The beautiful Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi, also known as the Monkey Temple, is located inside a cave on top of Anjaneya Hill, about 2 kilometers from the Virupaksha Temple. The 500-year-old shrine is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Sri Vyasaraja, the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Kingdom and a Dwaita philosopher erected the Lord Hanuman idol at the temple. The Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi, one of the most well-known sites on Anjeyanadri Hill, is considered a sacred site for Hindus.
Because the temple is positioned on top of a hill, it requires 570 stairs to access there. The lovely sights and nice air compensate for the steepness of the climb. It is very common to see elderly folks climbing with vigor and devotion. Just 5 minutes away from the Yantrodharaka Temple is a modest temple devoted to Lord Srinivasa, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. His idol was carved by Sri Vyasaraja. Some snakestones are worshipped beneath a fig tree in front of the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi. It is a must-see destination for both natural and religious enthusiasts.
Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi Information
The temple devoted to Hanuman, the monkey warrior god, is located at the top of the hill. He was born to Anjana, according to Hindu mythology. As a result, Hanuman is also known as Anjaneya, and his birthplace is known as Anjaneyadri (Anjaneya’s hill). The temple atop the summit is whitewashed, and there is a white trail of steps zigzagging all the way to the top.
The Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi is very important to those who worship Lord Rama (and Hanuman). The Ramayana (the Rama narrative) is sung inside the temple in Hindi, a departure from the local tongue Kannada. Listening to this is a feast for those who understand Hindi and are interested in the Ramayana.
The pundit (an elderly man with a white beard) is endowed with the ability to communicate the story by expression. If it is not a significant day for the temple, there would be few visitors. You can simply walk into the temple, sit next to him, listen, and leave whenever you want. This is done on a regular basis.
The temple door is constantly kept closed. Everyone is welcome inside. If you are visiting a Hindu temple for the first time, just remember the basic etiquette required in a prayer area. The priest may offer holy water as well as vermilion powder, which Hindus apply to their brows.
On the rock is engraved the image of Hanuman. Inside the temple, there is also a tiny shrine for Rama and his consort Sita.
The view from the peak is breathtaking. Patches of paddy fields, coconut tree plantations, and the entire ruins site may be seen far into the distance. Looking at the remains from here, you can see why they chose this location as their capital. The steep rocky mountains surround the horizons, with the huge Tungabhadra river on one side. It was a strategically significant natural secluded position for a capital city.
The path to the hilltop is a stairwell. It’s a steep ascent. There are no stores at the summit. Bring water, snacks, and other necessities from the base. There are a few modest kiosks selling drinks and food further down. You may get here from Hampi by first crossing the river on a coracle. The primary crossing locations are around the Virupapur Gadde (near the Virupaksha temple), the Kodandarama temple (coracle ferry + 2 kilometer walk/bicycle ride), and the Vittala Temple (coracle ferry + 5 kilometer bicycle ride). If you are already in the Virupapur Gadde area, you can ride down the main road to Anegondi village.
Climbing up would take at least 45 minutes. It all depends on how long you want to spend on top (having climbed all the way up, fatigued, with amazing views down, a never-ending cool breeze, etc.). Otherwise, the temple is easily accessible. There is no admission charge. You can put some money in the hundi (donation box). Be wary of the monkeys, who are always seeking for an opportunity to steal your backpack. The goal is to eat. Try not to tease them. They are not pets and can get aggressive if irritated. When you enter the temple, leave only your footwear outside (which they do not touch).
More on the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi
According to folklore, Sri Vyasaraja used to sketch a portrait of Lord Hanuman on the rocks every day before giving his prayers, using charcoal. The image on the rock vanished when he finished the rites. This happened for 12 days in a row until Vyasaraja demanded that the Lord appear in front of him. Lord Hanuman arrived in front of the Guru on the twelfth day and blessed him.
Lord Hanuman is said to have ordered Sri Vyasaraja to capture him in the six-angled talisman and then put him there. It is also said that here is the location where Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman first met.
Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi Architecture
Climbing the steps leads to the Hanuman Temple, which is located on top of a hill on the bank of the Tungabhadra River. The idol of Lord Hanuman is maintained within this temple in a contemplative position, with sculptures of 12 monkeys grasping each other’s tails and facing backwards on it. These 12 monkeys represent the 12 days of prayers rendered to Lord Hanuman by Sri Vyasaraja before the Lord blessed him. Lord Hanuman’s tail is his crown, and there are seed syllables etched all around his statue.
The Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi is the first installation of Sri Vyasaraja out of a total of 732 installations of Hanuman. At this location, a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman represents the union of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. The only one present in a contemplative condition is Lord Hanuman’s idol.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple?
The best time to visit the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi is between the months of November and February when the temperature is mild.
Visitor Tips for Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi
- There are numerous monkeys in and around the shrine. Visitors must therefore take care of their possessions. The temple’s entryway remains closed to prevent these monkeys from entering.
- The ascent to the hilltop is difficult. There are no shops at the top, therefore tourists should carry their own water bottles and snacks from the vendors located down the hill.
- There are no additional fees for photographing inside the temple grounds.
- Only attempt the climb to the temple’s summit if you are physically fit.
The Way to Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi
An accessible road network connects Hampi to various towns and cities. There are also various buses that connect Hampi to the surrounding areas. Tourists can also hire private automobiles or taxis to get to the location from Bangalore and Mysore.
Because the Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple Hampi is located on top of Anjeyanadri Hill, one must trek all the way to the summit to reach it. Visitors can access Hampi by crossing the river at Virupapur Gadde, Kondandarama Temple, and Vittala Temple, the three primary crossing locations.
