that the deity's stomach bears a striking resemblance to a mustard seed, hence the temple's name, ‘Sasivekalu,’ which translates to ‘mustard seed’ in Kannada.

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Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 08:00 pm

Nearby attractions

A short stroll north of Sasivekalu Ganesha leads to another colossal Ganesha statue known as the Kadalekalu Ganesha. South of Sasivekalu Ganesha is the Vishnupada shrine. All the sites are within walking distance of each other and can be explored in just 30-45 minutes. Right in front of the Sasivekalu Ganesha shrine, you'll notice a large site map of Hampi thoughtfully provided by the Archaeology Department, offering insights into the area's rich history and landmarks.

The treasures of time and tradition

Explore the historic town of Hampi and you will be charmed by its delightful souvenirs. Discover offbeat jewellery and exquisite textiles handmade by the nomadic Lambani people. Browse shops that sell replica coins and metallic artefacts that recall the bygone era.