The Balakrishna Temple is also among the Group of Monuments which is currently listed as a part of the World Heritage Monuments by the UNESCO. This temple was built by the ruler Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara period in the year 1513 A.D.
About Balakrishna Temple :
Krishna temple is considered to be one of the largest temples in Hampi. This temple is made of typical Vijayanagara style. It has two prakaras or courtyards with high walls. One can also see various carvings on the walls and steps.
This temple was built by the king Krishnadevaraya to celebrate the conquest of the eastern kingdom of Udayagiri. The main idol installed in the temple was the figure of Balakrishna (Lord Krishna as infant) and now the idol is preserved in the state museum at Chennai.
Hampi was once the seat of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. It is situated on the southern banks of Tungabhadra River at Hospet village in Belleri district, Karnataka state, India.
Attractions Of Balakrishna Temple at Hampi, Karnataka :
This temple was built by the king (Krishnadevaraya) in 1513 AD to celebrate the conquest of the eastern kingdom of Udayagiri or Utkala (in the present day Orissa state). The main idol installed in the temple was the figure of Balakrishna (Lord Krishna as infant). This idol is now displayed in the state museum at Chennai. A huge slab installed inside the courtyard of the temple states the story of this temple and the conquest of Ulkala.
This is one of the must see sites in Hampi. The carvings are especially spectacular with the Yalis (the mythical lion) on the pillars and the entrances to the temple hall flanged with impressive carvings of elephant balustrades. Many small shrines and pillared halls adorn the campus. The temple kitchen is located at the south east of the main shrine. The main tower at the east is an impressive sight with numerous carvings on it (now the tower is under restoration work). You can see the carvings of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu in this temple.
This is one of the few temples where the epic stories carved on the walls of the tower. This is fairly an intact specimen of a Vijayanagara era temple.
Elephant balustrades.The main temple hall The main road to Hampi passes through the temple campus. You can spot a small pavilion with a rectangular stone container in front of the temple across the road. This was used to store grains for the ritual purpose in the temple festivals. The position and design of the vessel suggests devotees used to donate food grain as offering at the temple.
Elephant balustrades.The main temple hall Further east outside the temple you can see a long hall like structure. On the right (south) of it are the banana plantations. The left area is mostly a rocky landscape. This was actually the high street (the chariot street) once led to the temple. The long pavilions were shops in the market street. If you walk along these long structures, you would reach the impressive temple pond with structures around and at the middle of the tank. The temple tank is now not in use. The nearby agricultural places use water from the tank. The chariot street mentioned in fact terminates at a series of wide steps in front of the main temple campus, probably the only such chariot street in Hampi.
The Krishna Temple Architecture :
The Krishna Temple is known for its exquisite carvings and elegant architectural designs. The King Krishnadevaraya was a lover of art and architecture and the temples and monuments constructed during his reign are famous for their architectural designs.
The main idol of the temple is that of Lord Balakrishna which is now on display in the State Museum at Chennai. The temple campus is adorned with pillared halls and many small shrines. This is one of the rare temples which have epics inscribed on the tower walls. More or less, this temple is fairly intact and stands testimony to the prosperous reign under the Vijayanagara rule.
To the east of the temple lies a hall. Banana plantations are located on the right (south) of the temple. The long pavilions in the temple were initially shops. On the left of the temple is a rocky landscape. A leisurely stroll through these structures will lead one to the temple pond. This tank is not in use anymore.
A leisurely walk on the west side of the temple will lead one to view a rectangular building which may formerly be used as a granary. Interestingly this has been built in an Islamic style of architecture. Just behind the granary you can find a narrow passage of stairs which allows people to get to the top of the temple for a beautiful view.
The Krishna Temple Architecture :
The Krishna Temple is known for its exquisite carvings and elegant architectural designs. The King Krishnadevaraya was a lover of art and architecture and the temples and monuments constructed during his reign are famous for their architectural designs.
The main idol of the temple is that of Lord Balakrishna which is now on display in the State Museum at Chennai. The temple campus is adorned with pillared halls and many small shrines. This is one of the rare temples which have epics inscribed on the tower walls. More or less, this temple is fairly intact and stands testimony to the prosperous reign under the Vijayanagara rule.
To the east of the temple lies a hall. Banana plantations are located on the right (south) of the temple. The long pavilions in the temple were initially shops. On the left of the temple is a rocky landscape. A leisurely stroll through these structures will lead one to the temple pond. This tank is not in use anymore.
A leisurely walk on the west side of the temple will lead one to view a rectangular building which may formerly be used as a granary. Interestingly this has been built in an Islamic style of architecture. Just behind the granary you can find a narrow passage of stairs which allows people to get to the top of the temple for a beautiful view.
How to Get to the Krishna Temple :
The Krishna Temple is in Hampi and there are daily busies operating from Bangalore and other nearby areas to connect to Hampi. The nearest railhead to Hampi is in the town of Hospet and the nearest domestic airport is at Bellary.
The Krishna Temple Facts :
The Krishna Temple does not charge any admission fees from devotees
People can click photographs in and around the temple premises
The Krishna Temple is in Hampi and there are daily busies operating from Bangalore and other nearby areas to connect to Hampi. The nearest railhead to Hampi is in the town of Hospet and the nearest domestic airport is at Bellary.
The Krishna Temple Facts :
The Krishna Temple does not charge any admission fees from devotees
People can click photographs in and around the temple premises