Hampi 25 Malyavanta Parvatha Raghunatha Temple ಮಲ್ಯವಂತ ರಘುನಾಥ Sun rise sun set Hampi tourism

Malyavanta Parvatha Raghunatha Temple, ಮಲ್ಯವಂತ ರಘುನಾಥ Hampi, tourism UNESCO world Heritage site Karnataka Bellary Tourism, Karnataka tourism, temples of Karnataka, ancient temples India, ancient Indian Architecture.Sun rise sun set.The Matanga Hill, on which Sugriva took refuge, is a steep hill on the south bank of the Tungabhadra and to the east of the Hampi village. A good view of the surrounding country can be had from the top of this hill. The Malyavanta Hill, on which Rama stayed, is on the road to Kampili and has a Raghunatha temple with a large image of Rama. A huge mound of scorious ash in the adjacent village of Nimbapuram is believed to be the cremated remains of Vali. A cavern on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra is said to be the cave where Sugriva hid Sita's jewels for safety, while certain marks and streaks on the sheet rock near it are pointed out as the marks made by Sita's garments. The mythical association of the place with (Hampi's version of ) Ramayana is interesting. Rama and Lakshmana were looking for a shelter during the monsoon season. Rama aimed an arrow in the Malyavanta hill direction. A cleft on the boulder atop the Malyavanta Hill is caused by the arrow, according to this story. Rama and Lakshmana stayed here till the monsoon rains are over, before marched to Lanka along with the army of Hanuman.

The images of the deities are carved on the face of a massive boulder. Rama and Lakshmana are sitting posture, Sita is standing next to them, and Hanuman , a kneeling posture with great attitude. A massive temple complex is built around this boulder, keeping the images portion within the inner shrine. The boulder protruding above is further enhanced with a tower structure over the boulder. This makes boulder is an integral part of the structural elements. You'll see many such instances in Hampi. This is one of the peculiarities of the Vijayanagara architecture.
The temple complex is otherwise typical of any large temple complexes in Hampi. The whitewashed pillared hall stands in the axis of the main shrine at the center of the complex. A long colonnade stands along the enclosure wall facing the temple compound. This has been used as a shelter and place for prayer by the pilgrims. The kalyana mantapa (a large pavilion) is located on the southwest quarter. The sub-shrine of the goddess is on the northern side of the main shrine. Towards the south of the temple you'll find a natural well with image of Krishna playing flute carved on the inner wall (boulder) surface.

You'll enter the temple complex through a tower in the east, where the road from the foothill ends. You'll find a massive boulder almost covering the entrance. A little ahead on the boulder you'll find a Hanuman shrine. On the southern side of the compound wall overlooking the Kampili road is another gateway tower. There is a small opening at the rear part (west) of the tall enclosure wall . On either sides of these openings, on the wall you'll find a great deal of relief work, mostly of aquatic creatures.

the entry arch to Malyavanta Raghunatha Temple on the Kampili road from Kamalapura. The arch appears on your left , at the base of the hill that appears a few kilometers from Kamalapura towards the direction of Kampili. A little before the hill you'll find the deviation to the Vittala Temple.

Guide Manjunath Gowda
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