The Achyutaraya temple is one of the major Hindu temple complexes in Hampi which is dedicated to Tiruvengalanatha, the form of Vishnu that is venerated at Tirupati. Clearly visible from the summit of theMatanga Hill, the temple complex is a perfect example of advanced form of Vijayanagar style of architecture.
About Achyutaraya Temple :
Sanctified nearly 500 years back, the Achyutaraya temple is one of the major Hindu temple complexes in Hampi which is dedicated to Tiruvengalanatha, the form of Vishnu that is venerated at Tirupati. Clearly visible from the summit of theMatanga Hill, the temple complex is a perfect example of advanced form of Vijayanagar style of architecture. Built by King Achyutaraya in 1534, the temple faces the north and has prakaras, the external prakara has a superior gopura on the northern side while the internal prakara has three gopuras on the other three directions. Interiors of the prakara walls are supported by many pillars. The hugekalyana mantapas in the west of the gopuras are finely decorated with images of elephants and other patterns. Facing the northern direction is a bazaar, known as Achyutapete.
Attractions Of Achyutaraya Temple at Hampi, Karnataka :
Believed to have been built during King Achyuta Deva Raya (1530-1542) by an officer Salakaraju Tirumaladeva, this temple, though not as large or beautiful as Vitthala Temple, is still a beautiful and sizeable monument. Though dedicated to Thiruvengalanatha or Lord Venkateshwara, the temple is known by the King under whose reign it was built.
Unlike the other temple complexes, this temple complex has two enclosures, each marked by an entrance Gopura. The main temple is situated within the second enclosure. Opposite to the temple 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 cloister. The Kalyana Mantapa is located in the northwestern corner of the outer enclosure. Like all major temple complexes, this temple complex was also provided with a Kalyana Mantapa where the annual marriage ceremony of the deity was conducted. The slender pillars of this Mantapa bear dexterously carved bas relief. The basement of the Kalyana Mantapa is richly decorated with the relief of elephants.
The main deity in the temple is missing and the Garbha Griha (sanctum) of the temple is standing on pillars put in place in the recent past by Archaeology Department to support the dilapidated structure from further deterioration. Very typical of the Vijayanagara Architecture, the temple and the Kalyana Mantapa pillars pose as if being supported by mythical Yalis. The temple pillars also have carvings of tales and episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Like Virupaksha Temple and Vitthala Temple, Achyuta Raya Temple also has a bazaar starting right at the doorstep of the temple all the way to the Varaha Temple on the northern end. This street is known as Courtesan Street and it is believed that this street was once a very flourishing centre of trade.
History :
Constructed during the period of Achyutaraya by King Achyutaraya Salakaraju Tirumaladeva in 1534, it has the main deity as Tiruvengalanatha, a variant form of Lord Shiva.
Achyutaraya Temple Local Info :
Some important telephone numbers, Contact details: Http://Www.Hampi.In/, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), Main Hampi Bazaar area, Tel: 08394-241339. Department of Tourism Info Counter, Government of Karnataka, Hampi Bazaar, Hampi, Tel: 08394-241339.
Accommodation: The attraction at Hampi does not have many big hotels close by except for a few small and medium budget accommodations, lodges, guest houses and rooms. Tourists and visitors prefer to make Hospet (13 km) as their base for better staying facilities and comforts.
How To Reach :
Getting around in Hampi is not that tough, and you can hire auto rickshaws and private taxis. Check with your hotel reception, though, for rates and fare methods. Public buses are also available, though you could avoid them if necessary. The best way to explore the city is on foot or to hire a bicycle or moped or scooter.