- Vishnu
Achyutharaya Temple
- Hampi,Karnataka
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Overview
Achyutharaya Temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Vishnu. It was built by a senior official in Achyutha Raya’s court and consequently the name. Sadly, this temple fell into ruins as a result of the senseless attacks by the rulers of the Bahamani kingdom. And, over the centuries, the forces of nature have taken their toll on this grand structure.
About The Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Vishnu. It is believed that the temple was built during King Achyutha Deva Raya (1530-1542) by an officer Salakaraju Thirumaladeva. This temple is a beautiful and sizeable monument. Though dedicated to Tiruvengalanatha or Lord Venkateshwara, the temple is known by the king under whose reign it was built. It was consecrated in 1534. This temple is an example of Vizianagara style temple architecture, in its most advanced form, than any other temple in Hampi.
This temple complex has two enclosures, each marked by an entrance gopura (tower). The noisy bats hanging inside the dark corners can scare an unsuspecting visitor. The main shrine is situated within the second enclosure. Opposite to it is the shrine for Garuda, the celestial bird and the vehicle of Vishnu. To the south west of the temple is a shrine for Devi. Running around the inner courtyard is the pillared mandaba.
The Kalyana Mandaba is located in the north western corner of the outer enclosure. Like all major temple complexes, this temple complex was also provided with a Kalyana Mandaba where the annual marriage ceremony of the deity was conducted. The slender pillars of this Mandaba bear dexterously carved base relief. The basement of the Kalyana Mandaba is richly decorated with the relief of elephants.
To the west is the twin chambered shrine of the goddess. The carvings on the pillars reveal many themes like Lord Krishna playing flute, Lord Vishnu blessing an elephant, Krishna dancing, holding the snake by its tail. At the northwest corner of the outer compound, is a Kalayana Mandaba (marriage hall for the annual wedding ceremony of the God and the Goddess). A water channel is running along the second compound. A tiny exit at the northwest of the outer compound wall, takes us to a boulder, where a 10 handed fierce goddesses’ image is carved on the rock. The narrow path further winds southward and joins the path to Matanga hill top.
Best Season to Visit
The best time to visit is from November to February.
How to reach Achyutharaya Temple
The Achyutharaya temple is located in the area between the Gandhamadana and Matanga hills. There are two primary ways to reach the temple. One way is from the Kodanda Rama Temple or King’s Balance path which passes through the Courtesan Street and leads to the main tower of the Achyutha Raya Temple.
The other route to the temple is to climb the steps near the Nandi (Monolithic Bull) at the eastern end of the Hampi Bazaar. The second route is the easier one of the two.
How to Reach Hampi
Airport
The nearest town that has an airport is Bellary.
Railways
The nearest railway station is Hospet.
Road
Hampi is a town that has a good road network.
Temple Address
Achyutharaya Temple,
Hampi,
Bellary District,
Karnataka,
India,
Pin code – 583 239.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Fame
- Freedom from diseases
- Wealth
- Courage
- Relief from adverse effects from bad planetary aspects
- Relief from bondage
Shlokas
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Timings
The temple is open from 05:30 am to 01:00 pm and from 05:30 pm to 09:00 pm.