Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi Entry Fee
- 40 per person for Indian
- 40 per person for SAARC & BIMSTEC
- Free for Children (Below 15 Years)
- 600 per person Foreigners
- 25 for Video Camera
Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi Phone
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Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi Address: Hampi, Karnataka, 583239, India
Shree Vijaya Vittala (or Vittala) Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It’s a UNESCO-recognised Heritage Site from the Vijayanagara era in Hampi.
The temple is renowned for its magnificent architecture. It’s a testimony to the architectural prowess of artisans from the Vijayanagara kingdom. With its intricate stone carvings, Hampi Vijaya Vittala Temple offers a captivating journey into the past.
It’s a vast temple complex with structures like Kalyana Mandapa, Maha Mandapa and Ranga Mandapa. The musical pillars of Ranga Mandapa are among the most fascinating architectural features of Vijaya Vittala Temple. The iconic stone chariot in the temple complex is also an exquisite example of ancient craftsmanship.
This architectural marvel is considered to be one of the largest and most famous structures in the region. And it’s one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Hampi.
Where is Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi?
Shree Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi is located on the outskirts of the town, near the banks of River Tungabhadra. It’s adorned with intricate carvings depicting many mythological stories. And tourists visit it to appreciate the artistic expressions more than its religious significance.
Image Gallery of Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi
History of Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi
Vijaya Vittala Temple dates back to the 15th century. It’s said to have been built during the reign of King Devaraya II of the Vijayanagara Empire. However, the temple was expanded and enhanced mostly during the reign of Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya.
The present condition of Vijaya Vittala Temple, though, is wrecked from the destruction caused by the Mughals’ attack. It’s partially ruined, and the sanctum is devoid of any idol.
Architecture of Vijaya Vittala Temple
Vijaya Vittala Temple is built in the Dravidian style. It’s a sprawling complex with several stone-carved structures inside. Its distinct carvings are characteristic of traditional South Indian temple architecture. And it’s proof of the immense creativity and architectural excellence of the sculptors in the Vijayanagara era.
Among the monuments inside, the main shrine, Maha Mandapa (or main hall), and Ranga Mandapa are magnificent. Each of them is a beauty in itself. The famous stone chariot of Hampi is also a part of the temple complex. Kalyana Mandapa (marriage hall) and Utsava Mandapa (festival hall) are other notable structures here.
Things to do at Sri Vijaya Vittala Temple
1. Exploring the Maha Mandapa – Maha Mandapa (also called Sabha Mandapa) is the main hall in Vijaya Vittala Temple. It’s in the centre of the courtyard. And it’s a marvellous structure on an ornate base. Decorated with carvings of warriors, horses and other ornamental designs, it’s one of the most beautiful monuments in the temple. The highlight of Maha Mandapa is its massive columns supporting the roof. They have been carved out of single granite blocks with intricate designs on them.
2. Visiting the temple sanctum – The sanctum of Vijaya Vittala Temple is located behind the Maha Mandapa. It doesn’t have any idols, though. The entrance has stone statues of Lord Vishnu’s guardsmen, and the outer walls are covered with various icons associated with him. The inner sanctum walls also have some faded carvings. You can see a shaded pradakshina patha (or circumambulation path) around the sanctum, too.
3. Admiring the stone chariot – The temple complex has a richly sculpted stone chariot. It’s considered to be the most stunning monument of the Vijayanagara era. This Vijaya Vittala Temple’s stone chariot is actually a shrine dedicated to Garuda, the carrier of Lord Vishnu. It has four wheels, two on either side, and it’s said that it could be turned on its axis.
4. Seeing the musical pillars – Vijaya Vittala Temple’s musical pillars are the main attractions of Ranga Mandapa. This large hall has 56 such pillars that produce musical notes when you tap on them. In the temple complex, you can also see two of those pillars that were cut by the British to find the secret behind the music. No extraordinary feature was found, though.
5. Checking out other structures – Kalyana Mandapa is an ornate pavilion worth visiting in Vittala Temple. Its pillars are carved with mythical creatures and scenes depicting different events from Hindu epics. The hall is said to be used for various celebrations and ceremonies, including the symbolic marriage of the temple god and goddess. The temple complex also has elongated columnar arcades that were once part of a bustling market.
Vijaya Vittala Temple Timings and Entry Fees
Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi is open from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM. It’s the same for all days of the week, throughout the year.
Entry to Sri Vijaya Vittala Temple is ₹40 per person for the citizens of India and SAARC and BIMSTEC countries. For other foreign nationals, the entry fee is ₹600. Children (those below 15 years) get free entry to the temple.
Best time to visit Vijaya Vittala Temple
Vijaya Vittala Temple is best explored during the winter season (from November to February). On the winter days, Hampi’s weather is the most comfortable for exploration. So, you can visit the temple and explore all the other tourist places nearby.
Time to explore Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi
To visit all the attractions at Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi, you’ll need 2-3 hours. This will give you enough time to explore the temple complex and admire the intricate carvings of its different structures. Also, it involves a lot of walking, so you need ample rest at regular intervals.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Vijaya Vittala Temple
- Carry water and light snacks.
- Touching musical pillars isn’t allowed.
- Moving the stone chariot isn’t allowed.
How to reach Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi?
Vijaya Vittala Temple Hampi is on the outskirts, around 10 km away from Hampi bus stop. The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (17 km away), and the nearest airport to Vittala Temple is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (38 km away). However, the nearest international airport is in Bengaluru (364 km away).
And here’s how to reach the temple from Hampi –
By bike – Rental bikes and scooters are conveniently available in Hampi bazaar. You can take one for the day and visit Vijaya Vittala Temple and other ancient monuments in Hampi.
By bus – Buses are also available to the temple (changing at Kamalapur). They drop you off near the parking area, from where you have to take an electric vehicle to the temple complex.
By auto/e-rickshaw – You can also hire auto-rickshaws from Hampi to Vijaya Vittala Temple. They’re easily available all over the town.
By cab/taxi – A taxi or full-day cab is the most comfortable way to explore the temple and other ancient monuments in the region. Cabs can be conveniently booked from the top car rental companies in Hampi. You can hire them for a day or your entire Hampi trip.
Hampi is an architectural marvel that is frequented by history buffs and architecture lovers. To make the most of your trip, book a Hampi tour package with Hampi Tourism and explore this destination like a local. Our driver cum guide will help you visit all the popular and offbeat places of Hampi and know more about its history and importance. To get in touch with us, please fill the Contact Us form.
