Karnataka > Bellary > Vittala Temple
This temple was built in 1509 in the memory of Krishnadevaraya. It is also called 'Temple of Pasupati'. It is also said that this temple was built by Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his triumph over the Bijapur and Gajapathy rulers. The temple has massive holy image of Lord Shiva, which is a sacred monolithic structure. The deity is called Lord Virupaksha here. The images of many other deities can also be seen here. The monolithic pillars with intricate and ethereal artwork can be seen in the mandapam of the temple. The Bhistappayyana gopuram or the temple tower here became the model for all the South Indian Vijayanagara Temple. These are also known as Rajagopurams. The other attractions include the Goddess's shrine in the northwest, the 100-pillared hall at the southwest, the Kalayna Mantapa (the ceremonial marriage hall) in the southeast and the pillared cloisters all around the enclosure wall.
You can reach Vittala temple in two ways. The first is by the road and the second is by a walk along the riverbank from Hampi Bazaar. You can take and auto rickshaw from Hampi bus stand (Rs40) to Vittala temple. Or catch a local bus first from Hampi bus stand to Kamapapura and then from Kamaplapura to Vittala temple (ask any one at the Kamalapura bus stand to spot you the right bus)
Admission fee Rs10 for Indian citizens; USD5 or equivalent for foreign nationals. Preserve this ticket. You can use the ticket for the same day to enter the Zenena Enclosure area in the Royal Centre. Admission is free for children under age of fifteen.
Pay at the ticket counter Rs25 for use of video camera. You can use still camera free of cost. Use of tripods is not permitted inside the temple campus.
The monument opens from 8.30 in the morning to 5.30 in the evening. Try to visit this place soon it opens in the morning. You can practically see & photograph peacefully before the crowd (and noise!) builds up slowly.
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