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At a distance of an approximate 2km from the Virupaksha temple, inside a cave; on top of the hill is the amazing Yantrodharaka Hanuman temple which is about 500 years old. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the idol here is installed by Sri Vyasaraja, the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara kingdom and one of the Dwaita philosophers.
PC : Venkatesh.G
Legend of Yantrodharaka Hanuman temple
It is believed that Sri Vyasaraja everyday used to draw a picture of the Lord Hanuman on the rocks before he offered his prayers using a charcoal and the picture disappeared after the rituals were completed. This incidence happened for 12 days in a row until the Guru pleaded to the Lord to appear in front of him.
On the twelfth day, Lord Hanuman appeared in front of the Guru and blessed him. It is said that the Lord himself asked Sri Vyasaraja to first constrain him in a hexagonal or a six angled amulet and install him in that place.
Legend also says that, this was the place where Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman met for the first time.
Design and Architecture of Yantrodharaka Hanumantha temple
The temple is on the top of a hill and on the banks of Tungabhadra river; there are steps leading to this temple. Lord Hanuman here is is in a meditative state and when you closely look at the Lord, you would get to see the carvings of 12 monkeys holding tails of one another as they face backwards. It is a representation of the 12 days of prayers that Sri Vyasaraja did before the Lord blessed him.
The crown of Lord Hanuman is his tail and there are seed syllables carved on the entire rock around the statue.
Facts about the temple
Yantrodharaka Hanuman is the first installation of Sri Vyasaraja amongst the 732 Hanuman installations.
There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama within the Hanuman temple which stands as an evidence of Rama's and Hanuman's union in this place.
A part of Tungabhadra that flows in this divine land is known as Chakrateertha.
This is the only Hanuman idol facing his devotees straight and is in the meditative state.
This temple is constructed by the Vijayanagara emperor Tammaraya.
Other temples around the Yantrodharaka Hanumantha temple
Just about 5 minutes of climb from the Yantrodharaka temple, there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu); an idol that has been carved by Sri Vyasaraja himself.
In front of the Yantrodharaka temple, below a fig tree; there are a lot of snake stones being worshiped.
Other details
- Entry fee and Camera fee: Not applicable.
- There are small shops that sells biscuits, cucumbers and mangoes.
- There are a lot of monkeys in and around the premises; beware of your belongings.
- Time required to cover this place: 1 hour - The view from top of the hill is really mesmerizing and do spend some quality time to get the glimpse of this serene place.
- You may choose to walk or ride to this place from the main Hampi city.
