A visit to Hampi is a must for anybody with a deep love for Indian history and ancient architectural wonders. Known as the greatest outdoor museum in the world, this rich historical site is a veritable gold mine of temples, sculptures and countless ruins that are brimming with tales of the numerous changes through the years.
While planning your trip to the city in Karnataka, do not skip visiting the Ugra Narasimha Temple, also called Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Dedicated to the fierce Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu, the ancient temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place is a testament to the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage and is a must-visit destination for history buffs and spiritual seekers.
Unique Features Of The Ugra Narasimha Temple
The temple features a Lord Narasimha statue over 6 metres in height. The massive sculpture, carved from a single boulder, stands as Hampi's tallest monolithic monument. As legend goes, it represents the God in his furious form, known as Ugra Narasimha. The origin of this name comes from Lord Vishnu's bulging eyes and fierce face. The God is depicted sitting in a cross-legged yoga pose on top of the coils of the powerful seven-headed snake, Adishesha.
The original statue showed God's spouse, Goddess Lakshmi, seated on his lap. However, this statue sustained significant damage during the mass destruction of Hampi, which damaged her figure. The goddess' hand is still seen lying on Lord Narasimha's back, complete with exquisitely done rings and nails.
Photo Credit: https://hampi.in/
History And Architecture Of Ugra Narasimha Temple
The Ugra Narasimha Temple was constructed under the rule of King Krishnadevaraya in 1528. The Mughals vandalised the statue during their raid on the Vijayanagar Empire. Narasimha's statue's limbs were broken, while the figure of Lakshmi was completely separated from it. The damaged Lakshmi statue is now displayed at the Archaeological Museum. Originally, the statue of Narasimha had four arms, each holding a conch (Shankha), a discus (Chakra), a mace (Gada), and a lotus blossom (Padma).
One of the best exhibits of the Vijayanagar architectural style, the figure is intricately carved from a single boulder. Unlike Hampi, the temple lacks the elaborate towering pillars and a colossal gopuram (monumental entrance tower). It features an open main door and four walls. Over time, the roof of the temple vanished, exposing the statue to the sky. The sculpture has become weathered and damaged as a result.
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What Is The Best Time To Visit The Ugra Narasimha Temple
Winter (November to February) is the ideal time of year to see the monument. The weather in Hampi is comfortable for exploring throughout these months.
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Timings And Entry Fee For Ugra Narasimha Temple
Ugra Narasimha Temple, Hampi, is open every day from 6 AM to 6 PM. Exploring the area around the monument only takes around half an hour. There is no entry fee to enter the temple.
