Skip to main content

Hemakuta Hill Monuments, Hampi, Krishnapura, Karnataka, India

The Hemakuta Hill lies between the Virupaksha temple complex to the north and the Krishna temple to the south, Hampi, India.

It is a collection of modestly sized monuments that are preserved examples of pre-Vijayanagara and early-Vijayanagara temples and construction. The site has several important inscriptions, is easily accessible and provides views of the some parts of Hampi and the fertile, agricultural valley that separates the sacred centre from the urban core with its royal centre.

The hill has more than thirty small-to-moderate-sized temples, together with water cisterns, gateways, and secular pavilions. The latest examples are dated to the early 14th century. Some of the structures are differently-sized prototypes of temples or mandapas, assembled from blocks of stones. Others are completed monuments of different designs, such as the Phamsana style. Two temple groups in this style look similar; each has a triple vimana consisting of square sanctums with each set connected to its own shared square mandapa. The towers (shikaras) on these are pyramidal granite structures consisting of eleven stacked, shrinking squares and a top in the Deccan-style square kalasha finial. Both sets are Shiva temples with triple linga; early sources misidentified these as Jain temples because of their simple exterior and interior walls.

One of these groups has a historically important inscription that records that Kampila built the monument in the early 14th century. This inscription links Hampi with the Kampili kingdom and suggests an association of the Kampili history with that of Vijayanagara Empire that followed it. The style of temples on the Hemakuta hill suggest it may have been a study centre for experimenting with different types of Hindu temples. The styles present include those of the Chalukya period, the Rashtrakuta period and later periods. It may also have been the template for the original Virupaksha temple, which was later greatly expanded with gopuram, mandala and other additions. A similar monument dedicated to Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, is located east of Hampi; an inscription near it states that it was operating in 1379 CE.

Climbing towards the Hemakuta Hill monuments

Stone gate
The stone gate gives southern access to the complex of monuments on top of Hemakuta Hill.


Double storey structure

Panorama of the Hemakuta Hill monuments seen from the east

Engravings on the rock floor next to the Guddada Moola Virupaksha Temple


Panorama of Guddada Moola Virupaksha Temple seen from southeast

  • The temple is situated on the northern slope of Hemakuta Hill, overlooking the Virupaksha Temple complex.
  • The temple showcases early Vijayanagara architecture with simple, whitewashed cubical pillars in the open porch. The structure is partially restored by the Archaeological Department.
  • In front of the temple, there is a natural water spring or pond, adding to the serene and tranquil environment.
  • The temple dates back to the 7th century and has been expanded during the Vijayanagara period. It is dedicated to Shiva as Virupaksha, one of his forms.
  • The temple is part of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Hampi, reflecting the artistic and architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • The temple is surrounded by ruins and a picturesque landscape, making it a favorite spot for photography, especially during sunsets.

Panorama of Guddada Moola Virupaksha Temple seen from northeast
The temple is dedicated to Shiva as Virupaksha.

  • The name Virupaksha means "one with a cosmic vision" or "the one with a third eye." This signifies Shiva's ability to see beyond the ordinary, representing his role as the supreme reality and his cosmic consciousness that encompasses all of creation.
  • In his form as Virupaksha, Shiva embodies the dual aspects of preservation and destruction. He maintains the cosmic order and balance while also having the power to destroy the universe to facilitate regeneration and new beginnings.
  • The Virupaksha form is often associated with the natural elements, particularly the river Tungabhadra, which flows through Hampi. This connection emphasizes the interconnectedness of the divine with nature and the environment.
  • The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi has been a center of devotion for centuries. The form of Virupaksha as Shiva inspires deep reverence and devotion among followers, highlighting the personal relationship between the devotee and the divine.
  • The third eye of Virupaksha symbolizes spiritual awakening and enlightenment. It represents the inner vision and insight that transcend ordinary perception, guiding devotees toward higher spiritual knowledge and awareness.
  • The worship of Virupaksha is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural heritage of Hampi, reflecting the spiritual and cultural richness of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple itself serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of devotion and spiritual practice.
  • This form of Shiva emphasizes the profound and multifaceted nature of the divine, encouraging devotees to seek spiritual growth, balance, and a deeper connection with the cosmos.

Descending Hemakuta Hill
Descending the northern slope of Hemakuta Hill towards Virupaksha Temple.


North entrance gate to the Hemakuta Hill monuments

Temples on the Hemakuta Hill

«The granite slope of the sacred Hemakuta Hill is dotted with shrines. The hill is encircled on its three sides by massive fortification. To the north is the enclosure wall of Virupaksha Temple. The complex has three gateways. More than thirty shrines stand on this hill. These vary from elaborate structures with multiple sanctums to rudimentries, single celled construction. Most of these temples have stepped pyramidal type of superstructure.

Two of the temples have inscriptions. the triple Shiva Temple on the east has an inscription recording that Vira Kampiladeva, son of Mummadi Singeya Nayaka, built the Sivalaya and installed in it three lingas. Two inscriptions on the rock near Prasanna Anjaneya Temple dated 1938 AD. mention that Virupaksha Pandita and his brother constructed a temple of Virupaksha and dug a tank. Another inscription on a rock base records the setting of a lamp pillar in the temple of Jadeya Sankaradeva by Bukkayave, the queen of Harihara II in the year 1397 AD. The group of temples on the Hemakuta Hills form one of the earliest group of structures at Hampi and appear to date from about 9th to early 14th century AD. and all of them are clearly of Saiva origin.»


Map of Hampi

See Also

Source

Location

Location: Hemakuta Hill Temple, Hampi, Karnataka 583239, India