Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple, Hampi

Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as the Hampi Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is one of the most mesmerizing monuments in Hampi and stands as a remarkable symbol of the craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The temple was built during the reign of Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara dynasty. It is renowned for its giant monolithic sculpture of Ugra Narasimha, which was originally worshipped along with Lakshmi, who was seated on His lap.

Today, only parts of Lakshmi’s image remain, as the sculpture was damaged during the destruction of Hampi in the 16th century.

The massive Deity of Ugra Narasimha is a 6.7-meter-tall monolithic sculpture featuring a fierce expression, large protruding eyes, and a wide mouth. The Deity is seated in a cross-legged yogic posture, with the seven-hooded Adishesha forming a protective canopy over His head and a stone belt supporting and binding His knees in the yogic pose.

The Lord originally had four hands holding the shankha (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace), and padma (lotus). The sculpture was gracefully and beautifully carved, reflecting the artistic excellence of the Vijayanagara period.

This is the largest monolith sculpture in Hampi. It was carved from a single boulder by the sculptor Krishnabhatta in 1528 CE. The statue was damaged in 1565 following the defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire in the Battle of Talikota. The destruction is generally attributed to the invading forces of the Deccan Sultanates during the aftermath of the battle.

After the defeat of Vijayanagara empire in 1965, military forces of the Deccan Sultanate entered the city and began damaging and destroying many temples and sculptures. During this period, the Lakshmi Narasimha Deity suffered severe damage: the Lord’s four hands were cut off, and the deity of Goddess Lakshmi was completely vandalized.

Even head, 2 legs were cut off. Later Archeological department of India took great initiative in preserving this. They dug the earth and excavated the head and legs and joined it.

The head and two legs of the Narasimha Deity were also damaged and separated from the main structure. In later years, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook significant conservation efforts to preserve this magnificent sculpture. During restoration work, the broken head and legs were excavated from the surrounding area and carefully reattached to the Deity, helping restore its present form while preserving its historical integrity.

One interesting feature of the Lord Narasimha vigraha can be observed from the side view: a portion resembling a hand resting on the Lord’s hip is still visible. It represents the hand of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing her eternal love and devotion to the Lord. Although the deity of Lakshmi Devi was largely destroyed, devotees see this remaining detail as a poignant reminder of her inseparable presence with her beloved Swamy.

Sri Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire commissioned the construction of the giant structure of Lakshmi Narasimha as a royal dharma, as an expression of gratitude for his glorious victories over enemies, and as a divine protector for the Vijayanagara Empire.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is located in the southern part of Hemakuta Hill in Hampi. Situated just a short walk from both the Virupaksha Temple and the Krishna Temple, it is one of the most prominent monuments of the region. The temple is known today for its partially damaged yet magnificent monolithic Narasimha statue.

The architecture of the Sri Ugra Narasimha Temple is a simple, small stone structure in the Dravidian style. Its intricate carvings are finely detailed and reflect skilled craftsmanship.

Unlike the typical temples seen in Hampi, this temple does not have a tall gopuram or elaborate pillars. It consists of four stone walls with a single open main entrance.

At present, the temple does not have a roof, as it had led to excessive exposure to sun, rain, and dust, causing damage to the sculpture.

Daily: 6 AM to 6 PM

November to February is the best time to visit Hampi, as the weather is most comfortable for exploration.

Badavi Linga: It is the smallest Shiva linga which is always surrounded by water. It is located at a walkable distance from this ruined Narasimha temple.

Join Tirtha Yatra’s Hampi Ramayana Yatra and visit the majestic Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple. Explore the grandeur and rich heritage of the ancient Vijayanagara Kingdom as you journey through its sacred and historical landmarks.

This spiritual pilgrimage with Tirtha Yatra takes you beyond the well-known sites, uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known places with the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable Yatra guides. Immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere, discover fascinating stories from the past, and experience the spiritual essence of Hampi like never before.

By Air: Jindal Vijaynagar Airport is the nearest airport to reach Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple in Hampi.

 

By Railway: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station to reach Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple in Hampi.

 

By Road: Hampi can be reached from nearby cities such as Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Ballari.