Badavilinga Temple Hampi Entry Fee
- Entry is Free
Badavilinga Temple Hampi Phone
N/A
Rating: | 4/5 stars
Based on total 38 reviews
Badavilinga Temple Hampi Address: Hampi, Karnataka, 583239, India
Badavilinga Temple (or Shree Badavilinga Gudi) is a small but incredible temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known for its impressive monolithic Shivalinga, which stands at about 3 meters (10 feet) tall, Badavilinga Temple attracts devotees and tourists around the year. It’s the largest Shivalinga in Hampi.
The name of the temple is a combination of two words – Badava (meaning poor, in the local language) and Linga. It’s named so because it’s said to be commissioned by a poverty-stricken peasant woman.
The colossal Shivalinga here is carved out of a single black rock stone. It’s housed in a small chamber partially submerged in water, adding to its mystique and spiritual aura. The temple exudes a tranquil ambiance, and the simplicity and serenity emphasize the Shivalinga.
Where is Badavilinga Temple in Hampi?
Badavilinga Temple is on Hampi’s outskirts, close to the popular Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. It’s only about a km from the centre of the town and it’s easily accessible. Compared to other ancient temples in the region, it’s small and simple. Still, devotees come from far and near to worship it.
Image Gallery of Badavilinga Temple Hampi
History of Badavilinga Temple Hampi
Badavilinga Temple is considered to have been built during the Vijayanagara Empire (in the 15th century). The Shivalinga inside is said to have been commissioned by a peasant woman.
The sanctum has a water channel flowing through it, a representation of an incident from Hindu mythology. According to legends, the River Ganga was brought from heaven to earth to end a severe drought. Lord Shiva consented to take the impact of its force and let the water flow gently onto the land.
Due to Islamic invasion towards the end of the Vijayanagara Empire, regular prayers at the temple were stopped. The Shivalinga, however, stands intact even today. Temple rituals were resumed in 1980.
In recent years, Hampi Badavilinga Temple has become popular because of the temple priest, Shri Krishna Bhat. He was appointed by the Anegundi royal family, and he kept the temple and the massive Shivalinga clean and tidy for around 40 years. He died a few years ago at around 90 years of age.
Architecture of Badavilinga Temple
The Shivalinga of Badavilinga Temple Hampi is situated inside a small stone chamber. It has a single opening in the front to get in. The chamber has no ceiling, and sunlight floods the Shivalinga with light during the daytime.
Badavilinga Temple lacks the intricate carvings found in other temples. Its only notable feature is the tall Shivalinga in a small chamber with water flowing through it continuously.
The Shivalinga rests on a large pedestal that’s circular in shape. On a close look, you'll also notice that it has a three-eye mark carved on it (depicting the three eyes of Shiva).
Things to do at Badavilinga Temple
1. Admiring the large Shivalinga – The primary attraction at Badavilinga Temple Hampi is its Shivalinga, the largest one in the region. Carved from a single black boulder, it attracts devotees with its sheer size and simplicity. It’s partially submerged in water and bathed in natural sunlight during the day. Many people believe that if you toss a coin and it lands over the lingam, your desires are fulfilled.
2. Listening to the temple’s history – Badavilinga Temple dates back to the 15th century. It’s said to have been constructed on the wish of a poor woman using her own expenses. Hire a guide to listen to the fascinating stories about the temple's past and mythological connection.
3. Visiting nearby tourist places – The temple is conveniently located near several other notable attractions in Hampi. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is the closest, just a short walk away. The surrounding landscape, marked by the boulder-sprinkled terrain of Hampi, also enhances the overall experience, providing opportunities for photography.
Hampi Badavilinga Temple Timings and Entry Fees
Badavilinga Temple is open from 5 AM to 9 PM every day. It takes only around 30 minutes to explore the temple premises. The best time to visit it is during the winter season (November –February). The weather is the most comfortable during this time.
No entry fee is required to visit the temple.
How to reach Badavilinga Temple in Hampi?
The temple is on the outskirts of the town, about a km from the Hampi bus stop. Hospet Junction (12 km away) is the nearest railway station to Badavilinga Temple, and Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (34 km away) is the nearest airport. The international airport closest to the temple is in Bengaluru (360 km away).
Now, here’s how to reach the temple –
By bike – You can get rental bikes and scooters from Hampi Bazaar. Take one out for a day and explore Hampi Badavilinga Temple and other nearby tourist places.
By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws are also a convenient way to visit the temple premises. They’re available all over Hampi.
By cab/taxi – The best way to visit Badavilinga Temple is by hiring a taxi or a full-day cab from the top car rental companies in Hampi. Cabs make it easy to explore the temple and surrounding areas at your own pace. They also make it convenient for you to check out nearby tourist spots.
At Hampi Tourism, we offer Hampi Tour Packages for a funfilling and relaxed holiday experience. You can choose the best package as per your preferences at pocket friendly prices. To know more about the various packages fill the Contact Us form and one of our executives will call you back.