About

Shri Vijayavitthala temple is dedicated to Vittala and is also called Vijaya Vittala Temple; Vittala is also said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Located next to the River Tungabhadra in the historical town of Hampi, Karnataka,  Situated at the end of the ruined Vittala Bazaar. ancient structure, which is well known for its architecture and unmatched craftsmanship. The monument is seen as one of the largest and famed structures in the group of monuments in Hampi. When we say Hampi, the first thing that comes to our mind is this iconic Stone Chariot and the interesting musical pillars or SAREGAMA Pillars, these both attractions located this Vijayavitthala temple. Both these structure speaks a ton about the unmatched craftsmanship of that period. 

The temple was built in the 15th century during the rule of Devaraya II. He was one of the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. As per the legends, the temple was built for Lord Vishnu in his Vittala form, but when he found that the temple was very grand in nature, he returned to live in his modest home in Pandharpur. The architecture is that of Dravidian style, and also draws inspirations and characteristics of typical south Indian temple architecture which speaks volumes about the grandeur of the south Indian temple architecture, with elaborate carvings that are unmatched to the other structures in the town. 

The main shrine originally had an enclosed Mantapa and an open Mantapa or hall was added to the structure in the year 1554 AD. The temple is spread across a large area with high compound walls and three tall gopurams. The complex also has many halls, shrines, and pavilions within its circumference. Among the several structures, the main hall or Maha Mandapa, Devi Shrine, Kalyana Mantapa, Ranga Mantapa, Utsava Mantapa, and the very famous stone chariot are the notable ones.  The Stone Chariot, which stands tall in the courtyard of the temple, is one of the most stunning architectural wonders and is also one of the three famous stone chariots in the country. The other two chariots are located in Konark and Mahabalipuram.

musical pillars or SAREGAMA Pillars

The large Ranga Mantapa is well-known for its 56 musical pillars, also known as SaReGaMa pillars. These have been attributed to the musical notes rising out of them. One can actually hear the musical notes if they tap the pillars gently. There is a set of main pillars and many smaller ones at the mantapa. Each pillar offers support to the ceiling of mantapa, while the main pillars are designed in the style of musical instruments. Each main pillar is wrapped with seven minor pillars, which emit the musical notes. Each note emitting from these pillars produce different sounds, which also change as the string, percussion and wind instrument being played. If the pillars are hit by sandalwood, they release rhythmic sounds close to SaReGaMa. 

Tips

• Hire a guide from whom you can understand the history behind every architecture only then you understand the beauty of these architectures. Guides are available for INR 800-1200 for the entire day who can take you around to all the tourist locations.
  
• The Vittala Temple entry fees for Indian adults as well as adults from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries is INR 30 per person. The entry charges for adults from any other country is INR 500 per person. Entry for children from any country under the age of 15 years is free. 
• Vittala Temple is located around 2 kilometers from the main road and private vehicles (motorcycle, bike, car, bus ) are not allowed beyond main road (To avoid damage to monuments from vibration and dust pollution). You can catch battery operated vehicles (golf cart and buses) and can reach the site within 5 minutes (Rs 10 per person one way). you can walk by self or bicycle. 

Timings