Hemakuta Hill Temple Hampi (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Built by & Information)

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Hemakuta (meaning golden hillock) Hill is a vastly stretched zone with a cluster of temples and ruins. And it’s one of the most charming tourist spots in Hampi. The hill is dotted by structures like mandapas, galleries and gateways of various sizes.

These temples are amongst the oldest temples in the town, and some of them belong to the pre-Vijayanagara period. While most temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, they’re commonly referred to as Jain Temples because of their architecture.

Hemakuta Hill is also one of the best places in Hampi to enjoy fantastic views of the sunrise and the sunset. And it offers panoramic views of the monuments in Hampi, too.

Where is Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex in Hampi?

Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex is close to the centre of Hampi. It’s a short trek up that takes you to a plateau-like top. Although the temple complex lies in ruins, it has a charm that’s hard to resist. The view of Hampi and surrounding landscapes from the top is worth the visit.

Legend of Hemakuta Hill Temple

It’s believed that Hemakuta Hill is where Lord Shiva did penance. It was the time when a local girl, Pampa (an avatar of Goddess Parvati), expressed her urge to marry him. Although Shiva didn’t budge initially, Pampa’s dedication impressed him, and he consented to marry her.

People say it rained gold on this hill when Shiva and Pampa agreed to marry. Thus, the hill is named Hemakuta (Hema meaning gold, in Sanskrit).

Because of its connection to Lord Shiva, you’ll find several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva here. Although many of these temples lie in ruins, the Archaeological Survey of India is trying to restore them to their past glory.

Image Gallery of Hemakuta Hill Temple Hampi

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Architecture of Hemakuta Hill Temple

Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex has several temples on a flat plateau-like hill. It’s said that the hill also had fortifications with stone walls, only the ruins of which can be seen today.

The architecture of the temples is quite different from the Vijayanagara style prominent in this region. These temples have often been confused with Jain temples, so they’re also referred to as Hemakuta Jain Temples.

Most of the temples are triple-chambered granite structures with pyramid-style roofs. Some of the temples on Hemakuta Hill are built in the Trikutachala style, with three shrines built in a perpendicular position to each other facing a common hall. The outer walls are mostly plain except for a horizontal chain of floral motifs and curvy overhanging eaves.

The largest and most elaborate temples are located on the northern slope of the hill that faces Virupaksha Temple in Hampi. These are among the oldest clusters of temples in Hampi. A bit south is the Mula Virupaksha Temple, which is said to be older than the grand Virupaksha Temple. You can also spot a pond in the courtyard of this shrine.

Things to do at Hemakuta Hill Temple Hampi

1. Trekking to the hilltop – Hemakuta Hill offers an easy trekking trail through gentle sloping paths. Several trails lead you to the hilltop that allows you to connect with the past of Hampi. And it takes only around 15 minutes to reach the top of Hemakuta Hill. It’s a flat expanse of rocky sheet sprinkled with several temple ruins and pavilions.

2. Exploring temple architecture – During your visit, spend time admiring the artisanship of ornate carvings and intricacies of the ancient structures dotting the hill. A visit to Hemakuta Hill Temple Hampi promises insights into the diverse influences that shaped the region's cultural landscape over the centuries. Although these compact temples with pyramid-like roofs resemble Jain temples, most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva worship.

3. Watching sunrise and sunset – Hemakuta Hill is also one of the best places to enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset in Hampi. Whether you choose to greet the dawn or bid farewell to the day, the experience is nothing short of enchanting. Despite its central location, the temple complex has a peaceful atmosphere. You can spend some time enjoying the sweeping view of the different temples of Hampi, which are the essence of its enduring allure.

Hemakuta Hill Temple Timings and Entry Fees

Hemakuta Hill Temple is open every day. The best time to visit the temple complex is during winter, between November and February. Hampi’s weather is pleasant on these days. Plan your visit in the morning or evening, so that you can comfortably spend an hour or two here.

You don’t have to pay any entry fee to visit this place.

How to reach Hampi Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex?

The temple complex is close to the centre of town, only a few hundred metres from Hampi bus stop. The nearest railway station to the place is Hospet Junction (12 km away), and the nearest airport is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (35 km away). The closest international airport to Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex is in Bengaluru (360 km away).

Now, here’s how to reach the temple –

By bike – You can get rental bikes and scooters in Hampi bazaar. Take one for the day and visit all the tourist places in Hampi, including Hemakuta Hill Temple.

By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws are among the most affordable modes of transport in the town. You can hire them easily to explore the temple complex and nearby tourist spots.

By cab/taxi – The most convenient way to visit Hemakuta Hill Temple is by hiring a taxi or full-day cab. You can book one from the top car rental companies in Hampi and explore all the tourist places in the region.

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Location Map for Hemakuta Hill Temple Hampi