Hampi Pattabhirama Temple, Karnataka

Address

Hampi Pattabhirama Temple, Kamalapur, Hampi, Karnataka 583215

Diety

Pattabhirama

Introduction

Pattabhirama Temple is a structure that stands in the ruined city of Hampi. It is located at Kamalapur at a distance of 6 km from the main heritage site of Hampi. The temple is known for its intricate architecture. It is dedicated to the Lord Rama. It was a prominent destination for devotees during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire. Even today it is a popular pilgrimage center and stands as a reminder of the rich historical era.

Puranic Significance

It is believed the temple was built by Thimmaraja in 1549 during the rule of Achyuta Raya and was central to a suburban township called Varadarajamma Pattana or Varadadevi Ammana Pette. The Pattabhirama Temple is a major pilgrimage center in the ruined city of Hampi. Along with the Virupaksha and Vitthala temples, the Pattabhirama temple embodies the prolific temple-building ventures of the Vijayanagara rulers. The Pattabhirama Temple is situated in the center of a huge rectangular walled complex. The main temple structure has axial mantapas. There is a pillared walkway that runs along the inner side of the enclosure wall surrounding the courtyard. There are four towers on four sides of the temple complex that were built as gates of the temple. There are in ruined state. There is another small shrine located within the compound. This shrine was dedicated to the worship of a goddess. A huge hall stands towards the southeast part of the complex. The courtyard was once completely covered with stone slabs, some of which are missing now. This temple is truly one of the largest and most beautiful temples in Hampi. The temple that once used to be full of devotees wears a deserted look today. In fact, there is no idol inside the temple complex now. But that has not robbed the temple of its beauty and attraction in the eyes of the visitors.