Hampi Pattabhirama Temple

Pattabhirama Temple in Hampi is one of the mega-temple structures in line with Achyutaraya Temple and Balakrishna Temple, but a little less popular than the grandiose Virupaksha Temple and Vijaya Vitthala Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and the name Pattabhi Rama means Lord Rama, the Coronated One! (patta = coronation, crown, throne).

The Pattabhirama Temple follows typical Vijayanagara style of architecture with a garbha graha or the inner sanctum at the core of the temple. The garbha graha or the inner sanctum is where the idols of the temple deity – the immovable stone idols and the smaller metal idols meant for procession would be installed and worshipped.

Pattabhirama Temple is a Sandhara type temple where the almost square or rectangular garbhagraha is surrounded by pillars and mantapas for circumambulation or pradakshina within the temple premise around the garbhagraha.

The temple also boasts of a massive Rangamantapa and an even larger mukhamantapa or the outer hall. While the pillars in this temple do not carry the same ornate carvings of the Vitthala temple, nevertheless, the view of the gopura on the eastern end of the temple complex is eye-catching.

The parikrama or pradakshina path around the inner sanctum is best experienced in the middle of the day when the sun is right above and light passes through the small holes in the ceiling and lights up the narrow passage. Do not forget to carry a torch light or the flashlights from your cellphone when exploring this passage.

Back in the days of Vijayanagara Empire, the inner sanctum would be surrounded by water, the natural light from the ceiling would bounce from the reflective water and light up the entire pradakshina path.

To the right side of the main temple within the complex lies the Kalyana Mantapa. This again is a tall platform with pillars and ceiling but no walls or doors. The Kalyana Mantapas within the temple complex were meant to bring out the Utsava Murthys or the metal idols from within the temple and perform pooja on special days. You can notice that some pillars of Kalyana Mantapa have had natural wear/erosion and give a unique rustic look to an already picturesque temple complex.

According to the inscriptions available at the site and the research carried out by the historians and archaeologists, Pattabhirama Temple was built by Achyuta Raya – the brother of Krishnadeva Raya, who during his rule also built Tiruvengalanatha Temple, more popularly known as Achyutaraya Temple.

The temple does not have any idols, hence no worship. It is a protected monument under the aegis of Archaeological Survey of India. There is no entry ticket as of last update to enter Pattabhirama Temple.

The temple is open from 10AM to 6PM every day.

Pattabhirama Temple is situated in Kamalapura, at a distance of about 800 meters from the Hampi Archaeological Museum and about 1km from Ambedkar Chowk. Visitors have to head towards Hampi Kannada University from the Museum and make a left turn at the junction towards Daroji Road.

Hampi Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura, Hampi Zoo, Penukonda Gate (another monument that is seldom visited), Ancient Shiva Temple on Seetharam Thanda Road.