Vittala Temple Complex | Stone Chariot In Hampi

Vittala temple dates back to the 15 century and it is the grandest of all temples and monuments in Hampi. This temple complex is spread over a large area with high walls, 3-tower gateways, halls, and multiple shrines. In fact, each of these structures present in the temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture using stone. Outside of this, this temple also hosts the “Stone Chariot” which is one of the iconic symbols of Indian architecture. Not just that, it also houses one of the biggest mysteries of Indian Temples, yes we are talking about” Musical Pillars”.

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Shri Vijaya Vittala Temple

Vittala temple is dedicated to Vittala who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is built on a high ornate base and has carvings of different forms of God on its walls and pillars. Each carving on a pillar is unique and either represents the Gods and Goddesses of Hampi or has a depiction of the daily life of Hampi. However, this temple is partially ruined now and is devoid of any idols.

Stone Chariot

Iconic Chariot is built on a rectangular platform using giant granite blocks. You can witness the carving of mythical battle scenes all around the base of the chariot. In fact, it is not a chariot, but a shrine dedicated to “Garuda” carrier of Lord Vishnu. Moreover, this is the same chariot what you normally see depicted on the 50 Rupee note

Ranga Mantapa or Saregama Pillars Mantapa

These are a set of 56 musical pillars that produce music without any other instruments. The main pillar is surrounded by 7 minor pillars, these 7 pillars produce different musical notes when gently tapped. The mystery of how music is produced still remains unsolved.

Try visiting this place during the annual Purandaradasa festival which is organized by the Tourism department of Karnataka.

How To Reach Vijaya Vittala Temple In Hampi

This temple is at a distance of 9 km from Hampi Bus Stand and 5.5 km from Kamalapura Bus Stand. You can either hire a bicycle or bike or battery rickshaw to roam around the city of ruins.

Vittala Temple Information

Timings: 8:30 Am To 5:00 Pm

Entry Fee: Free

Photography: Allowed

Also, read: Hampi: The Architectural Gem Of Karnataka

Suraj Kumar Manohara

Suraj Kumar is a travel blogger, adventurist, storyteller, solo traveler, and digital marketer who formerly worked as a Business Developer in a travel startup “HornOK” for 3 years. He quit his decent-paying job to travel the world full time with his savings. He loves to travel at a slow pace indulging with experiences which involve exploring the untrodden, eating local or regional food, living like a local and knowing the people and its place best by exploring their natural habitats Suraj is an Engineering Graduate in Computer Science and he lives in Bangalore with his family. He hopes to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone to experience the world filled with various cultures by traveling and experiencing it at its roots.